Buying in Europe??

[theloudbloke]

Newbie question and apologies if this has been answered before.

Has anybody purchased a bike in Europe and personally imported into the UK? I'm thinking of a new RT, lots available in Germany at the moment.

I assume as with a car you need to make sure you have the type approval docs etc. and then register it in the UK.

Any other things to be aware of?

Thanks in advance.

Ted

 

[Neil W]

Is it going to be any cheaper, about 9 years ago I looked into buying a new bike in Austria at that time the exchange rate was over €1.60 to £1.00, but was told by the dealer that they could not sell to me as I was not resident in the country with a permanent address.
Quick look at prices in Germany and the prices for a 2014 gsa basic inc vat but not otr charges is only £500 or so different from the uk and otr charges to get it taxed registered are £330 ish

 

[Nutty]

If you're based in the UK, I wouldn't bother. As above, the saving is small, and you may have to sell for less than a UK bike when you decide to get rid.

 

[theloudbloke]

Concur, re current exchange rate and price differential, but the way the Euro is going it will be back to 1.6 or even higher soon. Then the attraction re price saving could be well worth it.

I would probably buy a used ex demo model anyway, the loss on a brand new purchase is just not worth the spend.

Ted

 

[Boxed-in]

I remember a conversation a long time ago, ah yes sir but we cannot offer you such a good trade in, as yours is an import.

Where upon the guy asked ah ok and where do your UK ones come from, but the dealer would not budge, it's an import that's it!

 

[karlp]

I would be very careful.

If new you will have to reclaim the VAT in Germany as you will be charged VAT by Customs & Excise at Dover office.
Maybe check with them. If you do not have a certificate showing that you have paid UK VAT the bike registration will be rejected.
You will need Certificate of Conformity and possibly a Mutual Recognition Certificate to say speedo and headlights have been changed ( depends on person at DVLA)
To get UK warranty bike will need to be registered with BMW UK. A UK dealer can do this but will they. It will still have warranty but getting the money back is not easy as country of origin honours the warranty.

How do I know all this.

Just had a bike in from Germany seven days ago.

 

[bikemad]

Seems the time you factor in running about getting it registered,finding out warranty is a poss issue (sorry sir your bike is only repairable in country of origin) you will prob save nowt but have a stress related headache & £££s fluttering away

Better off buying a s/h machine for cash from classified ads,Iv had plenty a bargain if you've got the wonga in your hand