Converting American BMWs to European versions

BMW cars are produced in a number of factories spread around the world. Much of their production also takes place in the United States.

The factory in the city of Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been producing X-series cars as well as Z3 and Z4 for years. All production of the X5 model comes from this very factory, from where distribution offers them in BMW dealerships around the world. BMW cars are produced in options tailored to the relevant market. The requirements of the European Union differ from those used in the US. In addition, the climate of the area where the vehicle will be operated is also taken into account in configuring the vehicle.

For example, the requirements of Australia and areas with high temperatures will be different from those of Scandinavian countries and areas with very low temperatures.

Below we describe the details of legally redesigning U.S. versions of BMWs to conform to the requirements of the European Union. This allows cars from the US to be used safely and comfortably in Poland and throughout the European continent.

What is involved in converting American versions of BMW cars into European versions?

Cars manufactured for the U.S. market are adapted to the homologation requirements of that market. The major differences are mainly in the vehicle’s exterior lighting. American headlights are symmetrical, in the European Union they illuminate the roadside. In the US, the taillights do not include a fog lamp, while in the EU there is such a requirement.

In addition, the speedometer must indicate the speed in km/h. Converting a car from the US market usually involves changing the headlights and retrofitting a rear fog light.

Speedometers are usually equipped with a dual display range main in miles, additional in kilometers/hour. They do not require any modifications. In addition to homologation requirements, there are still differences related to the radio frequency range and the area of navigation charts. In this regard, modifications are related only to the installation of the correct maps with the EU area and reprogramming of the radio receiver.

Will my car get homologation after the conversion?

Approval is a procedure for checking the technical standards of a vehicle before it is allowed to be sold or used on the road. The vehicle manufacturer or importer placing the vehicle on the market is required to obtain approval for the type of vehicle.

In most cases, BMW models manufactured in factories in the US have European approval in addition to US approval. However, they only require changes to the headlights, speedometer, radio frequency and navigation before being put into service.

In the case of older models, it is necessary to check whether there will be problems with the registration of the vehicle in the European Union before buying a particular model.

What components must be replaced to bring BMW into compliance with European requirements?

F-Series models (X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6) and newer models are factory-ready for operation in the European Union. There is no need to replace components. Only the headlamps need to be converted to asymmetrical illumination and the light switch needs to be replaced with a version equipped with a rear fog light switch.

Can any American BMW be converted to a European version?

Such a conversion is possible on any BMW model. In older models, it is necessary to replace the lighting elements, in newer models only to change the settings and software.

What do I need to know before deciding to convert an American BMW to a European version?

Before deciding to buy a car from the US market, it is best to consult with BM Cars service. By providing us with the last 7 characters of the VIN number, we can determine to a large extent how ready the vehicle is for the European market. We are able to determine the possible scope of modifications and conduct an analysis of the profitability of such an import.

In what time frame will the rework of an American BMW at BM Cars be performed?

For most models, the scope of rework does not require a long working time and is within the range of 1 working day.

Does BM Cars provide a warranty on the rework of American BMWs and what does it cover?

We provide a 24-month warranty on all work performed and new parts.

What elements make up the cost of reworking American BMWs at BM Cars?

The cost of a conversion consists of elements depending on the model and its equipment, in particular:

• lighting components to be replaced (headlights,)
• light switch with rear fog light,
• additional electrical installation for rear fog lights,
• reprogramming of the audio system to the EU radio range,
• update of navigation maps.