I have heard a few times that the resale value of euro cars in the US is less than that of US cars. I'm wondering: Why? The roll off the same assembly line! Same quality, and arguably the euros even look better, and often have "better" higher HP motors. I know that parts are sometimes harder to find, but the vast majority of parts are interchangeable.....so is the rather small inconvenience for a few select parts the culprit? Also, what would the price difference actually be? Thanks for any insights.

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'86 420SE Euro
904 Midnight Blue, Gray Velour
Dad bought it new, now I own it.

"A Mercedes-Benz is like a fine wine, it only gets better with age."

WE know the positive attributes of the Euro models, but most "Average Joe" buyers do not.


Mike

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

www.myspace.com/mikemover
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Many things contribute to the lower value of Euro cars. Parts availability, availability of accurate wiring diagrams and shop manuals, and non-US equipment are some. Also, many US cars are not as well equipped as their US counterparts... lack of power windows, seats, A/C, and velour interior can detract from a vehicle's value. Many Euro cars were "converted" to meet US DOT standards. I have seen heavily modified fuel systems that are virtually impossible to diagnose when a problem exists. If you live in an area that requires emissions testing, you may not be able to pass... this can be a very expensive problem that comes back to haunt you every year!

Scott P.

As was said before, i would imagine its because of lack of toys....A/C for one, as its generally an expensive option here in the UK rather than standard fit for hotter climates.

Plus you may end up buying a car that wont pass your emmission standards.

Any idea how I can find out if any critical parts on my car were heavily modified?

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'86 420SE Euro
904 Midnight Blue, Gray Velour
Dad bought it new, now I own it.

"A Mercedes-Benz is like a fine wine, it only gets better with age."

mbtjc

also i believe because of higher speed limits, a lot of these cars have had the living hell run out of them.

parts a different,they are harder to get,more expensive,take longer to come in.

they don't meet d.o.t. safety requirements. the glass is different, bumpers were mentioned. owners manuals and shop manuals are hard to get.

a lot of dealers won't mess with them as trade ins.

some insurance companies won't insure them.

i think a "euro spec" is probably not worth the hassle [here], it would be neat to have one [please,don't get me wrong] but probably a expensive hassle.

peter

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*92 400e 124.034, SOLD

*92 300e 124.030, SOLD

parts are not as hard to get as people think. sometimes it takes some rigging but always works. as for them not having as many toys my 500 had more toys than other U.S. I ever saw.
my 2 cents

Its the same for any car really, i mean at the moment there is a sudden influx of MPV's from Japan coming over as cheap imports.

They may be badged up as Toyota's but trying to get parts and servicing for them is a nightmare by all accounts

As much as what all of you have been saying is true, the whole parts nightmare issue is realistically not that big of a deal as Benzman500 was saying. For instance, if one imported a Fiat Barchetta or a Lotus Elise, yes, then it would be a royal pita as far as parts and service goes. But with these MBs, I bet better than 90% of the parts are the same. They share the same basic engines that are tuned a little differently, not like they offered completely different engines in Germany that no one has ever seen over here. Also, as Benzman was saying, my car has stuff US cars don't have. The EZL igntion dial under the hood, the electronic trip computer on the dash (rare but I have it), the E/S switch on the tranny, and the engine pre-heater just to name a few. So although it is without a doubt more convenient to have and to get a US car in the US, I personally think that the very small inconvenience of having a euro car is worth it taking all its advantages into consideration; granted you have the opportunity to own one.

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'86 420SE Euro
904 Midnight Blue, Gray Velour
Dad bought it new, now I own it.

"A Mercedes-Benz is like a fine wine, it only gets better with age."

mbtjc, dan

you all have the s-class cars, they are loaded in whatever continent you find one.

the other class cars are not [euro-spec] for example power windows,cruise control, power locks,leather seats are not on most of these cars.

my point is that they have potential to be a HASSLE. [any car can]

i think it would be VERY COOL to own a '88 500sl, 5 spd, but it would be a nightmare if my insurance company canceled or wouldn't insure me or if i couldn't trade it in sometime.

i'm glad you all have had good luck with yours, some people have not.

peter

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*92 400e 124.034, SOLD

*92 300e 124.030, SOLD

The only problem with insurance and that typr of thing is the vin once they figure it is a euro its no problem. As for the lack of options in the smaller cars that understandable they are cheaper to buy bcause of that. It is the same her in the U.S. You buy a s600 you expect more than a c230. At least I think so.