Bringing a W124 500e into CA - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rjfjr1 · #1 06-07-2007, 01:12 PM

Any thoughts on what I should look for if buying a car from out of state and registering in California? Car has been through a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable dealer, no apparant issues as far as motor is concerned, but its in a non-smog state so hasn't been tested.

Any bad experiences out there?

Thanks!

kwontumspeed · #2 06-07-2007, 01:27 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that all 124.036 were built to be able to smog in CA.

rjfjr1 · #3 06-07-2007, 01:28 PM

Thanks,

I'm not doubting the fact that, when built, the car would have passed without a problem...this car is 15 years old, ***** happens....just being paranoid.

sixto · #4 06-07-2007, 04:34 PM

Should be no problem. Get it smogged when it gets here then go to the DMV to register it. If it has the older style ASR which cannot be disabled, make sure it doesn't go on the dyno. It'll have to be tested in P or N at idle and some elevated rpm, rather than on the rollers at 15 and 25 mph.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

sixto · #5 06-07-2007, 04:35 PM

Assuming it's a US spec, car of course. If it's a gray market or private import, forget about it.

Sixto
93 300SD 3.0

rjfjr1 · #6 06-07-2007, 05:15 PM

Thanks

ke6dcj · #7 06-12-2007, 04:21 PM

Fresh oil change; new plugs, rotor, and cap; run through an entire can of Chevron Techron concentrate; and get the exhaust/cats/engine nice and hot, hot, hot, before your test preferably with some WOT runs 5-8 minutes before.

If they ask you to wait, ask how long, and if over 10-minutes, tell them you need to pick-up some medication for your heart, but instead run a WOT errand. Otherwise, before the SNIFF, run the engine 5-8 minutes at 5K rpm.

:-) neil

cdplayer · #8 06-13-2007, 12:48 AM

I brought my SEC into Calif. from Washington State. But before I bought the car I had the seller verify for me that the sticker(usually black with white letters) mounted near the top of the radiator said "meets California smog requirements". Or something to that nature. He actually took a pic and faxed it to me. But when I arrived to complete the deal, I noticed the smog pump did not have a belt. In fact it had siezed. That was my first $500 repair.
Calif. DMV gives you only 10 business days to register the car once it crosses the border. Go online to California DMV and follow the "registration" links for a vehicle from out of state. Very helpful.
Also a good idea to get the car smogged at a test "and" repair station. If the car fails,like mine did, you can have it fixed right there avoiding a second smog fee.