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Parallel Import E46 - Military First Reg?

WilliamOxford

By WilliamOxford,
in BMW 3 Series Forum

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WilliamOxford

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Hello!

I bought a right-hand drive E46 320Ci, new, with essentially zero mileage, in 2001 as a 'grey' import to the UK from Belgium (via Virgin Cars) and it continues to be a great vehicle. I recently needed to replace a front indicator assembly due to a stone impact and was surprised to be told that the VIN number indicated that the car was first registered as a military vehicle (even though no previous owner was shown in the car documents).

This has intrigued me ever since and I wonder whether anyone can explain how this might have occurred (e.g., why would the military register an RHD coupe that was subsequently available to import from Europe with zero mileage by Virgin Cars)?

Thanks!

Bill

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