grey market 533i

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1grl - 05 Jan 2006 08:49 GMT

I just found out (by sending my vin number to BMW) that my 533i is grey
market, or not made for the US market. Does that mean that my car is
actually different from the ones made for use here in North America? Is
it worth more? It is still quite peppy for an older car. I may just
consider a bumper to bumper restoration if it is worth doing.

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Jim - 06 Jan 2006 01:31 GMT

>I just found out (by sending my vin number to BMW) that my 533i is grey
> market, or not made for the US market. Does that mean that my car is
> actually different from the ones made for use here in North America? Is
> it worth more? It is still quite peppy for an older car. I may just
> consider a bumper to bumper restoration if it is worth doing.

Yes, the various countries have different environmental regulations (among
other things) that cause the autos to be anywhere from somewhat to
significantly different.
I wonder how it got into the US. The customs folks are supposed to impound
such cars until they are modified to meet US regulations.
Jim

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1grl - 06 Jan 2006 02:55 GMT

The carfax records started in 1992. I had a brand new exhaust system put
on...replaced both catalytic converters. I find my car peppier than
others like mine...I bet that has something to do with it's intended
market. It was forst registered in Palmdale, CA...military base. Does
that make my car more interesting for the enthusiast?

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Dave Plowman (News) - 06 Jan 2006 11:50 GMT

> It was forst registered in Palmdale, CA...military base. Does
> that make my car more interesting for the enthusiast?

It may have been brought back from Germany after a soldier's over sea duty
ended?

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John Burns - 06 Jan 2006 11:26 GMT

> >I just found out (by sending my vin number to BMW) that my 533i is grey
> > market, or not made for the US market. Does that mean that my car is
> > actually different from the ones made for use here in North America?

In europe we never had the 533i, we had a Jetronic-L 528i and a Motronic
535i. I believe the 533i was only sold in the US (and Canada?).

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KMS-Brett Anderson - 14 Jan 2006 17:46 GMT

USA and Japan only.

Brett Anderson
KMS

>> >I just found out (by sending my vin number to BMW) that my 533i is grey
>> > market, or not made for the US market. Does that mean that my car is
>> > actually different from the ones made for use here in North America?
>
> In europe we never had the 533i, we had a Jetronic-L 528i and a Motronic
> 535i. I believe the 533i was only sold in the US (and Canada?).

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