Registering an out of state seven

[BMWRACER]

I'm buying a '92 Seven with a Crossflow from out of state. What problems can I expect when I register it in California?

Thanks in advance

John Norris

[rzempel]

That depends how it's registered when you bring it in. If it is from one of those states that let the registration say it's a '67 Lotus, you won't run into any problems. The DMV or auto club person will re-register it as it was (they have to because of recoprocity rules). On the other hand, at a later time, you can be held accountable for a falsely registered car. If the car is registered as a '92, you'll need to become an expert on SB100 registration.

[Mondo]

Congratulations!

Do a search, lots on the topic.

[BMWRACER]

Thanks for the reply.
I was wondering if I was going to have to deal with SB100. The car is registered as a '92. I understand that you can only get SB100's in the begining of the year. Is it possible to get temperary registration?

[rzempel]

Yes, DMV issues temp registrations. Their length is more limited than it used to be, though. You might have to go back a couple of times to renew it. The other thing to keep firmly in mind is that SB100 exemptions are all taken within the first couple of hours after opening on the first business day of the year (I think that's Jan 4th this time around.) Find a DMV office familiar with SB100, make an appointment for the first spot, and camp out overnight in front of the office door so you're the first or second person in. Then, maybe, you'll get an exemption number.

[Doug Liedblad]

Not only get the appointment but go to your DMV of choice ahead of time and check that you have all the correct paperwork.

Don't just go once but a couple of times and TRIPLE check you are not missing anything.

The only stories I've heard of people getting in line at 6 AM and not getting their number was because they did not have the correct paperwork.

With an already registered car it may be SB1578 that you need. This uses one of the 500 numbers of SB100 but is for cars already registered elsewhere.

Do some checking on the DMV website.

YMMV.

[mopho]

Where in West LA are you located?

[BMWRACER]

Good info. Thanks.

Any tips on insurance?

Mopho, I own GT International Motors BMW Service, we're at 2221 Colby ave, just South of Olympic. We used to be at Sepulveda and Venice

[magnusfeuer]

Ping me if you want the car inspected for safety issues. I live in Manhattan Beach.

/Magnus F.

[mopho]

Good info. Thanks.

Any tips on insurance?

Mopho, I own GT International Motors BMW Service, we're at 2221 Colby ave, just South of Olympic. We used to be at Sepulveda and Venice

Practically right down the road from me. I am in Culver City


I use Hagerty for insurance

[BMWRACER]

Folks.

I'm still working my way through the registration process. With advice from Doug looks like SB1578 is the way to go.

But they don't make it easy. I got the Vin verified by the DMV, but they wanted the CHP to check it too. (That was great because I got an appointment at Newhall and it was 40 miles each way! That's the most I've driven my car and I must say it was real fun!!) The CHP said I have to get a smog from a referee station, but they won't give me an appointment until I get a light and brake inspection, my local light and brake inspector won't do it because it's a "specially constructed car" and he has to measure stuff!!

Has everyone had this much trouble?

Any tips on a light and brake station that is Super 7 friendly? (I don't mind if I have to drive aways to get there)

[magnusfeuer]

Standard procedure.

Just go to a brake and light inspection shop. Make sure that you tell them the registered year of the car so that they apply the rules for lights for that given year.
Brake inspection was a trip around the block with a grinning inspector behind the wheel.

Bring the certificates back to the CHP. Please note that CHP will affix a replacement VIN plaque somewhere on your scuttle where it is visible from the outside. I managed to have the replacement VIN match my original VIN for the car, but your luck may vary.

The CHP officer inspecting your car will also want 15 minutes alone with it while they install a second replacement VIN plaque in a secret place that I still haven't found.

Be nice. Be humble. Be patient.

/Magnus F.

[mopho]

I believe you're not supposed to do any of this before you get the SB100/1578 sequence number, which is the first thing you have to do, that's the way I had to do it last year at least.
CHP requested my SB number before they did the inspection and you definitely can't go to the smog ref without the SB number or the CHP inspection certificate
I also never needed to get a lights inspection

[Sean]

Please note that CHP will affix a replacement VIN plaque somewhere on your scuttle where it is visible from the outside.

Because I had not yet cut the hole in the bonnet for the intake, I drove to the CHP sans bonnet for the VIN inspection. While not done intentionally for the purpose, this left my VIN out in the open for all to see. I do not recall them affixing a separate VIN plaque to my car anywhere, nor did they ask to be left alone with the car; I was there the whole time chatting with them. You may want to try "going hot rod" (minus bonnet) over to the CHP to see if you get the same result.

Also, if you do not yet have a SB100/1578 number, you need to start planning for that immediately.

Best of luck.

[BMWRACER]

OK Let me get this straight. If I still need an SB100 as part of my SB1578 and I can't get a brake and light test or a smog without my SB100 and since the car is used I don't have any receipts for driveline components what do I need to take with me (other than a large thermos of coffee) when I get in line January 4th at O'dark thirty?

I apologize if I'm asking questions that have already been answered.