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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · BMW
The 3 Series is the car that built BMW's reputation, and the American market has bought it in enormous numbers for decades.
Model profile
Across generations the relevant ones for US imports are the E90/E92 (2006–2013), the F30/F31/F34 (2012–2019) and the G20/G21 (2019 onward). The F30 marked the switch to turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines and electric power steering; the G20 sharpened the chassis, adopted the latest iDrive, and received an LCI facelift for 2023 with the enlarged grille and curved display.
Powertrain and equipment
Modern US 3 Series cars centre on the 330i, powered by the B48 2.0-litre turbo four (around 248 hp), and the M340i, powered by the B58 3.0-litre turbo straight-six (roughly 382 hp with the 48-volt mild-hybrid on later cars).
US trims run through Sport Line, Luxury Line and M Sport, with popular options such as the Premium Package, Harman Kardon audio, adaptive M suspension, head-up display and the Driving Assistance packages. M Sport cars with the six-cylinder engine are especially sought after.
Vehicle selection
Availability is excellent. Off-lease 330i and M340i xDrive cars appear constantly, typically at 30,000–90,000 km (converted from miles) with clean service records.
A used BMW 3 Series import from the USA makes sense if you want a straight-six M340i xDrive at used value, a specific colour and options mix, or simply a clean, well-documented example from a dry climate.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Typical US-market figures (G20): 4-door saloon (Touring rare in US) |
|---|---|
| Length | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~4,710 mm |
| Wheelbase | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~2,850 mm |
| Kerb weight | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~1,570–1,720 kg |
| Seating | Typical US-market figures (G20): 5 |
| 330i engine | Typical US-market figures (G20): 2.0 L B48 turbo I4, ~248 hp |
|---|---|
| M340i engine | Typical US-market figures (G20): 3.0 L B58 turbo I6, ~382 hp |
| 330e engine | Typical US-market figures (G20): 2.0 L I4 + e-motor plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | Typical US-market figures (G20): ZF 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | Typical US-market figures (G20): Rear-wheel or xDrive AWD |
| 0–100 km/h | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~5.9 s (330i) / ~4.4 s (M340i xDrive) |
| Fuel tank | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~59 L |
| Fuel | Typical US-market figures (G20): Premium petrol (plug-in on 330e) |
| Generations imported | Typical US-market figures (G20): E90 (2006–13), F30 (2012–19), G20 (2019+) |
|---|---|
| Top speed | Typical US-market figures (G20): ~250 km/h (limited) |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The 3 Series is broadly dependable, but each engine has known weak points. Early N20/N26 fours (328i) had timing-chain and guide wear on high-mileage cars — a documented failure worth checking service records for.
Germany and Europe
US-market headlights use the FMVSS/SAE beam pattern, which differs from the ECE pattern required in the EU, so they may need adjustment or replacement with ECE-compliant units for registration.
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The import process for a BMW 3 Series is planned around the specific listing, location, documents and commissioned service scope.
Questions and answers
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the specific transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase so the calculation reflects the selected vehicle.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
The M340i with the B58 straight-six, ideally in xDrive, is the sought-after six-cylinder version on the US market.
Older N20 timing chains, cooling-system wear, oil-filter-housing and valve-cover gasket leaks, and occasional fuel-pump faults on earlier turbos.
Rarely; the US market is overwhelmingly saloons, so imported 3 Series are almost always sedans.
US odometers read in miles; the value is converted to kilometres and documented during approval.
Usually several weeks, mostly determined by shipping schedules and customs clearance.
It helps but is not required; the individual approval provides the necessary documentation without one.
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