To claim the 2009 US tax credit on the purchase of a new vehicle, I'm assuming you must take DELIVERY by December 31st, not just make the pre-purchase arrangements at my local dealer. Is that correct? If it is, do I need to pick up the car from the Welt on the 31st, or take delivery in the US by the 31st? Also, can anyone comment on the euro delivery/driving conditions in Europe in late December/early January? I won't have the cash to deliver in October like I'd prefer, and If I wait till Spring, I miss the tax credit.
Depends... REEF - what I have heard from people here, last winter was cold - but it didn't snow until January. The weather this year from April until the end of July was very wet - so I am wondering if that amount of moisture will foretell heavier snow this winter. And if you are going to drive over here - after October 1st - you are mandated to have winter tires (not provided for European delivery). You would have to arrange to get winter tires mounted or rent a set of tires/wheels. If you are involved in a collision - whether your driving was at fault or not - you are automatically at fault - if you do not have the winter tires on your vehicle. NO OPTIONS. That said, the European Delivery is an amazing experience and well worth it!
That is a great piece of information, thanks! I passed that on to my boss who is picking up a 335d mid October. His reply was "oh I'm not going to drive it over there." What the hell?!?!?
No vouchsafe for accuracy of laws - but here goes.... More than you wanted to know, 03BeastCharmer !! This is not an endorsement or an advertisement - but I am taking advantage of the information provided by a member on bimmerfest.com. He did all of the research because he rents winter tires in Germany not far from WELT in Munich. Germany Winter tires are compulsory in Bavaria when driving in wintry conditions and a small fine will be levied for a first offence. If, however, the free flow of traffic has been affected due to a car not being equipped with Winter tires then the fine is doubled and the driver's license will incur a penalty point. In the event of a car fitted with Summer tires being responsible for a road accident then the fine will be further increased and 3 penalty points attributed to the license. The lack of Winter tires in such a situation will usually be judged as a significant factor in judging which driver is at fault in a traffic incident or road accident. The user of a vehicle without Winter tires may well find the motor insurance to be invalidated. Here is the law in Bayern (from the Polizei homepage): (20 Euro for no accident, or more if you cause more damage) Alle Autofahrer, die bei winterlichen Verhältnissen mit Sommerreifen unterwegs sind, müssen mit einem Verwarnungsgeld von mindestens 20 Euro rechnen. Wenn darüber hinaus der Verkehr behindert wird, zum Beispiel durch ein liegengebliebenes Fahrzeug mit Sommerreifen, werden 40 Euro und ein Punkt fällig. Bei einem durch mangelnde Bereifung verursachten Unfall erwarten den Verursacher sogar 75 Euro Bußgeld und drei Punkte in der Flensburger Verkehrsünderdatei. Austria The use of winter tires is mandatory by law between November 1 and April 15. All-season tires comply if they carry the M+S mark and have at least 4 mm of tread. In addition, the use of snow chains may be made compulsory by the local police when heavy snow is falling or has fallen. Failure to comply with the law results in a fine up to 5,000 Euros and the vehicle's use suspended. Insurance is deemed void if a vehicle which is involved in an accident between November 1 and April 15 is not fitted with Winter tires. France The use of winter tires is not mandatory in France. Nevertheless in some situations special signs indicate that winter tires should be used. In mountainous areas signs warn drivers that snow chains are necessary. In France, drivers of automobiles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes can use spikes from November until the end of March. Vehicles using spikes are restricted to a maximum speed of 90 km/h on out-of-town roads and 50 km/h in residential areas. In addition vehicles have to bare a badge indicating the use of spikes. Switzerland The Swiss regulations are similar to those used in France. There is no general obligation to use winter tires, although most motorist associations highly recommend the use of winter tires for insurance reasons. If an accident has been caused by the use of summer tires during the winter months this can lead to liability on the part of the driver, regardless of whether or not they have fully comprehensive insurance. Snow chains and spikes are generally optional, but their use can be enforced through road signs. Drivers using spikes are not generally allowed on motorways. Again, 50km/h and 80km/h speed limits are in place, in and out of town. Italy It is not compulsory to use winter tires in Italy although you are obliged to when the authorities request it. There are no regulations on the use of snow chains. Motorists using spikes have to comply with 90km/h and 50 km/h speed limits. Finland In Finland winter tires are compulsory on all vehicles driven in the country between 1st December and 1st March. Latvia In Latvia winter tires are compulsory on all vehicles driven in the country between 1st December and 1st March. Norway As in Latvia, Norwegian drivers must ensure that winter tires are fitted during the coldest months. Winter tires are not, however, mandatory for cars registered outside of the country. Sweden Swedish drivers must ensure that winter tires are fitted during the coldest months. Winter tires are not, however, mandatory for cars registered outside of the country. Slovenia From 15 November until 15 March Slovenian motorists are legally required to use winter equipment. This means either winter tires or radial tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. According to Slovenian law two winter tires per automobile is sufficient. Czech Republic From 01 November until 30 April vehicles in the Czech Republic are required to be fitted with winter equipment if being driven in wintry conditions. This means either winter tires or radial tires with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm. Slovakia Cars are required to be fitted with Winter tires if driven in wintry conditions. Hungary Cars are required to be fitted with Winter tires and must carry a set of snow-chains during periods of wintry conditions. Croatia Cars are required to be fitted with Winter tires and must carry a set of snow-chains during periods of wintry conditions. Estonia Cars are required to be fitted with Winter tires and must carry a set of snow-chains during periods of wintry conditions. Lapland Cars are required to be fitted with Winter tires and must carry a set of snow-chains during periods of wintry conditions. United Kingdom The use of Winter tires is not compulsory in the United Kingdom. AND KEEP IN MIND ALL LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE... Freude am Fahren
