euro 300TD W124 5-spd N/A worth anything in USA? Any tips on importing it?

[lovedieselsd]

Hi all,

Thinking to bring my nice near rust-free straight W124 300D Touring with a five speed to the USA. It's a 1986 so importing it is possible without changing bumpers and headlights etc. Never done it, any tips?

Other than that, I'd use it for winter, and then sell it on Ebay probably. Would it bring decent money, like around $8000? That's what I estimate, as it's low KM's and a five speed 300. Way better MpG... Also, I wouldn't want a turbo in a manual car, it's annoying as it needs to built pressure each time you shift.

It's black with a cloth interior, wood trim is nice, dash not cracked, and as said, straight.

Any input appreciated!

Will try to upload pics as soon as I can.

[cooljjay]

If I had one, and the cash to import it....I sure wouldn't hesitate.....sounds like a nice car, and euro to boot! Can't commit on the worth though....

[t walgamuth]

I think it would be an easy sell if it had ac.

Without it I think its a tough sell at least around here....perhaps in canada?

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by lovedieselsd

Also, I wouldn't want a turbo in a manual car, it's annoying as it needs to built pressure each time you shift.

Not really since the turbo diesels run the same compression ratio as the non turbos, both engines produce the same power prior to boost. $8000 seems optimistic but I wouldn't let that stop me.

[lovedieselsd]

Ok, good points there. I had thought about the non-A/C issue as well, but I never used my A/C in my 300TDT in California... Even when it worked. Also, most people know MB A/C systems usually don't work when older. But I may then look for a better one to bring across the pond, as it's going to be a nightmare getting it registered it seems like. Weird though, in Europe it's pretty straightforward and well organized to import a vehicle. The government doesn't make that a near impossible thing to do for it's citizens

The problem is, it's very hard to find a good 300 with a five speed and A/C. The 250's N/A I don't like. they're too slow, and really need a turbo...
But OK I'll keep looking for an A/C car to import!

[lovedieselsd]

Ok, I found a W124 300TD 4-matic with A/C! Auto trans of course. Straight, silver, no rust, 200000 miles, rebuilt trans.

Would that sell?

[Everybodyghost]

I would think you'd want to import to a state that doesn't issue titles on old cars, like Georgia or Kentucky. A resident of GA should be able to register it down there with a bill of sale. I think NH is the same way. No title cars from GA or KY can be titled, at least in NC, with 2 bills of sale (one being notarized).

I'm not sure if there is a special procedure for a car from overseas. I know you can pull any heap out of the woods in GA and get registration for it. Probably not a 100% "up and up" importation, but probably also pretty fast and easy.

[lovedieselsd]

not too worried about title, that can be done as it's been done before... 25 and older cars can be titled in the USA without having to alter the headlights or bumpers etc etc. Not sure what route to take for that though, my main concern is if it would be worth it...

[zeke]

Originally Posted by lovedieselsd

Ok, I found a W124 300TD 4-matic with A/C! Auto trans of course. Straight, silver, no rust, 200000 miles, rebuilt trans.

Would that sell?

That would sell higher and faster than the other here in Texas. I was just talking to the wife about looking for one for us last night

[lovedieselsd]

It's going to be that one I'll ship. A/C and 4-matic, no rust, straight and never messed with. Leather interior too.
I need it for towing, this coming winter as I'll sell my '98 RAM cummins. After winter when going back to Europe it'll be up for sale.

Thanks for the input on importing you guys, expect a PM in the near future.
I may bring a 300GD turbo with a five speed as well. It has a little rust though which makes me unsure. Maybe my '77 landcruiser diesel?

how nice, Europe is in crisis and sells their toys cheap!

[DieselPaul]

Call Customs. I've spoken to them a couple times, I've been looking into G-Wagons after I sell a car or two and make room in the Garage. If you get the right person on the phone they can be super helpful and answer all your questions.

There is a small form for cars over 25 years old, its like a half sheet. You can clear it through customs yourself, or a lot of the companies that transport the cars will do the paperwork for a few bucks more. Passport ships a lot of cars locally for a friend of mine, and they offer an import service. They've got partner companies in Europe who can pick the car up and take it to port. Its not a big deal to get one in. Given the exchange rate, and the cost of shipping. I'd look for cars worth more than $8,000 if you intend to make a business out of this.

[Phillytwotank]

I'd say that it be worth a lot here. Definitely would have no problem selling it if you we're to go through the trouble of importing it.

[t walgamuth]

Selling a car without ac in the US is a problem, I think.

[compu_85]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Selling a car without ac in the US is a problem, I think.

Depends on where you sell it. Might not be a problem in say the PNW or some areas of Cali.

-J

[C.Doner]

In the state you wish to import it to, be sure you do not have to go the smog certification process route. Most states will allow the car in . I'm unsure as my euro had a shaky importation process. It took me five years to get my 300D registered California legally. It was a hassle. I think Administrations changed in Sacramento before I was able to find someone at the DMV who would even give me the time of day. Its too long of a story to detail over now. You have to get an EPA certificate as well. They should waive it in but check to be sure. I think the hardest thing now is the paperwork for the customs upon entry. PM me if you wish for more details.