Importing Mercedes from Germany

[kolnerspieler]

Hi,
I have been thinking about importing a car from europe, Germany specifically. I was wondering if anyone is interested in the same things. They are much cheaper in Germany with a lot milage and regular service. Most of them are 5 speed too. I am thinking about importing a G wagon Diesel. If anyone is interested let me knowm maybe we can get a deal on shipping and get a good deal in Germany.

[dariod]

You probably will never be able to get it registered in the states period.

[TylerH860]

I believe the rule is it has to be over 20 years old.

5 speed 300GD would be amazing. I remember seeing an ebay ad for one for sale in CA a while ago. Silver with black and gray plaid cloth interior.

[kerry]

25 yrs old?

[kolnerspieler]

I will have to check on the registaration part of things, but i have seen them here that were imported. The G wagons in decent condition with about 130K miles on it sell for about 5 to 6000 euros. You can get them cheaper too, but they need some work. I have seen them for about 2000 to 3000 but needing a bunch of work on them. The shipping would be roughly just over a 1000.

[pawoSD]

My dad was going to get into the business of doing that back in the 80's, but had to cancel it because of the new federal regulations prohibiting euro-cars from being imported. Only the old (20-25 years or more) ones can be brought over...I'm pretty sure. He did some pretty thorough research on it back then.

[POS]

25 years old is the law. So if you find one that's built in 1983/1984 or earlier, it really is as simple as just bringing it in. When the shipper brings it in, he'll do all the paperwork and hoops. What you'll find with the cars from Europe, however, is that they have a lot more rust than a Cali car, an AZ car, or a Texas car. There's a reason why the europeans come to the US to buy a bunch of old classics - no rust issues.

[whunter]

Importing or Exporting a vehicle.
Importing or Exporting a vehicle.











Have a great day.

[::matthew]

cars 25 years or older don't have to deal with the DOT/EPA business. Newer cars can be brought in, but unless an identical car(engine, body, etc.) was offered in the US, it's tougher and costs a lot more. I've noticed that a lot of old Land Rover Defenders are starting to make there way over now that the early ones are 25 years old.

If you want to do this, it's probably best to deal with someone in the business of getting the car here.

[texasnative46]

to all,

i've found out from the US Customs & Border Protection Service that the magic number is over TWENTY years old & that antique cars (25+ years old or more) are even less difficult to bring into the USA.
(antique cars need NOT be "Americanized".)

newer cars CAN be brought into the USA for several reasons BUT they (with FEW exceptions) MUST be brought into conformity with US specs.

fwiw, my sister & her husband are stationed in Heidelburg & i plan to visit them for several weeks this summer & am planning to bring home at least two MB antique cars. - one will be a 5-speed diesel.
(the other is a 500SLC)

yours, texasnative46

[Bama1]

Here is a definitive guide: Importation Regulations

[babymog]

There also was (is?) a one-time exemption for "historically significant" vehicles that aren't to be regularly driven.