Shipping to Europe
09-20-2022, 09:24 PM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Shipping to Europe
Just wondering if anyone has feedback on shipping their 997 to Europe.
I will be in France for... not sure, but some time... maybe 3 years or so and am considering shipping my beloved 997.2 S to Europe.
I will have a primary vehicle, but would really like to have "my car" with me.
Looking for feedback. Thank you!
I will be in France for... not sure, but some time... maybe 3 years or so and am considering shipping my beloved 997.2 S to Europe.
I will have a primary vehicle, but would really like to have "my car" with me.
Looking for feedback. Thank you!
Last edited by CtrUSA; 09-20-2022 at 09:25 PM.
09-21-2022, 05:21 AM
#2
Instructor
I don't have any experience with this subject, but happened to read about a similar question last week, on a Dutch Porsche forum. Some companies that were mentioned:
09-21-2022, 08:23 AM
#3
Back in the 90's I shipped my wife's Miata to Germany as we were stationed near Frankfurt. At the time the process was not hard or even that expensive. We were very happy we did that, having a small car in Europe makes touring by car much more enjoyable. Cities or country side, small roads are everywhere. Enjoy and good luck.
09-21-2022, 09:04 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
You'll want to remove anything loose from the car including manual shift *****, floor mats, owners manuals and maybe even the radio. Things have a tendency to “walk”. We used to ship a bunch of cars to and from Europe, and it’s amazing the things people will take.
Good luck!
Good luck!
09-21-2022, 10:45 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
I shipped my 911 to Germany in 2019 using Allied International. I shipped it with a container of household goods though. Everything was smooth. Had the car in 5 weeks.
Things are a lot different now though. Shipping costs are a lot higher now.
I'm glad i brought the car with me, I'll be shipping it back before long but it was well worth it to have.
Things are a lot different now though. Shipping costs are a lot higher now.
I'm glad i brought the car with me, I'll be shipping it back before long but it was well worth it to have.
Last edited by Fined; 09-21-2022 at 10:47 AM.
09-22-2022, 06:17 AM
#7
My US spec 911 was shipped to Germany but I'm military, so the shipment was through them. All said though it was relatively painless and the shipping went smooth.
The challenge is when registering and having the vehicle inspected in the new country. Even with military sponsorship we still have to get our US spec car German inspected and certified, then German registered. German plates, registration/inspection and all.
Im not sure about France but I know for a fact Germany's inspections are 100x more strict than any in the US and all aftermarket parts need to be registered and accounted for.
So just something to keep in mind, it might help bringing or equipping stock parts on the car first or making sure you have a "friend" that can help with inspections once in the country. EU inspections are more strict in general but the good part is the US vehicles meet most if not all EU standards (equipment wise), its just the condition of your car or modifcations that might make it tough (if any).. If you get past all of that and bring your 911 to Europe and drive it, you will absolutely fall in love with it again. Assuming you havent already been? One trip through the Alps and passes with it will yield more joy and understanding of what the car really is than an entire life time owning it in the states as a daily/weekend driver.
If you decide not to, highly recommend renting a good car and enjoying the EU roads and famous drives. This should spark some inspiration:
good luck with it!
The challenge is when registering and having the vehicle inspected in the new country. Even with military sponsorship we still have to get our US spec car German inspected and certified, then German registered. German plates, registration/inspection and all.
Im not sure about France but I know for a fact Germany's inspections are 100x more strict than any in the US and all aftermarket parts need to be registered and accounted for.
So just something to keep in mind, it might help bringing or equipping stock parts on the car first or making sure you have a "friend" that can help with inspections once in the country. EU inspections are more strict in general but the good part is the US vehicles meet most if not all EU standards (equipment wise), its just the condition of your car or modifcations that might make it tough (if any).. If you get past all of that and bring your 911 to Europe and drive it, you will absolutely fall in love with it again. Assuming you havent already been? One trip through the Alps and passes with it will yield more joy and understanding of what the car really is than an entire life time owning it in the states as a daily/weekend driver.
If you decide not to, highly recommend renting a good car and enjoying the EU roads and famous drives. This should spark some inspiration:
good luck with it!
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09-22-2022, 12:24 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
You will DEFINITELY have a great time with your 911 in DE... Even if you think the cost is a bit too much, if you can somehow afford it......DO IT
911/Germany...made for each other !!
I was importing BMW's, Porsches and Mercedes from Germany (Grey market / 80's)
It's a lot different now but driving in the country roads, the "Passes" and on the Autobahn
is something you will remember forever.. (TAKE LOTS OF PIX)
A mid 80's 911 could actually get to just over 140 mph on the Autobahn...
911/Germany...made for each other !!
I was importing BMW's, Porsches and Mercedes from Germany (Grey market / 80's)
It's a lot different now but driving in the country roads, the "Passes" and on the Autobahn
is something you will remember forever.. (TAKE LOTS OF PIX)
A mid 80's 911 could actually get to just over 140 mph on the Autobahn...
09-22-2022, 10:59 PM
#9
Three Wheelin'
Yes. I had to register it in Germany. There is quite a process, if you are normal and not getting a pass from being in the military.
First thing I had to do was get the car in compliance. For my car that meant changing the headlights and tail lights to having an E marking (there is tiny writing on both the tail lights and headlights with either DOT or an E marking). That was about $1k for tail lights and $1600 for headlights.
Second thing was to satisfy the TUEV (the inspection authority) about the wheels on the car. One TUEV office said I had to have original wheels. So I went and bought a set for about $1200 (I had sold my old ones for $1300 years ago). As it turns out, I went to another TUEV office and got someone more understanding who worked with me on the details I needed to get my OZ Superforgiata wheels by inspection. I had extensive test reports directly from TUEV where they did fatigue strength testing on the wheels.
Third and hardest thing was to get official test documentation regarding my vehicle emissions and exhaust noise. TUEV want to see, from a car with your same engine model, the physical exhaust gas makeup and sound output. I was told by multiple folks at different inspection authorities and car importation specialists that you need to take the car to a specialized test station for exhaust gas and noise testing. This was not the case. I found a website where I paid about $600 for exhaust gas and noise pollution testing data for a car with the 9a1 X-51 engine.
Fourth item was to get license plates and vehicle registration. In order to do that I had to surrender my US title to the German authorities, and I also had to satisfy the TUEV that my US bumper would require modification in order for me to get shorter plates that fit between the bumperettes.
It was quite an ordeal, and fairly costly. The insurance is not expensive, and the car registration itself was also not expensive. It was more the stuff that led up to being able to do those things. Well, I have a nice shiny new set of headlights and tail lights, so that part is nice.
Last edited by Fined; 09-22-2022 at 11:08 PM.
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ThomasCarreraGTS (09-22-2022)
09-23-2022, 12:04 AM
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
Yes. I had to register it in Germany. There is quite a process, if you are normal and not getting a pass from being in the military.
First thing I had to do was get the car in compliance. For my car that meant changing the headlights and tail lights to having an E marking (there is tiny writing on both the tail lights and headlights with either DOT or an E marking). That was about $1k for tail lights and $1600 for headlights.
Second thing was to satisfy the TUEV (the inspection authority) about the wheels on the car. One TUEV office said I had to have original wheels. So I went and bought a set for about $1200 (I had sold my old ones for $1300 years ago). As it turns out, I went to another TUEV office and got someone more understanding who worked with me on the details I needed to get my OZ Superforgiata wheels by inspection. I had extensive test reports directly from TUEV where they did fatigue strength testing on the wheels.
Third and hardest thing was to get official test documentation regarding my vehicle emissions and exhaust noise. TUEV want to see, from a car with your same engine model, the physical exhaust gas makeup and sound output. I was told by multiple folks at different inspection authorities and car importation specialists that you need to take the car to a specialized test station for exhaust gas and noise testing. This was not the case. I found a website where I paid about $600 for exhaust gas and noise pollution testing data for a car with the 9a1 X-51 engine.
Fourth item was to get license plates and vehicle registration. In order to do that I had to surrender my US title to the German authorities, and I also had to satisfy the TUEV that my US bumper would require modification in order for me to get shorter plates that fit between the bumperettes.
It was quite an ordeal, and fairly costly. The insurance is not expensive, and the car registration itself was also not expensive. It was more the stuff that led up to being able to do those things. Well, I have a nice shiny new set of headlights and tail lights, so that part is nice.
First thing I had to do was get the car in compliance. For my car that meant changing the headlights and tail lights to having an E marking (there is tiny writing on both the tail lights and headlights with either DOT or an E marking). That was about $1k for tail lights and $1600 for headlights.
Second thing was to satisfy the TUEV (the inspection authority) about the wheels on the car. One TUEV office said I had to have original wheels. So I went and bought a set for about $1200 (I had sold my old ones for $1300 years ago). As it turns out, I went to another TUEV office and got someone more understanding who worked with me on the details I needed to get my OZ Superforgiata wheels by inspection. I had extensive test reports directly from TUEV where they did fatigue strength testing on the wheels.
Third and hardest thing was to get official test documentation regarding my vehicle emissions and exhaust noise. TUEV want to see, from a car with your same engine model, the physical exhaust gas makeup and sound output. I was told by multiple folks at different inspection authorities and car importation specialists that you need to take the car to a specialized test station for exhaust gas and noise testing. This was not the case. I found a website where I paid about $600 for exhaust gas and noise pollution testing data for a car with the 9a1 X-51 engine.
Fourth item was to get license plates and vehicle registration. In order to do that I had to surrender my US title to the German authorities, and I also had to satisfy the TUEV that my US bumper would require modification in order for me to get shorter plates that fit between the bumperettes.
It was quite an ordeal, and fairly costly. The insurance is not expensive, and the car registration itself was also not expensive. It was more the stuff that led up to being able to do those things. Well, I have a nice shiny new set of headlights and tail lights, so that part is nice.
Thanks a lot for all this. I wonder if France will be the same. With it being Europe, I would assume.
Headlights, Taillights and wheels will suck.
I also have Tubistyle exhaust with center bypass. No way it's getting throuh a European inspection. But... I kept the original muffler setup, so I could go back to original setup before shipping. I hate to think about being back on the original, but "c'est la vie!".
I'll wait a few months. Gonna be winter anyway. I would bring it over for probably 3 to 5 years. Maybe more, so it's still probably worth it. I'm original owner and not quite at 40,000 miles
Thanks again for the feedback. Excatly what I was looking for.
I lived in France 4 to 5 months of the year or more for a good 40 years, so familiar with the roads and driving, etc...