For enthusiasts looking to acquire BMW bikes from the USA, it’s important to understand the specific policies implemented by BMW North America (BMW NA) regarding vehicle exports, particularly to Canada. While many US automotive manufacturers readily provide compliance letters or warranty recall documents necessary for exporting vehicles, BMW NA operates differently, primarily impacting those seeking to import into Canada.
This policy isn’t due to non-compliance with Canadian emission standards; in fact, BMW bikes often exceed these standards. The core issue appears to be related to price maintenance. Canadian consumers typically face prices 15 to 20% higher for both new and used BMW bikes compared to their US counterparts. This price disparity extends to parts and service as well. To sustain this pricing structure, BMW NA has restricted US dealerships from issuing the required warranty recall letters to Canadian customers.
Obtaining this crucial document necessitates going through a Canadian BMW dealer, who may charge a significant fee—reportedly around CDN$500—for a process that is essentially a simple VIN verification and printout from the BMW system. Conversely, US dealers attempting to perform the same action are met with an on-screen warning from BMW, explicitly forbidding them from providing these letters to consumers, under threat of penalties.
This situation raises questions about fair trade practices and suggests potential price fixing strategies employed by BMW NA. Circumventing this policy often relies on establishing a strong rapport with a US dealer willing to bypass corporate regulations. For individuals seeking to leverage the potentially lower prices of BMW bikes in the USA and import them to Canada, understanding these restrictions is crucial.
