If you’re stationed in Germany and thinking about upgrading your ride, Bavarian Motor Cars offers one of the most seamless and cost-effective ways to own a brand-new BMW.
As the official BMW-authorized military sales dealership in Germany, they offer exclusive deals, tax-free benefits, and custom VIP delivery experiences specifically designed for US military and civilian personnel overseas.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to
– Buy a tax free BMW in Germany
– What options you have for selling your POV to Bavarian Motor Cars
– Buy back offers
– Trading in your stateside vehicle
You’ll also discover how to personalize your new BMW with a big red bow and a VIP delivery experience.
Whether you’re stationed in Grafenwöhr, Wiesbaden, Ramstein, or anywhere in between, Bavarian Motor Cars is here to serve the American military community.
Table of Contents
- Tax Free BMW: What It Means and Why It Matters
- Selling, Trading, & Buying Back with Bavarian Motor Cars
- BMW Stateside Trade-In Program
- BMW Dealerships: US vs EU
- Bavarian Motor Cars VIP Delivery Experience
- Custom Made BMW: Factory Orders for U.S. Military in Germany
- BMW Military Sales Dealership Locations Across Germany
- Customer Reviews
- Final Thoughts: Why Bavarian Motor Cars is the Military’s Trusted BMW Dealer
- Get Your Free BMW Pickup Checklist
- FREE “PCS to Germany” Checklist!
Tax Free BMW: What It Means and Why It Matters
One of the biggest advantages of buying a BMW through Bavarian Motor Cars is the tax-free benefit. That means no VAT (Value Added Tax – Mehrwertsteuer MwSt), which in Germany is currently 19%, and no import duties (a tax collected by customs authorities on goods that cross international borders).
This can save you thousands of dollars right from the start. Combine that with exclusive military pricing and factory-direct access, and you’re looking at unbeatable savings.
In fact, the US Military Sales Program offered by Bavarian Motor Cars is widely regarded as the cheapest way to buy a brand-new BMW anywhere in the world.
Hot Topic: Do you have to pay sales tax once on your new POV when returning stateside?
The answer is—it depends.
While “tax free” means you’re not paying German VAT or import taxes, individual U.S. states may charge sales tax when you register your vehicle for the first time. It varies based on where you’re going, so the best advice is to check with the DMV or taxation authority of your destination state once your PCS location is confirmed.
Part of the process of purchasing a car through Bavarian Motor Cars includes obtaining a customs form—either a VAT form or an AE 550—from the U.S. Customs Office. During your vehicle delivery, the dealership will handle clearing German customs for you, ensuring the process is smooth and compliant.
US Military Sales: Who is this for?
This is a tailor-made, factory-direct program for all active-duty military personnel, DoD Civilian ID Card holders, and DoD contractors on temporary (TDY) or permanent (PCS) orders abroad at the time of purchase. If you fall within that category, you get access to reduced prices on both BMWs and Mini Coopers, straight from the factory.
While Bavarian Motor Cars specializes in BMW and Mini Cooper vehicles, they also offer a small inventory of pre-owned vehicles, including brands like Mercedes and Ford, as well as used demo cars—providing even more options for American personnel stationed in Germany.
The vehicles available through Bavarian Motor Cars include the full range of BMW models—from sporty coupes to family-friendly SUVs. Most are US-spec vehicles with a handful of European spec, and you’ll be able to choose from in-stock inventory or place a custom factory order.
Selling, Trading, & Buying Back with Bavarian Motor Cars
Bavarian Motor Cars gives you multiple options when it comes to your current vehicle. Whether you’re arriving in Germany with a POV or planning to leave one behind, they’ve got you covered:
– Sell your POV directly to the dealership.
– Trade in your existing POV for credit toward your new BMW or Mini Cooper.
– Buy Back: If you previously purchased a vehicle from Bavarian Motor Cars, they may offer to buy it back, ideal for those PCS’ing or rotating out of Germany.
These options are designed to simplify your move and maximize your value.
BMW Stateside Trade-In Program
If you already have a vehicle in the U.S., Bavarian Motor Cars offers a BMW Stateside Trade-In program. They’ve partnered with American dealerships to ensure your current car can be appraised, purchased, and credited toward your new BMW in Germany.
Steps to Trade In Your U.S. Vehicle with Bavarian Motor Cars:
1. Ensure your vehicle is paid off and you have no outstanding lien. You must have full ownership of the car in order to sell or trade it through Bavarian Motor Cars.
2. Go to the Trade-In Portal: Visit the official Bavarian Motor Cars trade-in page.
3. Enter Vehicle Details: Fill out your vehicle’s make, model, year, trim, and mileage.
4. Upload Photos: Include exterior and interior shots to support your appraisal.
5. Provide Contact Info: Share your contact details and your preferred Bavarian Motor Cars location in Germany.
6. Get an Offer: A partner dealership in the U.S. evaluates your vehicle and returns a fair market value.
7. Apply the Credit: That trade-in value is then applied to your new BMW or Mini Cooper purchase in Germany.
8. Finalize Delivery: When you arrive in Germany, your new vehicle will be ready and waiting—no rental needed. Although they do have a convenient, long term rental program.
This seamless process saves you from the hassle of selling your car on your own while helping offset the cost of your new ride in Germany. It’s also the most efficient way to ensure your POV is waiting for you when you land—eliminating the need for costly rental cars, which are not reimbursable by the government. With your BMW ready to go upon arrival, your transition is smoother and more cost-effective from day one.
The 5 Reasons Families Do NOT Bring Their POV to Germany
1. Your bank (lien holder) or insurance agency won’t allow it. Some banks and insurance providers don’t allow overseas vehicle transfers. Check out Mirascon (Europe’s Geico equivalent) for a free car insurance quote: American POV: How to get a FREE Mirascon car insurance quote.
2. The Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) is too far. Many stateside families must drive hours out of the way to deliver their car to a VPC. It’s often not worth the trip.
3. Reduced warranty coverage. Some vehicle warranties become void or limited once shipped abroad. That could mean no coverage for regular maintenance or repairs while stationed in Germany.
4. Only one POV is shipped at government expense. If your family owns more than one vehicle, only one will be shipped for free. For the second vehicle, consider getting a quote from American Business Center: US Military Car Shipping (2nd POV) to & from Germany.
5. Your POV may not be ready for German roads. Trucks and large vehicles can be tricky to maneuver on narrow European streets. While they’re fine on base, off-post driving and parking may be inconvenient.
This is why the BMW Stateside Trade-In Program makes so much sense. You avoid all five of these common issues, eliminate extra costs, and arrive in Germany with a new BMW waiting for you. No VPC stress. No warranty concerns. No rental car fees.
BMW Dealerships: US vs EU
There are massive differences between BMW dealerships in the U.S. and those serving military customers in the EU. One key distinction is that EU dealerships operating under the military sales program are strictly focused on sales—there is no attached workshop, service department, or in house financing.
This streamlined structure is one reason Bavarian Motor Cars can offer unbeatable pricing compared to a stateside dealer.
Through the Bavarian Motor Cars program, eligible customers receive special military pricing—a direct discount from the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP is the price set by the manufacturer for retail sale in the United States and serves as the baseline for most dealership pricing.
Unlike traditional dealerships that often mark up from MSRP, Bavarian Motor Cars applies your military discount directly to this base cost.
The result: a brand-new BMW or Mini Cooper at a significantly reduced price, tailored for the military community overseas.
BMW Maintenance & Warranty
When buying a brand-new BMW through Bavarian Motor Cars, customers benefit from generous warranty and service perks both overseas and stateside.
In the United States, buyers receive a free 3-year or 36,000-mile service and maintenance package—this covers scheduled service and routine maintenance at authorized BMW service centers. This incentive makes it especially smart to purchase your BMW just before PCS’ing back to the U.S., so you can take full advantage of complimentary service once you’re stateside.
While in Europe, new BMWs come with a 3-year unlimited mileage warranty. In addition, customers can purchase extended service packages through recommended local BMW dealerships for continued support and peace of mind during their tour overseas.
Bavarian Motor Cars VIP Delivery Experience
You’re not just buying a BMW. You’re stepping into a personalized European experience. With the Bavarian Motor Cars VIP Delivery, you’ll enjoy:
– Pickup and delivery at their luxury HQ showroom in Würzburg, Germany
– Personalized vehicle orientation to explain every detail of your car
– Temporary German registration and insurance options
– One night stay + breakfast in one of their partner hotels in Würzburg, Germany
This is not your average car-buying experience. It’s elevated, efficient, and tailored for the American lifestyle overseas – See for yourself!
Custom Made BMW: Factory Orders for U.S. Military in Germany
Want your BMW exactly how you envision it? Bavarian Motor Cars allows you to place a custom factory order built to your exact specifications. Choose your model, interior packages, paint color, trim level, and performance upgrades.
Factory orders typically take 6 to 10 weeks depending on the model and availability. During this time, your sales representative will provide regular updates and ensure your delivery date aligns with your military schedule.
When you receive your BMW, it’s more than just a vehicle, it’s a reflection of your taste, your lifestyle, and your time stationed in Europe.
BMW Military Sales Dealership Locations Across Germany
No matter where you’re stationed, Bavarian Motor Cars has a dealership nearby:
– Vilseck
– Ansbach (No physical dealership)
– Kaiserslautern / K-Town (Certified Pre Owned)
Each location is staffed with English-speaking representatives who understand military timelines, PCS schedules, and vehicle shipping needs. You’ll find personalized service and expert advice no matter where you go. They also offer internet sales, allowing you to purchase your vehicle from any location.
Customer Reviews
Here’s what real customers have to say about their experience with Bavarian Motor Cars:
“Sabine was amazing and very helpful. This is my third car from them. I definitely recommend this place. Jack was also helpful. Both are awesome!” – Ronnel Baris
“Once again Karl has been my go-to as this is my second purchased vehicle from him. But this time I had mine built online through the website. Karl took the time to go through each spec and once the order was completed it took 2 months for the M3 to arrive with keys in hand. To Karl and his team—thanks again for making this happen quickly and efficiently.” – Sancho Burlaza
“Bavarian Motor Cars. What can I say? Their entire staff was friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. They have a lot of experience with the USAREUR vehicle process and tell you everything you need to know and do. Antony Jones was amazing. Getting back to me promptly with answers to any questions I had. He kept me informed throughout the whole process. Michelle at the Kaiserslautern office was great as well. Guided me through the features of the long term loaner they issued me while my BMW was ordered. Sarah was fantastic during the pick up process. Walked me through registration and transition from the loaner to my new BMW. I couldn’t have dreamed for a better transaction.” – Matt G
These testimonials reflect the consistent, personalized support that Bavarian Motor Cars offers military families throughout the entire purchase process. See even more reviews here!
Final Thoughts: Why Bavarian Motor Cars is the Military’s Trusted BMW Dealer
The BMW brand is built on performance, luxury, and innovation. But Bavarian Motor Cars takes it a step further by adding military appreciation, streamlined services, and exclusive tax-free deals.
For military families looking to upgrade their lifestyle while stationed in Europe, Bavarian Motor Cars is the go-to choice. You’ll drive away in a premium vehicle, backed by a team that respects your service and understands your needs.
Stop Dreaming & Start Driving. Get Your Free “BMW Pickup Checklist”
Before you collect your brand-new BMW in Germany, make sure you’re prepared.
Download the Free BMW Pickup Checklist: Must-Do Tasks Before Collecting Your New Car in Germany. It’s a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that ensures you don’t miss any critical tasks.
👉 Request the checklist through this contact form and start your BMW journey with confidence.
FREE “PCS to Germany” Checklist!
Moving to Germany through the US Government? Then download our FREE PCS Checklist below.
Proven by THOUSANDS of military families to keep you prepared and organized for your overseas transition.
Disclaimer: This blog is independently written based on official information from Bavarian Motor Cars. All offers and program details are subject to change based on inventory, location, and military status eligibility.
Written by Daniel Taylor, a content creator and military community advocate living in Germany. Learn more about car buying, PCS prep, and travel at DTV Daniel Television.
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