Monday, April 18, 2011

Converting a US -Spec Vehicle to Canadian Spec

Recently I imported a BMW from the US to Canada (Toronto).  It was a 2001 BMW E46 330i.
I did my research and found the easiest way to import the vehicle and also to convert it to Canadian standards.  I called the BMW dealer in Toronto and they told me the required changes include only reprogramming of the vehicle computer, and they would charge $650.
The changes include:
  1. Daytime Running Lights activiation:  (DRL)
  2. Odometer to read in km, instead of miles.
I called around and found that independant repair shops will make the changes for an hourly rate, and thye can generally do it for about 1hr, though on some cars, the changes took longer.  This means the price they would charge would be about $120, compared to $650 at the dealer.  I find it amazing how the dealers think they can charge their customers this way.
Despite this low cost, I purchased a scanner (BMW scanner 1.4) and set it all up at home.  I was able to make all the changes myself, and it was very easy, but required a laptop and a little computer knowledge.  I would be willing to make these changes for others who would rather have me do it than purchase their own equipment.  The vehicles I can do are:
  • BMW  E38  1994 - 2001 7-series
  • BMW  E39  1997 - 2003  5-Series
  • BMW E46   1998 - 2006   3- Series
  • BMW E53  1999 - 2006    X-5
  • BMW E83   2004-2005     X-3
  • BMW E85   2003-2005     Z-4
Please email me at lyndonthan@yahoo.com if you would like to discuss this with me.  I will be performing the work in Toronto, ideally near Sheppard and Bathurst in North York.  I am a licensed engineer, so I feel I am competent in offering this service, and I am offering it at the low price of $90 as of April 2011 (prices may change in subsequent years).

Best Wishes on your BMW