When BMW of North America first opened its doors in 1975, American drivers were already proving to be a breed apart. Unlike their European counterparts, BMW’s U.S. customers demanded more performance, more excitement, and more driving engagement. Yet, strict U.S. crash and emissions laws of the 1970s and ’80s often meant that the versions of BMW’s cars arriving on American shores were heavier, slower, and less thrilling than those available abroad.

Frustrated, many enthusiasts turned to the so-called “grey market,” importing forbidden high-performance models like the legendary M535i and E30 M3 Evolution that Munich never officially certified for sale here. Fast-forward to today, and while global regulations are far more harmonized, the cost of certifying niche models for U.S. sale still l

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