Which Car to Bring? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Addicted · #1 04-16-2006, 02:21 PM

I have a question that hopefully some of you may be able to answer/give input. I have a thread that was about what car should I bring back from Germany (still don't know if I'm heading over there for sure). That was useful but now I kinda need to figure out what car I will bring over there (Military ships one for free).

I have a 97 Powerstroke in Excellent condition (Fuel prices........Naaaaa out of the question)

So that leaves me with my Mercedes.

The Black/Black 83 300TDT is running really well almost perfect at 290K and paint is brand new as well as tires and I redid the interior (dyed the carpets and seats were already near perfect) but the dash cracks and wood has some to be desired) Manual sunroof/no 3rd row seat. It will also soon run on WVO so not sure if that is a bonus probably not if I intend to leave the car over there. Has slight tranny problems but only becuase I haven't addressed them yet, nothing that I don't think is an easy fix.

The White (was repainted with some wierd metallic flake a long time ago and has a couple big dents baseball size along with lots of small chips by the grill) 76 w115 300D. Every bell and whistle works except CC and AC. Has motorized sunroof as well as all windows are electric. All door locks work etc and only has 129K but doesn't run perfect as it had a blown head gasket and I had the head rebuilt and put the car back together myself (most of the car was in the trunk...junkyard speacial). Black interior is 100% absolutely perfect, including headliner, dash, etc.

Just kinda wondering what would be a better car to take over as far as driving over there for a little while with it and then selling it. I hate the idea of selling either of them but I figure I can come back with something better.
The Wagon is more reliable and gets better MPG but the 115 handles way better and is my true love.

Thank you and I appreciate any advise. I hear that there are not many of these cars left over there as they all rust out and it would be pretty easy to sell for a comparable price.

Thank you,
Addicted

Hatterasguy · #2 04-16-2006, 02:27 PM

I'd figure out what they want in Europe but can't get overthere. Maybe that diesel Ford, then bring it over and sell it for a great price. After that replace with a cool Euro car we want overhear and ship that back!

Addicted · #3 04-16-2006, 02:56 PM

Yeah I've often wondered what they use over there for trucks and if a American Diesel Truck would be of any concern to them. I know they are way ahead of us on Diesel Technology but that is all I know..Well that and the Unimog

I tried finding out the other day about American vehicles on a quick search but didn't find out all that much. I wonder who makes their Truck over there.

Hatterasguy · #4 04-16-2006, 03:02 PM

Small vans like MB sprinters seem to be popular.

Their are so many cool cars overthere I'd just buy one over there. That is if you decide you even need/want one.

Maybe a CLK270CDI or a X type sedan with a stick and a diesel!

I love looking through the for sale section in Eurpean mags. Their is one called "Classic Car" or something like that based in the UK. You can get nice Austin Martins and Rolls for $10k-$20k. Tons of cool gas W123's.

Maybe its just me but I would be looking at it the other way around. Buy something neat in Europe and bring it back.

Addicted · #5 04-16-2006, 03:07 PM

Ahh yes. Was just looking on Ebay Germany. Nice CDI 270 stick. Everything seem relatively cheap. But then again I have to worry about some import costs but I'll worry about that then.

I do intend to bring a car back with me as well. I jsut didn't want to be in a hurry over there and figured I could enjoy my car forawhile and use it as a downpayment on something I couldn't find here.

Addicted · #6 04-16-2006, 03:11 PM

http://cgi.ebay.de/MERCEDES-BENZ-200-T-1980_W0QQitemZ4629814414QQcategoryZ18214QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hmm maybe I'll have to bring a couple back 890 Euro and a 4 speed hmmmmmm. Doesn't look like they are that valueable of a car after all. Appears to be quite a few.

Brian Carlton · #7 04-16-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addicted

I do intend to bring a car back with me as well. I jsut didn't want to be in a hurry over there and figured I could enjoy my car forawhile and use it as a downpayment on something I couldn't find here.

You have to be real careful with that. Without a US VIN, you are going to jump through hoops to get the safety and emissions equipment in proper order. It's a giant hassle and is not cheap.

It sounds like a great deal to do........but........it can really bite you in the ass if you are not prepared.

bills · #8 04-16-2006, 04:35 PM

A tough call. I'm sure you could sell the powerstroke here. I've seen a few older American pickups here owned by germans, probably bought from an American. Work trucks for farmers, etc. Most though are owned by Americans. A plus is that it's diesel, which is slightly cheaper than gas here. Lots of tahoes, expeditions here owned by Americans, but very impractical for germans due to fuel costs and parking space. But the 123 wagons are rare, though, just not valuable. American specs (leather or tex, air and auto) would make it more unique. Most everything that old is rusted away. If you are married, you can register 2 cars, so ship the TD and pickup. Singles can only register one vehicle.

Addicted · #9 04-16-2006, 05:04 PM

Hi bills,

How long have you lived in Germany? And a single can only register one car. What would us Americans do

I am married but the Military only allows us to ship one vehicle over (or at least without charge).

I really hope I get to head over there for my first duty station. I know in comparison Germany is not such a big place so who knows. If I get over there I'll have to look you up.

Any wise widsom for someone heading over there at least vehicle wise. By the way what is Diesel Right now over there.

H-townbenzoboy · #10 04-16-2006, 05:26 PM

If I were you, I'd take the 300TD. I bet it would love to go back to the home country

, and take it on the autobahn for an ultimate Italian Tuneup.

Toblin · #11 04-16-2006, 06:05 PM

Have you figured out how much $$ it will take to bring your "gray" car up to U.S. standards?

Hatterasguy · #12 04-16-2006, 08:29 PM

If its over a certain age its exempt. I'd talk to a car importer, time to ask for professional help.

Certainly an importer could steer you in the right direction as far as what old, maybe even go as far as suggest certain makes and models that are easy to import.

You may also be able to ship it as a "kit car", I know Noble does that to bypass DOT regs.

bills · #13 04-17-2006, 02:35 AM

I got here in June of last year. If you are single, you can register one POV (car or truck) and two "recreational vehicles" which are defined as motorcycles or campers (seasonal). If you are "accompanied" you can register three POV's plus 2 recreational vehicles. You can also ask for a waiver to register an additional vehicle. That gets approved (or disapproved) by your local command. The gov't will ship only one vehicle whether you are single or accompanied, but you can ship another on your dime, which I did, or buy a second vehicle when you get here. Lots of cheap hoopties for sale everywhere. If you have a motorcycle you can ship in your household goods where it does not count against your POV shipment, only your weight allowance. You can buy and register any US or german spec vehicle here, but to ship a non US spec vehicle back to the US, it has to be 25 years old to be exempt, or you have to make it comply w/DOT and EPA. For every vehicle you register, you get a fuel allowance, usually 400 liters per month, but for some SUV's you can get 600 or 800/month. That allows you to buy subsidized gas, which is between $2.50 and 2.80 per gallon. If you use more, you can always buy local fuel, which is 1.20 euro/liter for diesel and up for gas. But 400 liters is plenty - you can buy coupons for the full quantity every month and save them up. They are good for a year, and refundable after that. So gas is not a problem.

pawoSD · #14 04-17-2006, 02:59 AM

If I were moving to germany I'd bring a car that can hold its own on the auto-bahn. I've been on it many times....and us and our american auto-turbo diesels would be stuck in the truck lane as the 150+mph capable cdi's and euro-gassers go whizzing by. (I was in a 220cdi, it did 155mph very quietly...) Considering how loud/hard it is for these cars just to pass 100mph, I'd look into getting something a little faster. Unless you don't mind the truck lane.

In the areas with speed limits, it equals out to about 82-83mph (in km) and even that is quite fast for the american-setup diesels we have....and once the speedlimit is lifted in the more open areas, you can just watch half the cars release the horses and take off......

Those powerstrokes don't seem to be much faster (if not slower) than our MB's, while consuming 1.5x the amount of fuel....it'd consume 400liters in no time if you drive around a bit, thats about 105 gallons, maybe 1,300ish miles range per month?

Addicted · #15 04-17-2006, 03:04 AM

Bills,

Thank you for the info. That was really good info to know and to have. I'll have to PM you possibly to keep this forum what it is but what branch of the Military? I guess I could figure it out by looking at what bases are in your listed residence up top.

Who knows maybe I'll bring my truck after all. More research to do I guess.