Shipping car to Europe for the Summer?

[nrgy]

Well I got the crazy idea to ship my upcoming M2 CS to Germany next summer after it arrives, essentially paying for my own Euro delivery experience. Doing some high level research, it seems like it's a fairly simple process if exported back out in 6mo or less, and comparing costs vs renting a similar car, would be roughly the same or less...$3-4k.

Just wanted to see if anyone else has done this? I've rented dozens of times from Sixt in Germany, an M4 and M5 most recently, but something about driving your own car on the Autobahn and doing a few laps on the Ring is something on my bucket list.

Anyone with experience have any tips or advice on pursuing this idea further?

[chassis]

When does the M2 arrive?

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by nrgy

Well I got the crazy idea to ship my upcoming M2 CS to Germany next summer after it arrives, essentially paying for my own Euro delivery experience. Doing some high level research, it seems like it's a fairly simple process if exported back out in 6mo or less, and comparing costs vs renting a similar car, would be roughly the same or less...$3-4k.

I suspect you are significantly under-estimating the cost and complexity of complying with the EU import/export procedures and processes.
Also, insuring a non-EU-spec car in EU might be an interesting and expensive proposition, net of all the nonsense and uncertainty around taxes, tariffs, and customs duties.

Originally Posted by nrgy

something about driving your own car on the Autobahn and doing a few laps on the Ring is something on my bucket list.

I've done ED about 10 years ago, and unless you plan to spend enough time to fully complete the engine/tranny/diff break-in process, you might end up being the slowest car on Autobahn. Well, at least in the few sections where the speed is unrestricted, which are far and few between ;-).

As to the Ring, I really didn't have the interest to learn that monster of a track, and even less desire to be an slow-moving obstacle to those who do know it.

Good luck with your summer transportation project!
a

[nrgy]

Originally Posted by chassis

When does the M2 arrive?

Not expecting it until Spring at the earliest.

Originally Posted by afadeev

I suspect you are significantly under-estimating the cost and complexity of complying with the EU import/export procedures and processes.
Also, insuring a non-EU-spec car in EU might be an interesting and expensive proposition, net of all the nonsense and uncertainty around taxes, tariffs, and customs duties.



I've done ED about 10 years ago, and unless you plan to spend enough time to fully complete the engine/tranny/diff break-in process, you might end up being the slowest car on Autobahn. Well, at least in the few sections where the speed is unrestricted, which are far and few between ;-).

As to the Ring, I really didn't have the interest to learn that monster of a track, and even less desire to be an slow-moving obstacle to those who do know it.

Good luck with your summer transportation project!
a

From my preliminary research it seems the costs "might" be inline, hence my curiosity to compare with someone who's gone through the process. I stumbled across a few people who have shipped their car since I posted this and I'm encouraged, but without a doubt there's some logistics and coordination involved.

It's too bad they discontinued that program though! Did you feel driving your own car there added to your overall experience?

I've been trying to make the Ring an annual tradition for the last 15 years, but still a novice at best. I know enough to check mirrors often and call it quits after a few laps! But honestly I'd probably enjoy more the drive through the European countryside and Alps in particular than the stresses of driving the Ring with my own vehicle.