Alpina imports to NZ

[Fen 0]

OK, I know I've asked about CSLs in the past, but in truth I can't bring myself to drop quite the dollar necessary to own one and I really want a cabrio of some sort anyway, so...

I have very nearly put a deposit on an 04 Alpina Roadster 3.4S. One of my reservations is that if I want to ship the car to NZ when we get our visa granted (end of the year most likely) will I have loads of hassle?

On the one hand it's basically a Z4 and as such it meets the frontal impact standard and has the airbags etc it needs, and it's one of the 163 RHD ones ever made. On the other hand the log book says it's an Alpina and it has an Alpina rather than a BMW chassis number. Assuming they were not sold new in NZ does that mean Alpina as a manufacturer isn't recognised by the LTSA?

I'll check their site and try to contact them about it direct, but any advice much appreciated. I could just buy a Z4M Roadster, but they are newer and hence 35%+ more expensive minimum and the Alpina is much classier in the way it's finished, plus there are unlimited numbers of Z4Ms and only ever 163 RHD 3.4Ss.

[martyyn 2]

I dont think you'll have a problem. Alpina is listed as a manufacturer by the LTSA (from memory) and the rego docs over here can state whatever you want them to !

The LTSA website should answer all your questions though.

[cainchapman 0]

You can get a LHD one, as long as you can prove that you owned and operated it for 90 days before you imported it to NZ.

Edited June 8, 2007 by Cain

[Old_Skool_Bmw 0]

Hi Fen, i looked into this sort of thing as i have a e30m3 that im hoping to get on the road soon.

You have to have proof of an overseas postal address (eg. power bill, rates & on your passport). As long as you have the docs. to proove that you owned the vehicle overseas, you have the bill of lading, import docs etc. then it shouwl all be sweet.

All they do is match up the VIN's to make sure the vehicle on paper is the vehicle they are inspecting> Contact LTSA if you want, they are pretty helpfull with this type of stuff.

Laurence.

[subieboy 0]

You should not have a problem, just check the NZ LTNZ(LTSA) website and speak with the company that is doing your household removing stuff for you as they will deal with a customs shipping agent (thy may even be the customs agent themselves) and should have the relevent information on hand.

Good luck and hope you get your beastie here,

[nzodea 25]

You can get a LHD one, as long as you can prove that you owned and operated it for 90 days before you imported it to NZ.

Here's the link to the LTNZ site on LHD

LTNZ LHD

It will drop your resale value quite a bit, as the next owner will need to convert it to RHD if you want to sell it (I think 5 years is a milestone)

Also the longer you own it the more depreciation you can claim off the car when it comes to paying GST.

[RvT 9]

Hi

I have imported a few cars ex UK and in recent years ex Japan mostly for personal use and eventual resale. My latest sale was a 04 Z4 in Blue. If the car is for personal use and not going to be onsold, then go for it. The Z4 market is dead here. It took 12 months to move it and in the end, I sold it below my cost just to free up the cash. The car was mint and fully speced with everything incl leather, TV, PDC etc.

Getting the car to NZ ex UK is simple. I heard some bad press over the years about the UK ports and vehicle tampering after you drop it off. I drove a 99 540 to Holland and got it loaded into a 20ft container. The company I used were excellent and ended up putting some personal effects into the trunk which arrived perfectly. I was able to open the container here myself and reverse the car off.

Getting VIN in NZ may need some prework done. Being ex UK, you need the chassis sign off from BMW NZ so suggest you email the BMW NZ people and get onto the person who does that here to check it out. VTNZ rely on the info from BMW NZ to verify cars etc. Cost to do this was exhorbantant - around $600 !!! for a piece of paper but that was 3 years ago.

Feel free to send me an email if you need further advise. Ron

[nzodea 25]

RvT:

does the VIN prework with BMW NZ apply for when a importing from Japan?

I am after a z3 coupe (s54 engine) from japan

[RvT 9]

RvT:

does the VIN prework with BMW NZ apply for when a importing from Japan?

I am after a z3 coupe (s54 engine) from japan

Hi

Japan is easier to import from. Normally the Japanese company you are buying a car thru, will send thru the deregistration papers thru and VTNZ recognise this so you don't need the BMW paperwork.

Imported a Z3 a couple of years ago. It was the updated 01 model with a 2.0 motor. Gutless motor which sounded good but not much delivery. The 3.2 ltr s54 motor would be a nice motor for the Z3. Not sure if was available in RHD as I haven't seen many in my searches.

If you are looking at Japan, I suggest this company to work with. They are good and we have used them.

http://www.kadoco.co.jp/

Happy to mentor you thru the process but hate tire kickers as they waste my time

[nzodea 25]

Thanks RvT

I don't want to hijack this thread, so check out my thread

M3 Coupe chassis numbers

keen to talk offline at some stage, will buy the beer!

Michael

[Fen 0]

Thanks for the replies - I've been on holiday in the middle of nowhere so only got 'net access again just now.

I now have emails from LTNZ, BMW NZ and Alpina and they all say don't buy the car as I probably can't bring it in - I'm trying to get my head around exactly why that conflicts with what you all say.

Interesting on the Z4 market - I was going to stump up the extra for an M Roadster, but I'd probably have to sell it when we get round to buying a house (or building on a section more likely) so I may just steer totally clear and stick with an M3 SMG cab - would that sell in NZ when the time comes? Probably silver grey or carbon black with red or black leather and nav/TV, bluetooth, 19" wheels, Harman Kardon etc. They are on every street corner here so I can choose the spec I want pretty much.

[martyyn 2]

Why do they say you cant bring it in ?

[Fen 0]

To quote Alpina:

"Hello Fen,

Thank you for your interest in ALPINA, there are so many terrific cars out there, we're flattered.

BMW ALPINA automobiles are not marketed in New Zealand, and we are not aware of any ROADSTER Ss in NZ. BMW ALPINA products have not been tested for fulfillment of the NZ-unique front bumper crash standard, and as such could never be exported to New Zealand to our knowledge. This test (as per BMW AG) is apparently prohibitively expensive for the small volumes that we might sell. We couldn't be of any assistance anyway, as we know nothing of the laws of NZ in general.

Sorry we couldn't be of more help. It would be our advice to not purchase the car for the sole purpose of taking it back to NZ.

All the best,

"

and BMW NZ via VTNZ:

"Sorry, but I have just received another e-mail this morning from the LTNZ. Included here is an extract from the e-mail they received from Mike Thompson at BMW. It is not good news.

"After talking around the office it seems we cannot issue a statement of compliance for this vehicle as we are technically not the manufacturer. Our advice would be for the owner to see Alpina about a SOC, failing that maybe LVV is a possibility.

Our recommendation would not to bring it at all. Regards Mike"

Looks like you have to get a SoC from Alpina or go for Low Volume Vehicle certification here. MOST IMPORTANT make sure that it complies with an accepted Frontal Impact Rule, and you have documentary proof of this, or it can not be registered for road use here until it is 20 years old.

If you can supply photos of any vehicle id plates on the car, I may be able to help you later on."

Admittedly they seem to suggest that they may be able to do something if I can supply a photo of the Euro Compliance plate on the car, assuming it has any.

Fen

[martyyn 2]

Is an Alpina S not the same as a Z4 apart from a few choice goodies ?

I seem to remember when I brought mine over that I couldve bypassed the whole compliance thing by providing the "ECP-number" from a sticker in the engine bay. I didnt follow it up because I was already through the process thinking I had no choice.

The Alpina UK info is interesting, they tell you its too expensive to comply to NZ standards and then tell you they know nothing of NZ law.

Im not surprised but the BMW NZ response though. When I brought mine they had no idea whatsoever of how to get it into the country and were about as much use as t*ts on a bull for help with getting it complied. In the end the guy doing the work on mine ended up calling in a favour to get it complied because BMW wouldnt help him at all.

[Fen 0]

It's entirely possible that if there is a sticker or plate on the car it might help. The car is a Z4 3.0si with the engine removed and replaced by one that is an overbored e36 EVO bottom end with a custom Alpina head and no Vanos, custom pistons, rods etc. Apart from that it's really a quality retrim in full leather, different suspension settings and some (ugly) 19" wheels. The thing is because Alpina are a manufacturer in their own right (as opposed to a BMW tuner) then the car is a model in its own right and they can't claim it's a Z4.

Anyway after the comments above on the Z4 market in NZ I'm going to give the whole roadster idea a miss so I'm not overly fussed not to progress it further.

I think Alpina are saying they know nothing about NZ regulations (which I offered to get info on for them in my email to them) but that BMW Ag say that it is an expensive process to get compliance when Alpina ask them. Whether or not that's true is another question of course - the supply of engine blocks to Alpina for the Roadster S stopped almost exactly when the Z4M Roadster was launched, effectively killing the Roadster off when BMW had a product that it might have competed with.

[Fen 0]

Problem solved: After becoming concerned I'd miss the Touring's practicality I changed my tack and today I put a deposit on an '03 RS6 Avant.

[martyyn 2]

Why not just keep the touring ?

Especially with all the toys you have in it.

[nzodea 25]

It's entirely possible that if there is a sticker or plate on the car it might help. The car is a Z4 3.0si with the engine removed and replaced by one that is an overbored e36 EVO bottom end with a custom Alpina head and no Vanos, custom pistons, rods etc. Apart from that it's really a quality retrim in full leather, different suspension settings and some (ugly) 19" wheels. The thing is because Alpina are a manufacturer in their own right (as opposed to a BMW tuner) then the car is a model in its own right and they can't claim it's a Z4.

It does seem crazy that if it's an engine and drivetrain upgrade that they would not cert it! They make the Z4 with a range of engines, so it should not be that much of a hassle. You can also get a low volume certification plate in NZ, but i don't know how that applies to an import.

Below is a link from an escort on trade-me at the moment that is repowered. (picture number 8)

low volume cert plate from trademe sale

Edited June 19, 2007 by nzodea

[Fen 0]

Why not just keep the touring ?

Especially with all the toys you have in it.

It's done 149,450 miles as I type and things are starting to wear out. It needs another PDC sensor (no big deal I know) the info pane on the dash is starting to fail (£200 to fix or £500 to replace) and I'm pretty sure it needs new rear subframe bushes that are £600 from memory. I also think it's getting smoky again on the new injectors that were fitted 15,000 miles ago at a cost of £1,700. I think there is a clonk from the drivetrain sometimes under brisk standing start. It's also starting to feel baggy both in terms of the drivers seat and the suspension. It's worked hard for its living all its life and its starting to show basically.

Add to all of that that it is no sportscar (nor meant to be; it's an SE not an M Sport) and I sold my sportscar already so I could get something to replace both and the gravel rash on the front means it could do with a respray and I think it's time to move it on. I did consider a 535d (not available in NZ it would seem...?) and also a low miles e39 530d Sport. Ultimately a V8 and 450bhp won out though.

On the alpina the probelm is that officially Alpina are a manufacturer in ther own right, so officially the car has nothing to do with a Z4.

[martyyn 2]

Ultimately a V8 and 450bhp won out though.

Now that I can understand

Oh and I forgot to mention (although its not much use to you Fen) but if your info panel on the dash is missing pixels there is a place in Auckland that can repair them for 400 dollars. Ive had mine done and its superb.

In the States BMW recognise it as a fault and they replace the unit free of charge, you pay for the labour. In the UK they accept it as a fault but you have to pay for the unit and the labour, but the dealers in NZ dont even know its a problem and wont do anything !

Just thought Id mention it incase anyone else is suffering the problem. Because I know its a big issue around the world....with e38's especially.

Edited June 19, 2007 by Penry

[Fen 0]

I picked up the Beast yesterday. I can see it's got a bit of a drink problem, but I can forgive it that; there's a guy on a decent sized bike near me who has just been owned by an estate car on an uphill section of dual carriageway

[martyyn 2]

[drifty325i 0]

awesome.......now picks

[Fen 0]

It's summer here which means it's raining every day. The car is black so it's filthy. I'll take some when it's washed, but I'm off to a national Porsche meet today so it probably won't be for a little while. I'm keen to get some decent ones though.