I’m buying 1991 model car, not Mercedes though, from Canada which meets U.S. emissions standards but not safety standards due to the lack of an airbag. What is the best way to get it over the border? I can’t use a registered importer as the cost is prohibitive. I can bring it over without the engine and transmission and it would be treated as parts and not subject to the same regulations as motor vehicles. Only problem is I would have to pull the engine and transmission (basically in the owners driveway if he lets me, by the side of the road if not), tow it home, come back for the engine and transmission, and put it back together. A real pain for just a $1000 car and it’s 500 miles from home each way. Once put together I can get is registered as a rebuilt or homebuilt vehicle. Any other ideas? I thought to ask the seller to just drive the car over the border but its too far for him.

Since when does a 1991 car require an airbag? US Customs does not inspect a car at the border when you import it from Canada.

You can drive the car across the border, and declare it as you cross. They will assess any duties on the spot...pay up and you can keep driving home. The car will need to pass your state inspection and smog test (if any) to be registered. The state should accept a Canadian auto title as valid.

(Disclaimer: Verify this info with your regional US Customs office and state DMV office. However, I've brought vehicles in both directions without major issues.)

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'01 SLK320, '79 450SL & '01 C320 -- What? 3 Mercedes? I am DEFINITELY crazy!!!

Customs requires a statement from the manufacturer that the car meets U.S. emissions and safety regulations before it can be imported. The manufacturer wont give me that statement since it doesn't meet safety regulations due to the lack of an airbag. The similar model sold in the U.S. does have the airbag. I'd love to just drive it over the border. Any such unmanned border points anymore in upstate NY?

Thats true.... there were several U.S. cars made as late as 1994 that did not have airbags- not even a driverside airbag. I had a 1994 Lumina that did not have airbags, but it did have standard ABS.

I think it was not until 1995 that ALL cars had one and it was not until 1996 until all TRUCKS had them. Some did, but many did not.... such as the 1995 Nissan, 1995 Mitsubishi trucks did not have airbags.

Without the letter from the manufacturer you're pretty much screwed - as far as ever getting it registered in the U.S. Getting across the border is not the problem - getting it titled in the U.S. is the problem. It wouldn't be an airbag that was required on a 1991 - but an automatic restraint system, either airbag or automatic seat belt device. The manufacturers are under no obligation to give a letter to anyone -whether it complies or not.

There are quite a few rules and regulations. Check the US DOT site:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Since many 'American' cars are made in Canada, it's probably easier than you think...

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/VIG_Canada07032.html

good luck...

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Regards

Warren

Currently 1965 220Sb, 2002 FORD Crown Vic Police Interceptor

Had 1965 220SEb, 1967 230S, 280SE 4.5, 300SE (W126), 420SEL

ENTER > = (HP RPN)

Not part of the in-crowd since 1952.