Aussie Car Import Help Please!
Discussion
Hi All,
My wife has been offered a job in Sydney and I would like to take my BMW 2002 with me.
I've read A LOT of official documents from NSW government and I'm getting the distinct impression it's looking like a real challenge. Not to mention fairly expensive.
Has anyone else done this or looked into it, who can offer me some advise please?
I have a '74 2002, purchased in 1985. It's got 3 series electronic ignition and 5 speed box, battery in the boot,1" lower springs and non genuine alloys. Also tii legs and brakes and a 'mild' high lift cam and a webber carb.
As soon as you take into account the non standard stuff it all gets a bit vague as to what rules actually apply to a vehicle that age.
I only want to use it as a second car but I'm really worried I'm going to get shafted on arrival!
If you're reading this and you know about 'Australian Design Rules' or work somwhere that deals with compliance then I'd really love to hear from you!!
Thanks, in anticipation and hope.
Steve
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:07 pm
My wife has been offered a job in Sydney and I would like to take my BMW 2002 with me.
I've read A LOT of official documents from NSW government and I'm getting the distinct impression it's looking like a real challenge. Not to mention fairly expensive.
Has anyone else done this or looked into it, who can offer me some advise please?
I have a '74 2002, purchased in 1985. It's got 3 series electronic ignition and 5 speed box, battery in the boot,1" lower springs and non genuine alloys. Also tii legs and brakes and a 'mild' high lift cam and a webber carb.
As soon as you take into account the non standard stuff it all gets a bit vague as to what rules actually apply to a vehicle that age.
I only want to use it as a second car but I'm really worried I'm going to get shafted on arrival!
If you're reading this and you know about 'Australian Design Rules' or work somwhere that deals with compliance then I'd really love to hear from you!!
Thanks, in anticipation and hope.
Steve
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Jun 25, 2010 6:07 pm
Hi Steve,
I’ve imported several cars including a 1972 Lotus Elan and it was cheap and easy. All I had to do compliance it was fit some new lap sash seat belts with AS (Australian Standard) numbers. I was able to leave my Willans race harness in the car, I just had them hanging behind the seats. I also have the battery in the boot but this is standard in an Elan and I had an after market roll cage fitted which I left in.
However there has been a recent Import Alert on the Dep Of Infrastructure website about Pre 1989 Modifed Vehicles. See below.
But so long as you get import approval before you ship, you should be 100% ok. You’ll just need to prove the mods were made before 1989, so don’t get to concerned about the actual mods, just the timing.
Regarding price, there are some breakdowns on this forum which are out of control expensive. You can get the shipping and handling charges a lot less than this – a lot less!! Further more you will not have to pay the import duty as your car is older, you will still need to pay the GST though. In my case in South Australia, I don’t have full rego on my car being a historic car, so not only is the rego less than a quarter of the normal price, I didn’t need to pay the stamp duty when you first rego a car.
The following is a cut n paste. Be sure to read the VSB10 and and get in touch with some importing companies in the UK and also ring up and talk to the engineers at one of the NSW testing centres. They are happy to talk you through anything on the phone. Perhaps also talk to a historic BMW club in NSW, see if there is an option for cheap rego on historic cars in NSW.
Good luck…
Importation of pre-1989 Vehicles
The Department of Infrastructure has recently, without any form of consultation or advance warning, begun rejecting Import approval applications for the importation of modified pre 1989 vehicles. Many innocent individuals have been caught by this sudden change in policy, and have vehicles in transit or stranded in foreign or domestic ports.
The Department has belatedly placed an Alert notice on their website, and have issued a new version of the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) that relates to importation.
The Import Alert can be viewed at:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
The revised Information Brochure (VSB10) can be downloaded from:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
New Interpretation of Policy
The policy that the Department has commenced implementing is detailed in VSB10, but can be summarized as follows:
Original and unmodified (factory specification) vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can be imported without restriction. Import approvals will be granted as per previous policy.
Restored (factory specification) vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can be imported without restriction. Import approvals will be granted as per previous policy.
Modified vehicles originally manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can ONLY be imported if the owner can demonstrate that the modifications were completed prior to 1 January 1989. Import approvals will only be granted after the Department is satisfied that the modifications are pre-1989.
Modified vehicles originally manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can NOT be imported if the modifications were completed after 1 January 1989, or if the owner can’t demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the modifications were completed prior to 1January 1989. The date of manufacture will be reset as the date the modifications were completed, and if that date is post 1989 the application will be rejected
Impact on ASRF Members and any one importing.
The revised interpretation of policy is having a significant impact on our members, as they now need to ensure they can PROVE any modifications to their vehicles were completed prior to 1 January 1989.
Assessment Process
The assessment of level of modifications and date of modifications will be made by a Department of Infrastructure staff member based on the following information:
A copy of the vehicle purchase document
A clear picture of the vehicle
A complete list of all modifications and evidence of when the modification were completed
Such additional evidence as the applicant can supply attesting to the level and date of modification, this may include vehicle registration documents, a statement from the converter or evidence that the vehicle was exhibited in its converted form (eg, exhibited as a hot rod) some time before 1989. The department will make a determination based on a review of the information supplied, and will send you an approval or rejection letter.
Appeal Process
The Departmental documentation states that you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and also have the right to request a formal statement of reasons for the decision. The Department must provide the statement of reasons within 28 days of receiving the request.
Rejection letters will also contain advice that applicants can request an internal review of the decision.
Some success has been achieved with such review requests, particularly when additional evidence of modification date is supplied.
Other avenues of redress include, but are not limited to: A complaint to the Department of Infrastructures client service officer, a complaint to the Minister and/or a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
I’ve imported several cars including a 1972 Lotus Elan and it was cheap and easy. All I had to do compliance it was fit some new lap sash seat belts with AS (Australian Standard) numbers. I was able to leave my Willans race harness in the car, I just had them hanging behind the seats. I also have the battery in the boot but this is standard in an Elan and I had an after market roll cage fitted which I left in.
However there has been a recent Import Alert on the Dep Of Infrastructure website about Pre 1989 Modifed Vehicles. See below.
But so long as you get import approval before you ship, you should be 100% ok. You’ll just need to prove the mods were made before 1989, so don’t get to concerned about the actual mods, just the timing.
Regarding price, there are some breakdowns on this forum which are out of control expensive. You can get the shipping and handling charges a lot less than this – a lot less!! Further more you will not have to pay the import duty as your car is older, you will still need to pay the GST though. In my case in South Australia, I don’t have full rego on my car being a historic car, so not only is the rego less than a quarter of the normal price, I didn’t need to pay the stamp duty when you first rego a car.
The following is a cut n paste. Be sure to read the VSB10 and and get in touch with some importing companies in the UK and also ring up and talk to the engineers at one of the NSW testing centres. They are happy to talk you through anything on the phone. Perhaps also talk to a historic BMW club in NSW, see if there is an option for cheap rego on historic cars in NSW.
Good luck…
Importation of pre-1989 Vehicles
The Department of Infrastructure has recently, without any form of consultation or advance warning, begun rejecting Import approval applications for the importation of modified pre 1989 vehicles. Many innocent individuals have been caught by this sudden change in policy, and have vehicles in transit or stranded in foreign or domestic ports.
The Department has belatedly placed an Alert notice on their website, and have issued a new version of the Vehicle Standards Bulletin (VSB) that relates to importation.
The Import Alert can be viewed at:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
The revised Information Brochure (VSB10) can be downloaded from:
http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_reg...
New Interpretation of Policy
The policy that the Department has commenced implementing is detailed in VSB10, but can be summarized as follows:
Original and unmodified (factory specification) vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can be imported without restriction. Import approvals will be granted as per previous policy.
Restored (factory specification) vehicles manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can be imported without restriction. Import approvals will be granted as per previous policy.
Modified vehicles originally manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can ONLY be imported if the owner can demonstrate that the modifications were completed prior to 1 January 1989. Import approvals will only be granted after the Department is satisfied that the modifications are pre-1989.
Modified vehicles originally manufactured prior to 1 January 1989 can NOT be imported if the modifications were completed after 1 January 1989, or if the owner can’t demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Department that the modifications were completed prior to 1January 1989. The date of manufacture will be reset as the date the modifications were completed, and if that date is post 1989 the application will be rejected
Impact on ASRF Members and any one importing.
The revised interpretation of policy is having a significant impact on our members, as they now need to ensure they can PROVE any modifications to their vehicles were completed prior to 1 January 1989.
Assessment Process
The assessment of level of modifications and date of modifications will be made by a Department of Infrastructure staff member based on the following information:
A copy of the vehicle purchase document
A clear picture of the vehicle
A complete list of all modifications and evidence of when the modification were completed
Such additional evidence as the applicant can supply attesting to the level and date of modification, this may include vehicle registration documents, a statement from the converter or evidence that the vehicle was exhibited in its converted form (eg, exhibited as a hot rod) some time before 1989. The department will make a determination based on a review of the information supplied, and will send you an approval or rejection letter.
Appeal Process
The Departmental documentation states that you have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) and also have the right to request a formal statement of reasons for the decision. The Department must provide the statement of reasons within 28 days of receiving the request.
Rejection letters will also contain advice that applicants can request an internal review of the decision.
Some success has been achieved with such review requests, particularly when additional evidence of modification date is supplied.
Other avenues of redress include, but are not limited to: A complaint to the Department of Infrastructures client service officer, a complaint to the Minister and/or a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for replying, very interesting indeed!
No real problem with when the mods were carried out, different ball game supplying receipts and invoices from 24 years ago. As a BMW mechanic myself, I’ve done most of the work so I don’t have many or any labour invoices and most of the parts were from breakers yards.
I may have a few parts invoices, bit of a long shot, that said, the gearbox mod could be considered a factory option as a 5 speed box, the front legs and brakes from a tii look the same as my originals, it’s just got bigger callipers. I could find some stock steel wheels to make it look even more normal.
Any idea what the target is for exhaust emissions at this age of car, over here it’s just a visual test that you’re not doing a ‘Batman’ style smokescreen?
Also have you heard anything regarding buying new tyres when you arrive? Mine are 1500 miles old and I’d rather stick them in the container than throw them away.
As a final point am I correct in thinking that you are not obliged to do all the compliance etc as soon as the vehicle arrives? This would enable me or someone to rectify any issues in my own time once in Australia rather than panicing about them now.
Thanks again,
Steve
Thanks for replying, very interesting indeed!
No real problem with when the mods were carried out, different ball game supplying receipts and invoices from 24 years ago. As a BMW mechanic myself, I’ve done most of the work so I don’t have many or any labour invoices and most of the parts were from breakers yards.
I may have a few parts invoices, bit of a long shot, that said, the gearbox mod could be considered a factory option as a 5 speed box, the front legs and brakes from a tii look the same as my originals, it’s just got bigger callipers. I could find some stock steel wheels to make it look even more normal.
Any idea what the target is for exhaust emissions at this age of car, over here it’s just a visual test that you’re not doing a ‘Batman’ style smokescreen?
Also have you heard anything regarding buying new tyres when you arrive? Mine are 1500 miles old and I’d rather stick them in the container than throw them away.
As a final point am I correct in thinking that you are not obliged to do all the compliance etc as soon as the vehicle arrives? This would enable me or someone to rectify any issues in my own time once in Australia rather than panicing about them now.
Thanks again,
Steve
Hi Steve,
My 72 Elan required no emissions tests or sound level test. The 98 TVR required only a sound level test which it passed (just).
My tester had never inspected an Elan or TVR before, there was no way for him to know what was standard or not. There is no way he or she will know the correct calliper size for a 2002 BMW. Perhaps get some original looking wheels and put your after market ones in the boot. They may go hard on young guys importing highly modified cars from Japan or interstate, but for an old clasic which looks like its in safe and road worthy condition they'll go easy on you.
No rush for the compliance. In SA, and I imagine it will be the same in NSW, you just need a temporary 1 day rego, you can use your UK plates for this and you just drive the car home, you can take all the time in the world to get it inspected. Perhaps call an insurance company and get a covernote for the trip home.
Never head about needing new tyres. The tyres on both cars were both a few years old already and there were no problems. I think you’ve been listening to or reading too much bull s
t.
Just go apply for import approval. A few weeks after you’ve sent the application you can email them and ask if anything else is required. I’ve found everyone to be quite nice to deal with.
cheers
My 72 Elan required no emissions tests or sound level test. The 98 TVR required only a sound level test which it passed (just).
My tester had never inspected an Elan or TVR before, there was no way for him to know what was standard or not. There is no way he or she will know the correct calliper size for a 2002 BMW. Perhaps get some original looking wheels and put your after market ones in the boot. They may go hard on young guys importing highly modified cars from Japan or interstate, but for an old clasic which looks like its in safe and road worthy condition they'll go easy on you.
No rush for the compliance. In SA, and I imagine it will be the same in NSW, you just need a temporary 1 day rego, you can use your UK plates for this and you just drive the car home, you can take all the time in the world to get it inspected. Perhaps call an insurance company and get a covernote for the trip home.
Never head about needing new tyres. The tyres on both cars were both a few years old already and there were no problems. I think you’ve been listening to or reading too much bull s
t.Just go apply for import approval. A few weeks after you’ve sent the application you can email them and ask if anything else is required. I’ve found everyone to be quite nice to deal with.
cheers
Hi Anthony,
Thanks again for replying, very useful to know about emissions, also the fact that there’s no hurry to do the compliance stuff is a bonus. That will give me a chance to meet a few people and make some judgements on who to ‘trust’.
I think let them decide what’s not original as being the best idea, I’ve got recaro’s from a Holden (just getting into the lingo) so I’ll produce a pre 89 invoice for the fabrication of mounts etc. I think it’s best to offer some information, then they probably won’t look at the rest, same with the battery in the boot and the roll cage. Just wondering if the cage is a mod too far, what do you think? If it’s pre 89 presumably it’ll get through??
We have friends in Happy Valley, Adelaide, visited them four times, what a lovely place!
Where do you live?
Regards
Steve
Thanks again for replying, very useful to know about emissions, also the fact that there’s no hurry to do the compliance stuff is a bonus. That will give me a chance to meet a few people and make some judgements on who to ‘trust’.
I think let them decide what’s not original as being the best idea, I’ve got recaro’s from a Holden (just getting into the lingo) so I’ll produce a pre 89 invoice for the fabrication of mounts etc. I think it’s best to offer some information, then they probably won’t look at the rest, same with the battery in the boot and the roll cage. Just wondering if the cage is a mod too far, what do you think? If it’s pre 89 presumably it’ll get through??
We have friends in Happy Valley, Adelaide, visited them four times, what a lovely place!
Where do you live?
Regards
Steve
kbear said:
The Department of Infrastructure has recently, without any form of consultation or advance warning, begun rejecting Import approval applications for the importation of modified pre 1989 vehicles. Many innocent individuals have been caught by this sudden change in policy, and have vehicles in transit or stranded in foreign or domestic ports.
I really wonder what benefit to those living in Australia this government department actually provides.We pay tax, which pays for this dept, this department implements burdensome and harsh rules which most educated and reasonable people among us see as unjustifiable, and the market for locally built cars gets even more protected (which is what the government really cares about).
I am convinced this government only cares about two things 1) tax and 2) growing and protecting tax sources.
And we have to jump through hoops to import cars most of which are 10x safer than the kind of charabangs I see driving around Perth (which the government don't ever inspect for their whole life unless, you've guessed it, they don't pay their tax/rego).
Stinks, doesn't it?
I’d rather not get into complaining about the country, we’re not even there yet.
It’s got to be better than over here in the UK, there must be a thread already on that old chestnut already!!!
However I am inclined to agree with your comments Astonmartinv8, especially when the importing one car every 5 years rule comes in. They get money from all the effort I’m going through but protecting the locals is obviously preferred.
Hats off to them, (I think), if we looked after ourselves over her a bit more we wouldn’t be in the sh** we’re in. Oh, I forgot, our enelected government is in Brussels.
Dismount from soapbox and get on with the packing, yippee……….
It’s got to be better than over here in the UK, there must be a thread already on that old chestnut already!!!
However I am inclined to agree with your comments Astonmartinv8, especially when the importing one car every 5 years rule comes in. They get money from all the effort I’m going through but protecting the locals is obviously preferred.
Hats off to them, (I think), if we looked after ourselves over her a bit more we wouldn’t be in the sh** we’re in. Oh, I forgot, our enelected government is in Brussels.
Dismount from soapbox and get on with the packing, yippee……….
bmsteve said:
I’d rather not get into complaining about the country, we’re not even there yet.
Quite right, I woudln't complain about the country at all. we've been here 18 months and we love it. Other than not being able to drive my car and motorbike fast on quiet backroads or empty motorways, my gripe is just that we can't buy cool cars at the same price as the rest of the world because of the protectionist market here, which is a shame as the car market is booming and demand is high. Many people here don't know how poor the local cars (and ranges) are compared to what you can buy for the same money in Europe. I love the country, but can't stand oppresive bureaucracy (but then who can?).bmsteve said:
It’s got to be better than over here in the UK, there must be a thread already on that old chestnut already!!!
However I am inclined to agree with your comments Astonmartinv8, especially when the importing one car every 5 years rule comes in. They get money from all the effort I’m going through but protecting the locals is obviously preferred.
Hats off to them, (I think), if we looked after ourselves over her a bit more we wouldn’t be in the sh** we’re in. Oh, I forgot, our enelected government is in Brussels.
Dismount from soapbox and get on with the packing, yippee……….
Two sides to every story I suppose. But when it costs $200K for a BMW 730d in Australia and $100K for the same car in the UK, someone here is getting very rich (government / importers)!! There are many more examples. Anyway, very best of luck with your import.However I am inclined to agree with your comments Astonmartinv8, especially when the importing one car every 5 years rule comes in. They get money from all the effort I’m going through but protecting the locals is obviously preferred.
Hats off to them, (I think), if we looked after ourselves over her a bit more we wouldn’t be in the sh** we’re in. Oh, I forgot, our enelected government is in Brussels.
Dismount from soapbox and get on with the packing, yippee……….
Cheers,
Marcus.
Edited by astonmartinv8 on Saturday 31st July 06:18
bmsteve said:
On that basis we all need to get into the car trade, not something you'd say in the UK!!
Cheers Marcus,
Steve
Just look at prices for Porsches, incredible! $140k for a new boxster, that's almost twice the Uk cost. I saw an Exige in a Sydney dealership, sure it had a few extras but it was over $200k, that's well over £110k!!! Cheers Marcus,
Steve
I'd love to import a nice, 2 year old 911 turbo or AM V8 but I can't which is why here instead of costing £50k they're the equivalent of £150k!!
Strangely though, VW sells the Golf GTi here in Aus for almost the same as in the UK!
Having said that, generally, 2nd hand values in Aus hold up much better than the Uk so although you will fork out much more initially, you may not lose as much during ownership.
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