Purchasing a Vintage Car in Europe… Easier than you think.

[tschultz]

Very nice, not sure how I missed this thread!

You will be a happy camper when you get these back in the garage. Also interesting how Ramona enjoys the 745i--- is it possible she will learn to love it more then the X5 M??

[ElGuappo]

Wow great story. Can't wait to see you guys in March.

[Kenny Blankenship]

George, I want your leftovers...

This is one of the very few reasons to move out of California.

[Pavel]

Wow that's what I call shopping spree!

Your collection is growing. Make sure to come visit us in TX, soon

[adrian in florida]

way to go George!!!!!!!!!!!

[geordi]

I’m sure someone has posted their experiences with importing a car from overseas. I thought I’d keep the forum informed on mine should a member like do the same. Consider this an updated version.

I was notified yesterday the cars are on their way to the port for shipping. Ivo took care of every thing on his side of the pond! He has been keeping me up to date on the process and the tad bit of work I requested on the 745i. Since two cars are being shipped, we were debating on whether to utilize a container or RO-RO. Ivo chose NMT http://www.nmtshipping.com/ .



I’m not using a broker so I have to get on the ball and arrange items on my end. Before I continue, I’d like to thank Graham (grahamular) He has been a great source of information and assistance. He is part of the reason I decided to take delivery at the Port of Baltimore. Its familiar territory for both of us.

Now that I have a departure date and destination, its time to contact the US Customs & Border Protection http://www.cbp.gov to see what forms and procedures I will require. Frankly, I was a little worried because the only government entity I contact on a regular basis is the VA. Anyone who has to phone the VA knows what I’m talking about. Back on point, I find the number to Vehicle Import/Export at Port of Baltimore (410)- 288-3183 and ring them. I reach a CBP officer immediately! He spends about 7-10 minutes on the phone answering my questions and providing me with information on what documents I’ll need when I arrive at the port. The officer confirms by the manufacturer and year, I don’t need a broker, but will require an escort service to take me on to the port grounds for the cars. He was very detailed, helpful and professional. Below are procedures/docs/items CBP said I'll need:

1. Bill of Sale
2. Pay 2.5% tax based on BoS plus $9.00 processing fee per car. Personal check or cash. No credit cards.
3. Bill of Lading and Notice of Arrival. Proof of ownership. I have BoS and both cars were registered in the Netherlands in my name.
4. ID
5. Proof of Insurance
6. File Entry Documents at Air Cargo office or at port office.
7. Arrange for an escort company to take me into the port area.

So I’m thinking… so far, this is not too difficult. Again, with some trepidation, I contact NMT’s office in St Petersburg, FL. I’m connected on the first transfer to a very pleasant lady, Mitchiele who is amazing. Why can’t I hire people who are this customer oriented??? She immediately recognizes my name and tells me my paperwork has crossed her desk this morning. After a few questions, she also confirms that I don’t need a broker and she will complete my ISF filing for me. She reviews the shipping process with me, tells me I can expect the Bill of Lading and Notice of Arrival on or about 21 Nov. Confirms my contact info and she will forward the BoL and NoA to me. She even offers to assist me in finding an escort service in Baltimore. Very cool!

Made a ticket to BWI for 03 Dec

I’ll keep the updates coming as the shipping and delivery progresses. I hope what I experienced so far is normal ops and I hit no snags.
The wait begins…

[tig]

I'm observing this very closely. Thanks for posting!

[leadphut]

great story George. i hope i get to see one of them sometime next year.

[1st 5er]

Sorry now I layed low for a few months.
Congrats on the purchases and successful trip.
Hope all ends well.

[geordi]

So Nov 21st comes around and I haven’t received the Notification of Arrival or the Bill of Lading.

I emailed the transport company NMT on Wednesday and Mitchelie replied with “Yes, I will send you the arrival notice and documents needed to make your entry as soon as they become available. I’ve checked with the carrier and they don’t yet have the documents available. I will check a little later in the day to see if anything has changed. The latest ETA into the port of Baltimore is Tues, Dec 2nd. Once you have cleared the freight through customs, I will issue a delivery order which you will need in order to pick up your automobiles from the terminal.“

I followed up with a phone call to US Customs in Baltimore. Nice gentleman, Officer Nichols provided more information I wasn’t aware of on the import process.
- Importing more than two vehicles raises a red flag. That may imply the vehicles are intended for resale which has another longer and costlier import process.
- Bring a Power of Attorney if the vehicles, invoice or bill of sale are not in your name. PoA does not have to notarized. Hand written and witnessed are accepted.
- The Officer reviewing the manifest could place a hold on the vehicle for more in-depth inspection. Older vehicles and especially construction machinery are likely candidates. Customs is concerned with contaminates. The hold could be as long as four days and are dependent on available manpower. If enough officers are staffed on that day, the process can be accomplished in one day.

I received a call from NMT later in the day. She expects the NoA and BoL to arrive late Thursday (27 Nov) as they are generally delivered to her office on the Thursday prior to arrival. She will email mail me the NoA and BoL on Friday or Saturday.

That is about it for the update. Its wait and see time.
geo

[Rob_K]

Subscribed! Awesome story. Best of luck!

[geordi]

Whew… the BoL and NoA arrived Monday night. Received notification (via phone) from Mitchelie at NMT that the ship is in port and I will receive a follow up notification once its unloaded. Expect that to happen Wednesday.

At my request, Mitchelie at NMT's import desk completed the Import Security Filing (ISF) for me. More info on ISFs at these links: http://www.importersecurityfile.com/about_isf.html and http://trgdirect.com/isf_background.aspx. I could have filed myself but considering it's a busy time of year for our business and this is my first rodeo, I left it to NMT. It was money well spent.



I leave for Baltimore Wednesday afternoon and expect to be at Customs Thursday morning. Let the real fun begin.

[davintosh]

Something tells me you need a wingman.

[Nebraska_e28]

Good luck! Looking forward to seeing your purchase.

[geordi]

Something tells me you need a wingman.

Now that you mention it… why yes I do. I offered Oldskool, but he turned me down when I suggested we dress like Elf for the ride back to OK. I thought he wouldn't be adverse to leotards & funny hats since he routinely wears a chicken suit

[S14]

That plan went out the window when USAA insurance informed me they will not provide insurance for the car in Europe.




Thank you Ivo!

I had USAA while stationed in Germany, why wouldn't they insure you?

& is that an E28 touring???

[1st 5er]

& is that an E28 touring???

Yes... Ivo has ALL the cool sh!t.
He had two of them at one time.

[Snoopy11]

Extremely informative, thanks for sharing!

[Adam W in MN]

Looking forward to an update!

[grahamular]

Looking forward to an update!

Here's a teaser until George gets back home and gets a chance to share the details.... http://youtu.be/hKorzek_Frg [leaving my house in Baltimore yesterday]

-Graham

[ovide]

Update, just got of the phone with him, he passed Little Rock Arkansas and did over 1100KM's by now!

[geordi]

I'm back in Oklahoma folks. It was a great trip and the import process was easy. The M535i is an awesome driving machine!

I'll finish a write up of my import experience at the Port of Baltimore by Monday or Tuesday.

[geordi]

I’m back in OK so I’ll wrap up this import experience in as much detail as possible. Hope y’all don’t mind the story that comes with it. Overall, the delivery and customs process is a very easy and well defined. I had the support of Ivo all through the import & delivery process.

I land in Baltimore and Graham picks me up at BWI Wednesday evening. We head back to his beautiful home and tweak the plans for next day at the Port of Baltimore. Graham is a gracious and amazing host. Thank you just does not cover everything he did for me over those two days!

Day 1: We head out at 8:00am to the US customs office in downtown Baltimore to file the Entry documents. After paying $4.00 for parking, we head in and find out that the Custom office in the building I NEED to visit is undergoing renovation. We are told we can file at the port (10 mins away) or in Air Cargo at BWI (30 min away). To the port!



To gain entry to the port you will need an escort. I used the same company that Graham recommended, A1 Escort Service 302-655-4030 http://www.a1escortllc.com. At the Escort Service they will ask you for:
• Driver License
• License plates (or how you are going to move the vehicle)
• Paperwork for taking delivery from the shipping company. Sea Arrival Notice (NoA) & Bill of Lading (BoL)

The rate is $50/hr and pro-rated $12.50 for 15 min increments. There are no appointments; it is a first come, first serve basis. Time is money to these guys so if you have those documents in order, they will get you in quickly. I recommend filing as much as the Entry documents before going in to the port. Since I chose to come to the US Customs office at the port to file my Entry docs, I began to wonder how much my escort would cost me??? My clock started at 9:15am.

My name is called and I jump into the escort’s car. Graham takes off and heads back to work. At the first checkpoint, I am issued this pass. It allows me onto the port, but I have to be with the escort at all times. I have to return the pass when I leave with my vehicle. I can’t leave the port area unless I return the pass. It is something I do not want to lose!



Once past security, I head into the US Customs office at Shed 12. The Entry documents I have to file are:
• CBP Form 7501 (06/09)
• EPA Form 3520-1 (Rev 9-95)
• HS-7 (Rev 8-93) Customhouse Broker
All the forms are easy to fill out and are one pagers. The Custom Officer gave me their idiot proof templates for all three forms and told me he would complete the information in the blocks which I was not clear on. For me those were Custom Entry number, Import Date & Entry Type. Below are the three forms.

HS-7



EPA Form



CBP Form 7501



The Customs officer then took those three forms and the following items to complete my Entry documentation.
• My ID
• Bill of Sale
• Proof of Insurance (for vehicle)
• BoL & NoA
• My Dutch vehicle registration and title

These are the NoA and BoL.

Sea Notice of Arrival



Bill of Lading



The NoA & BoL came with this cover letter via email from Mitchelie



Next step was the Officer tabulated my 2.5% tax based on the bill of sale, took my payment and gave me a receipt. I was given 2 copies of all three forms stamped with “Custom & Border Protection, Delivery Authorized and dated” Make sure the BoL & NoA are stamped too! Your DMV will need all these stamped. The folks in the US Customs office were very helpful and friendly!

I’m done and cleared. Now it’s off to the shipping office at the port to get my cars. I present the pass (the one given to me when entering the port), the STAMPED BoL & NoA and proof of payment from my NMT Shipping invoice. We are given the location of the cars and the escort drives me to the cars. I do a walk around inspection and hop in to crank the M535i, but it doesn’t start. The alarm drained the battery. We check the 745i too and it doesn’t start. The escort gets a battery boost and we crank over the M535i. I follow him back to the shipping office in the M535i so the VIN can be verified with the BoL. The escort is a good guy. He kept reminding me that lunch is 1130-1300 and these guys are Union. We arrive at 1140. ☹ I’m thinking great, I have to wait until 1300 now. But the shipping ops guys comes out and verifies the VIN. I’m done… one car down, one more to go.



I put my license plate on the M535i and I head to the port exit with my escort. I return my pass and Security also verifies my documents. I arrive back at the escort office where I pay for the services. My total comes to $137.50. About $60 of that was my time in the Customs office learning how to file those three forms. Oh well, it was a good experience.

I drive the M535i back to Graham’s house and drop it off.



Graham takes me back to A-1 Escort. I hang out there waiting for an escort to become available. An escort becomes available at 3:15pm and I repeat the same process for entry back into the port. Unfortunately, the escort I had this trip wasn’t as good as my morning guy. He complained all the way and kept telling me that his day is done at 4:00pm when the shipping office closes.

I repeat the same process at the shipping office and I head back for the 745i. This is where I screw the pooch. I was in such a hurry to get out before 4:00pm that I lost my glasses and proceeded in a rush. I grab the port's battery boost and ASSUME it’s a 6 and 12 volt unit. Instead it has 12v & 24v capability. You know where this is going… right? I connect the boost which was set for 24v and everything lights up. The escort decides to come out of his funk,and ambles over to inform me the office must have given me the 12-24v boost. Its now 3:55pm, I’m trying to troubleshoot to see all what I fried and I’m told “times up”. I leave $50 poorer and without the 745i.

Graham is waiting for me at A-1 Escort and I tell him what happened. Now Graham is truly an amazing guy! He has a spare main relay, actually two! We go back to his house, discuss the brief troubleshooting and options and make a plan for Friday.

Day 2:
We arrive back at A-1 Escort at 8:00am. Its busy as everybody and their brother wants to drop or take delivery of their load prior to the weekend. The owner heard what happen yesterday with my escort and he assigns Cathleen today. She is networked with the port & shipping folks. With her as the escort, she is able to authorize Graham as my assistant/mechanic to help finish troubleshooting and get this puppy started.



Cathleen moves us through the port fairly quickly and we arrive at the 745i to troubleshoot in the rain. After reviewing the E28 Bentley and ETM last night (different cars, but share some similarities), we are hoping all I did was fry the main relay. Again, confirmed no click when I removed the MR with power on. We install the new main relay and arrgh… no start. Ivo had arranged to FaceTime me if the MR didn’t solve the problem. We connect FT, test the multi-meter and start into more troubleshooting. With a few pieces of 18 gauge wire and a lot of patience from Ivo, we determine the green wire at the MR is not getting power. I make a jumper from the coil to MR. One end of the jumper is stripped and tightened onto the coil. The other end is stripped to a ½ inch. The stripped end is folded on the blade of the new MR for the green wire and MR is installed. Car cranks on first start. This confirms Ivo’s belief the OBC (not sure if it is OBC relay or module) is also the problem. Ivo can give a more detailed explanation in the thread. My electrical knowledge is still pretty weak.







All smiles now that I didn’t damage any other electrical components, I follow the escort to the shipping office. To my surprise, she arranged to have the 745i cleared ahead of time and we head out of the port area. When I return to A-1 Escort, I also discover that they only charged me for $50 for the morning. My total for the morning should have been around the $150-$175 range! She explained after what happen yesterday, I got a break.
We return to Graham’s house and store the 745i in his garage. Mission accomplished!





Before I go any further I have to say Graham and Ivo are awesome! Thank you Graham for your hospitality. You made this trip a breeze and I look forward seeing you again. I’m still awed that you had that box of relays and other essential goodies on hand. And for you that don’t know Ivo, he is a genius when it comes the vintage BMWs. The way he blew through the troubleshooting was impressive. I think he dreams of diodes, fuses and relays! Thank you Ivo & Graham for being available to help me get the 745i started and out of the port.

If any of you decide to import a car, feel free to call me. I should condense the steps in another post and maybe the moderators can make it a sticky. If I hadn’t rushed and goofed with the battery boost, I would have been out in one day with two cars. Actually, the import process for 25 year plus vehicles is straightforward. If you are importing for personal use, there is no need for brokers or attorneys to represent you. I will post a total cost for the delivery on this side of the Atlantic later in the thread.

Some additional items I recommend to bring with you into the port when you pick up your car:
- Extra relays (main & fuel pump)
- Extra fuses (all amps)
- 18 gauge wire
- Multi-meter
- Your own battery boost
- An umbrella

Thanks to all who have assisted me with the vehicles and the import process.
George

[davintosh]

Holy crap; I can imagine the pit you had in your gut when that happened. Glad it worked out for you!

[1st 5er]

Way to go George.
I'm saving long distance overseas charges and calling you next time.

[Drew in NYC]

Terrific post. And the M535i... looks amazing. There's something about these cars in Lachssilber, with the body kit and how low and mean this particular example sits. I need another E28 like I need a hole in my head, but seeing this really, really makes me want one (again).

[geordi]

After Graham & I get the 745i back & stored at his house, stage 2 of this trip starts. My son flew in from FL to copilot back to OK. He arrived Friday at 12:54pm at BWI. Graham & I pick him up at the airport and return to his house.

Of course no trip goes 100% as planned. I had hoped to stay Friday night in Baltimore and leave with Ryley early Saturday morning. But crappy weather is moving east from the Midwest and Ramona informs me our visitors from Europe will now arrive Monday around noon. That means its best to leave Friday and make as much progress west as we can.

Going the direct route will take us through freezing rain & sleet. Nope. The next most direct route will be a long stretch thru the West Virginia mountains. Nada. I opt for less direct route SW to TN then west on I-40. I don’t relish the idea of making most of the 20-hour drive in the rain so we take off from Graham’s house at 2:30pm Friday.



Rains off and on until we get to Roanoke VA where we stay Friday night. If the forecast is correct, the majority of front will pass overnight into VA & NC. Looks like the forecast is accurate and it rains thru Knoxville on Saturdays drive. Yuck. The rest of the drive to Little Rock is cold & dry. Ryley gets some left seat time, but gives it up before Memphis.



We chill out in Little Rock Saturday night. Ryley flew back Sunday morning and I finished last 5 hours back to OK.

Nothing like a good road trip...

[wkohler]

Glad the cars made it over safely. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[geordi]

Holy crap; I can imagine the pit you had in your gut when that happened. Glad it worked out for you!

Yes Sir… a big pit and brown streaks down both legs.

Way to go George.
I'm saving long distance overseas charges and calling you next time.

Best not to ask me for a jump! And there is still room in the container

[MicahO]

Outstanding story and great detail on the process. This is a hell of a community in so many ways...