New (to us) family hauler - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pawoSD · #31 08-16-2013, 10:46 AM

Why is she so heavily opposed to gasser engines? I am quite sure that a toyota or honda gas motor is going to pretty easily match most modern diesels in at least the reliability/durability category. Maybe not in MPG, but if your modern diesel needs multi thousand dollar repairs, the fuel savings are moot.

My wife has similar requirements for no minivan, but she's not 100% tied to diesel (but does like them), and I'm sure if we had 4 kids she'd break the minivan rule or go for a sprinter. Sprinter's are quite awesome and reliable....probably WAY cheaper to own than an R-class or ML-class diesel. Just sayin..... So far our TDI hasn't had any issues, but who knows. I don't really plan to keep it past warranty....might trade it for a GLA or ML in a few years.

ROLLGUY · #32 08-16-2013, 11:21 AM

Having a "Diesel only" wife is way cool. I'd say she is a keeper (do whatever it takes to make her happy). As far as suggestions as to what vehicle to get, it sounds like your choices are getting fewer and fewer that meet your (her) criteria. I remember seeing an Audi wagon a while back (was looking for a Diesel for a friend of mine) that had the TDI. It was reasonably priced, and may fit your criteria.

DieselPaul · #33 08-16-2013, 11:39 AM

If its under 25 years old you'll struggle to import it. Canadas law is 15 years, which is why they have some early 90s stuff, however it being legal to import into Canada doesn't make it legal to import here.

If its under 25 years old you'll need to use (or become) a registered importer. Even then a docket for import needs to exist that states what changes the RI needs to make to the vehicle to make it legal. Dockets exist for *most* Mercedes Benzes, a list of the dockets are easily found on customs website.

Yes, I've left some nuances out of the import process, before the more informed jump my case, I didn't think it was necessary to type out the entire process.

HOWEVER, why take on the massive expense and headache to even discuss bringing in some late 90s car when probably for the same money you could pick up a CDI ML, GL, Toureg, etc.

Call a registered importer, you may or may not be surprised at the fees, I'm not sure what your budget is.

Mölyapina · #34 08-16-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Having a "Diesel only" wife is way cool. I'd say she is a keeper (do whatever it takes to make her happy). As far as suggestions as to what vehicle to get, it sounds like your choices are getting fewer and fewer that meet your (her) criteria. I remember seeing an Audi wagon a while back (was looking for a Diesel for a friend of mine) that had the TDI. It was reasonably priced, and may fit your criteria.

Audis are very troublesome, according to Consumer Reports. However, they don't delve into specific engines and so the diesel might be a bit better... it would be a seven-seater diesel, although the backseat is reputed to be quite tiny.

pawoSD · #35 08-16-2013, 12:20 PM

With a sub 10k budget its going to be close to impossible to find a fit for those requirements....at least for something decent/reliable.

Recent reports pegged raising 1 child at $241,000 in terms of costs. So you might need about 1 million for the 4 of them.

I only have 1 and she's pretty expensive.

(but worth it!)

I personally would just get a sprinter if I planned need that much room....reliable, fuel efficient, and diesel. Fits all needs. Might want to boost the budget 5-7k or so to find a lower miles/nice one.

Mölyapina · #36 08-16-2013, 01:06 PM

Good news -- a docket for the W210 exists! Here's one in Germany -- an E 290 T turbodiesel with 57,200 miles (converted from 92,000 km). You might want to look for an engine that was sold in the US, though... such as an E 320 T.

Dockets also exist for the 940 and 960, but only for certain years (?). I don't know what it would take to certify the remaining years, but I can't imagine it would take too much, (1995 is the same as 1994, hello???), but then again, this is the government. The Volvos would be a heck of a lot less expensive.

I don't what it would take to certify the W211, but that might start getting too expensive...

DieselPaul · #37 08-16-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

Good news -- a docket for the W210 exists! Here's one in Germany -- an E 290 T turbodiesel with 57,200 miles (converted from 92,000 km). You might want to look for an engine that was sold in the US, though... such as an E 320 T.

...

I can't open the file on this computer, but often the docket specifies an engine. So while the 210 chassis is legal the 290 motor (which I think is a punched out 605...) is not legal as it does not meet emissions regulations.

The DOT limit on imports is 25 years, I think EPA might only be 20 years.

My point is that its not as simple as you pay for shipping, you pay 2.5% duty, and you can have whatever you want. It's not really a realistic proposition to "simply" import what you want.

giff · #38 08-16-2013, 02:36 PM

Diesel 1982 VW Westfalia Vanagon

Mölyapina · #39 08-16-2013, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

I can't open the file on this computer, but often the docket specifies an engine. So while the 210 chassis is legal the 290 motor (which I think is a punched out 605...) is not legal as it does not meet emissions regulations.

The DOT limit on imports is 25 years, I think EPA might only be 20 years.

My point is that its not as simple as you pay for shipping, you pay 2.5% duty, and you can have whatever you want. It's not really a realistic proposition to "simply" import what you want.

Nope, it's a safety certification for the whole W210 line (not emissions, so you would still have to do that). Here is the summary:

SUMMARY: This document announces receipt by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a petition for a decision that
1996-2002 Mercedes Benz E Class (W210) passenger cars that were not
originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor
vehicle safety standards are eligible for importation into the United
States because: (1) They are substantially similar to vehicles that
were originally manufactured for importation into and sale in the
United States and that were certified by their manufacturer as
complying with the safety standards, and (2) they are capable of being
readily altered to conform to the standards.

Here is the part of the main body that lists what safety modifications would have to take place:
Specifically, the petitioner claims that non-U.S. certified 1996-
2002 Mercedes Benz E Class (W210) passenger cars are identical to their
U.S. certified counterparts with respect to compliance with Standard
Nos. 102 Transmission Shift Lever Sequence * * *, 103 Defrosting and
Defogging Systems, 104 Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems, 105
Hydraulic Brake Systems, 106 Brake Hoses, 109 New Pneumatic Tires, 113
Hood Latch Systems, 114 Theft Protection, 116 Brake Fluid, 124
Accelerator Control Systems, 202 Head Restraints, 204 Steering Control
Rearward Displacement, 205 Glazing Materials, 206 Door Locks and Door
Retention Components, 207 Seating Systems, 209 Seat Belt Assemblies,
210 Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages, 212 Windshield Mounting, 216 Roof
Crush Resistance, 219 Windshield Zone Intrusion, and 302 Flammability
of Interior Materials.
The petitioner claims that the vehicles are exempt from the parts
marking requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Standard at 49 CFR Part 541 because they are equipped with U.S.-model
anti-theft devices that prevent the vehicles from being driven and
activate the horn.
In addition, the petitioner claims that the vehicles comply with
the Bumper Standard found in 49 CFR Part 581.
The petitioner also contends that the vehicles are capable of being
readily altered to meet the following standards, in the manner
indicated:
Standard No. 101 Controls and Displays: (a) Inscription of the word
``brake'' on the dash in place of the international ECE warning symbol;
(b) replacement of the speedometer with the U.S.-model component that
reads in miles per hours.
Standard No. 108 Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated
Equipment: (a) Installation of U.S.-model headlamps and front side
marker lights; (b) installation of U.S.-model tail lamp assemblies
which incorporate rear side marker lights; (c) installation of a U.S.-
model center high mounted stop light assembly on vehicles that are not
already so equipped.
Standard No. 110 Tire Selection and Rims: installation of a tire
information placard.
Standard No. 111 Rearview Mirror: replacement of the passenger side
rearview mirror with a U.S.-model component or inscription of the
required warning statement on the surface of that mirror.
Standard No. 118 Power Window Systems: reprogramming of the power
window system so that the windows will not operate with the ignition
off.
Standard No. 201 Occupant Protection in Interior Impact: The
petitioner contends that all components subject to this standard are
identical to those on the vehicles' U.S.-certified counterparts, which
have been identified by the manufacturer as meeting the upper interior
head impact requirements of the standard. All vehicles will be
inspected to ensure that they are equipped with the appropriate U.S.-
model parts, and those parts will be installed on any vehicles that are
not so equipped.
Standard No. 208 Occupant Crash Protection: (a) Reprogramming of
the seat belt warning buzzer; (b) inspection of all vehicles and
replacement of the driver's and passenger's side air bags, control
units, sensors, and seat belts with U.S.-model components on vehicles
that are not already so equipped. Petitioner states that the vehicles
are equipped with seat belts in front and rear outboard and the rear
center designated seating positions. Petitioner further states that the
vehicles are equipped with a seat belt warning lamp that is identical
to the lamp installed on U.S.-certified models.
Standard No. 214 Side Impact Protection: inspection of all vehicles
to ensure that they are equipped with door bars identical to those in
the U.S. certified model and installation of those components on
vehicles that are not already so equipped.
Standard No. 301 Fuel System Integrity: installation of a U.S.-
model fuel tank, fuel level sensor, fuel vapor filter, and rollover
valve.
The petitioner states that a vehicle identification plate must be
affixed to the vehicles near the left windshield post and a reference
and certification label must be affixed in the area of the left front
door post to meet the requirements of 49 CFR Part 565.
Interested persons are invited to submit comments on the petition
described above. Comments should refer to the docket number and be
submitted to: Docket Management, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh St., SW,
Washington, DC 20590. [Docket hours are from 9 am to 5 pm]. It is
requested but not required that 10 copies be submitted.
All comments received before the close of business on the closing
date indicated above will be considered, and will be available for
examination in the docket at the above address both before and after
that date. To the extent possible, comments filed after the closing
date will also be considered. Notice of final action on the petition
will be published in the Federal Register pursuant to the authority
indicated below.

DieselPaul · #40 08-16-2013, 02:51 PM

I don't know what you mean by NOPE. Can't tell if you're agreeing or disagreeing with me.

Mölyapina · #41 08-16-2013, 02:53 PM

Here's one you might want to watch to see how high it goes...

Mercedes E320 CDI Kombi Bj 08/1999, Diesel, gelbe Plakette, HU/AU 05/2014,102Tkm in Magdeburg | eBay

Mölyapina · #42 08-16-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselPaul

I don't know what you mean by NOPE. Can't tell if you're agreeing or disagreeing with me.

I'm probably agreeing more than disagreeing... I'm just saying that the docket is a safety certification for the whole line, 1996-2002 (or whatever it is...). I agree with you, though, that it sounds like a real pain.

Mölyapina · #43 08-16-2013, 03:18 PM

I wonder if you yourself could become an RI & modify the vehicle as needed. Attached is a guide to becoming an RI.

pawoSD · #44 08-16-2013, 03:21 PM

Keep in mind if you import a gray market diesel, a dealer likely won't touch it with a 10 foot pole, so repairs will be all on your own or at an indy shop that has never seen one before.

Mölyapina · #45 08-16-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Keep in mind if you import a gray market diesel, a dealer likely won't touch it with a 10 foot pole, so repairs will be all on your own or at an indy shop that has never seen one before.

To quote Ben: "Shops are for alignments and tires".