[tokolossi]

Hi folks,

I will move from Canada to Germany this summer and want to take my 2020 X5. I'm aware of changes I'm required to make like head & tail lights, the fog light switch and the amber reflectors on the front fenders. Has someone done this before and can share what else I'm missing? Also what was the process with the German TUEV (technical validation of roadworthiness of the car) and getting it registered?
I know it will be a pain to get it registered with Connected Drive, run Carplay and get EU maps but there is a great thread in here already.

[GermanG05]

Here is my experience.

I change the headlights, tails and added a rear fog with an original BMW light switch. Then I needed a new registration to be made (Germany doesn't accept the NA documents). The registration maker saw that my car was a NA which utilizes a 315Mhz anti-theft module. My request was denied. As of Spring 2022, 315Mhz is forbidden on German roads. I asked BMW Euler to make the modification. They refused! I searched all over Germany for a local shop to change. I found several that are familiar with this. My car will be sent to a company which is 1 hour drive via trailor. I plan to send on 20 Feb 23

BTW, this will cost an arm and a leg. I don't have an estimate yet.

[tokolossi]

Thanks for your reply. Is the anti theft device an factory installed option and how can I find out what kind of device my car might have. When locked I see a red light blinking on the interior back mirror.

[tokolossi]

Also, can the dealer disable/remove this to avoid conflicts with German law? Certainly you will have not the extra protection but to get the registration?

[tokolossi]

I've found this link where you can retrofit an OEM alarm system.

https://bimmer-manufaktur.de/nachrue...-Alarmanlage-1

Not sure if this exactly replaces the device US versions have built in.

[GermanG05]

Typically, a vehicle will not pass the German Inspection if a "Light" is showing on the dash.

My car is in the final stage of conversion. I requested the required documents. I will have a response soon.

Do you know the city that you will relocate to within Germany? Every state in Germany has different rules and each rule is regulated at different levels.

I'm in Hessen. This state is known for stringent rules.

[tokolossi]

Thank you for your input. Can you confirm the alarm system (factory installed) using the mentioned frequency was complained about by the TUV? I will move to Bavaria though.

[GermanG05]

315MHZ is forbidden but Bavaria is a different stante than my location.

[tokolossi]

GermanG05 have you managed to get your car registered?

[GermanG05]

My conversion was completed about 1 week ago. My new title is being produced now. It should be completed by Wednesday 29 March 23. When its completed, Ill post and Ill post again upon successful registration.

[GermanG05]

Good News!
I received a call. The Title was made for the X5. I can register the car. The car will be registered next week. Ill post up a status 7April2023.

[tokolossi]

Nice! Yes please update with the details and costs.

[tokolossi]

GermanG05 Are you officially rolling now on German Autobahn? How did you solve the alarm system issue (315MHz)?

[GermanG05]

This piece can be changed.
My BMW is German road compliant. I'm trying to register. Just been a little sick.

[tokolossi]

Thanks, get well soon.
Would be great if you could list what you have done, costs and heads up what to watch for to get it road worthy in Germany.

[GermanG05]

My BMW G05 has been successfully converted to German specs!. I cannot supply any part numbers but hare are the typical parts that need to be changed if your G05 is American and you wish to change to German specs:

Headlights
Taillights
Immobilizer
Lightswitch

Must add a rear Foglight

HEADLIGHTS:
The U.S. headlights have a small orange led. German lights have a white led. These are a direct swap.

TAILLIGHTS:
These can be swapped but require extensive programming

Lightswitch:
Direct swap but the cables must be installed to the actual foglight on the left side.

Foglight:
Direct swap on left side only

Immobilizer:
I'm not sured

[tokolossi]

GermanG05 Can you please share more details on the immobilizer issue? US spec cars use 315MHz for the immobilizer and key fob but 433 in Europe. Did you need to change HW or was it possible to code?

[8avier]

Fantastic to read this thread! Do you suggest to go through the bmw dealership for reprogramming of rear fog light (US G05 2021) and headlight yellow to white LED swap? I guess you needed to get a new (Eu) Light Panel with the Fog Rear Button? Guidance very much appreciated!

[GermanG05]

Hey fellas, BMW has refused to touch my car. I visited 2 different shops. They will not instal the rear fog. They only want to use the same parts that the book says to use by vin number.

There are other companies "importers" that are familiar with these issues. I used two shops. One shop is located in a city called Marburg in the state of Hessen. As for rear fog, a shop in Munich installed the rear foglight and the new light switch and programmed all. The owner at the Munich shop speaks English.

[tokolossi]

I got my changes done in a shop outside of Munich (ex BMW employee with his own shop now).

- Head and tail lights (EU version) was replaced beforehand
- additional wires needed to be put in for the tail lights (amber indicators) and the fog light (bought mine at *bay and they put it in)
- main light switch replaced to have a fog light knob (also from *bay, changed it myself)
- no need to change remote (fob) sensors as BMW already works with the 433 MHz version (same for TPMS sensors)
- key-code for German road maps

The shop switched all software codes to the German version and everything is working except the Connected Drive service.

[tokolossi]

Just learned top speed of the X5 is electronically limited to 210km/h (130 mph) which is a bummer now being on the German autobahn. My shop told me I can only get this lifted from a tuner who can reprogram the control unit. Any experiences around on this topic?

[GermanG05]

I've had my X5 40i over 150. The dealer(Euker) said it will go over 160.
As for the conversion, that's exactly what I did.