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.

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.

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Current fleet
2006 E320 CDI
1992 300D - 5speed manual swapped

former members
1984 300D "Blues Mobile"

1978 300CD "El Toro"

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

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

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.

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro

With the car being over 25 years old I didn't think there were any restrictions on imports?

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....

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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?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

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.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

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!

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?

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.

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...

I believe if you want to bring it into California without a smog certificate it has to be pre 1977 . That is the smog cut off date. CARB and California BAR have different rules than the rest of the states. I could be wrong but I would not try without asking first. There are many euros that cannot come into California for registration. If it was easy everyone would be doing it.

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro

That would probably get you a pass. I would still double check before trying to come to Cal with it. A post '77 gasser would have to pass. sorry my bad

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro