Import new from Germany

[Jc49]

Just joined and I am impressed with the knowledge and friendly support on perusing the forums.

For my first post:

Looking at a R1200 GS new in UK v Germany there seems to be a 2k difference with the value of the euro ATM. I understand the legalities with Customs and DVLA after importing a bike for personal use but what other issues should I consider? Am I right to assume that the dip head light just dips and is not right or left handed? Can the speedo on a new GS be programmed to show MPH rather than KPH?

Finally, is the BMW warranty recognised across Europe or does it fall at the Channel? Once it is registered by DVLA as British are BMW UK obliged to recognise it also?

Many Thanks

 

[patzx12]

Try Ireland, at least the headlamp is correct.
You will have a KPH clocks but not really a problem if you have satnav.
Warranty is worldwide.
Call Duffy Motorrad for advise.
Last time i looked it is about a 3k saving if you leave out the Irish VRT.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Clocks an be changed to MPH.
Don't forget, you'll take a hit on the resale if you've imported the bike.

 

[tadhgocuilleain]

Talk to a dealer about getting a bike with the right headlight and clocks for the UK. Some of them will be more than willing to oblige and some won't bother because it's effort. I bought a new Nissan Navara in Northern Ireland in 2011. For tax reasons, I tried to get one with a GVW of 3,500kg, the same as the Irish ones, but when the dealer asked Nissan about it, they wouldn't do it. They said that legally they can only sell them into the Irish market blah blah blah...they just couldn't be bothered. It's worth a try anyway.

 

[hatzyian]

Ref dip beam, I asked this question a while ago.
Dealer in Germany said beam not 'handed', so no problem.
BMW said beam is 'handed', ie L/H or R/H dip.
Reply from forum......not 'handed'.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/408077-Dip-Beam-l-h-or-r-h

 

[paul08]

I have just imported my 2013 GS from Germany into England.

You will need:

a) The European Certificate of Conformity which the dealer will hand to you when he gives you the bike.

b) The analogue (dial) speedo with only show kph. It does NOT show kph & mph as a UK sourced bike will. But you can live with this

c) There is a digital readout of speed etc etc on the on-board computer. Your dealer can reprogramme the comuter to show mph and miles rather than kph, kms etc. But a dealer has to do it as he has the necessary cables etc. Mine charged me nothing

d) The headlamp has to be changed from dipping to the right, rather than dipping to the left. However, I had been told by my dealer that it was "flat beam technology" and so would need no conversion

When you have the bike in "UK spec" you need to take it to a garage or MOT testing station and get them to confirm that the speedo reds in mph and that the headlight dip is okay. When I did this, he put the bike on a headlamp tester and he confirmed that the headlight was ok as it was.

With this letter, and the Certificate of Conformity, you then fill in and send in a form to the VSA to get a "Mutual Recognition Certificate".

2 weeks later, you (hopefully) receive the Mutual Recognition Certificate and you use this to apply to get the bike registered.

 

[Jc49]

Thanks everyone.

Paul, may I ask what the German dealer's response was if you asked for a speedo in mph? Did you have any problems with UK dealers over servicing / warranty issues? Where did you pay VAT and did you have a choice?

Thanks again