CDI wagon wanted. Were they imported to Canada?

[ROLLGUY]

My friend Dave really wants a CDI wagon ('05-'06), and is willing to do what it takes to get one here in the 'States. I don't know if they were imported to Canada, but if so, it may be easier to get one across the border than having one shipped from Europe. I started this thread: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/394294-feasability-cdi-drivetrain-swapped-into-e320-wagon.html thinking it would be easy to make one, but Dave thinks this is too much work. We were headed that way, me getting a wagon, and having a CDI donor. Plans changed, and I am enjoying my wagon even though it is thirsty for premium gasoline, and I have since totally repaired the CDI, and it is back on the road. Dave now has the $1,500 CDI, and is enjoying it:http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/394667-my-new-me-%241-500-05-e320-cdi.html
If any of our Canadian members have any info, it would be greatly appreciated......Rich

[dude99]

I've never seen one up here. Not that that means we didn't get them. Also, keep in mind the CDI's still command a premium price up here compared to what you folks in the US are paying. I've not seen a cdi sedan for less than $10,000 in my area in recent memory. If we did get wagons then I'd imagine they'd be a few grand at least over and above the sedan price.

[dieselbenz1]

+1 never seen a cdi wagon out west

[barry12345]

Nor have I on the east coast of Canada. If they are here at all they are probably really scarce. I do think I would have seriously noticed one if it was around. What I have noticed casually. Is the smaller series of Mercedes gas cars are about all I observe around here now. wit a few SUV types.

If a member from the Toronto area comes in with similar information as the product line sells well there. Perhaps a mention from the Montreal area as well.

If they both are negative. Then even if there are a few up here. Chances of getting a resale would be very small. Plus as mentioned in general they might be more money than someone would want to pay.

The exchange rate works big time in your favor at this time though.

[tjts1]

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

. Plans changed, and I am enjoying my wagon even though it is thirsty for premium gasoline,

M112 is perfectly happy burning cheap 87 octane. All you're giving up is 10% of your top end power and fuel economy remains the same.

[Father Of Giants]

Originally Posted by tjts1

M112 is perfectly happy burning cheap 87 octane. All you're giving up is 10% of your top end power and fuel economy remains the same.

Oh, I looked in the owners manual and it warned against it, especially for high load or rpm situations.

My brother is highly consideing selling his wagon for a diesel, he even wanted to trade me.
The M112 engines are thirsty and get horrendous city MPG.

[Father Of Giants]

Originally Posted by tjts1

M112 is perfectly happy burning cheap 87 octane. All you're giving up is 10% of your top end power and fuel economy remains the same.

Oh, I looked in the owners manual and it warned against it, especially for high load or rpm situations. 93 octane fuel is burning the wallet lol.

My brother is highly consideing selling his wagon for a diesel, he even wanted to trade me.
The M112 engines are thirsty and get horrendous city MPG.

[jay_bob]

Surely the engine has a knock sensor that would prevent engine damage due to low octane. It will cut back the fuel if it detects knocking.

[Mxfrank]

It's easier and cheaper to drive across the border for sure. Nafta won't apply, you will have to pay duty. But getting it through EPA and DOT compliance is exactly the same as importing it from Europe. You will need to get a letter from the manufacturer stating that this particular VIN complies with all US requirements. If Mercedes is unwilling to issue that letter, then you will need to contract an independent commercial importer (from a list prepared by customs) to comply the vehicle. This can be a very large expense, depending on what needs to be done. The ICI will then prepare your paperwork and your vehicle will either be accepted, in which case you can drive it home, or rejected, in which case all you have to show for the effort is an empty wallet.



Changing engines, not a huge mechanical issue, but how will you get DMV to change the title from gas to diesel? CA can't be any less picky about that stuff than NY. It would flunk inspection here on that alone. I bet CARB would spoil your day.

[Mxfrank]

Originally Posted by jay_bob

Surely the engine has a knock sensor that would prevent engine damage due to low octane. It will cut back the fuel if it detects knocking.

It corrects for octane by retarding timing. Not good for the engine in the long run.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

It's easier and cheaper to drive across the border for sure. Nafta won't apply, you will have to pay duty. But getting it through EPA and DOT compliance is exactly the same as importing it from Europe. You will need to get a letter from the manufacturer stating that this particular VIN complies with all US requirements. If Mercedes is unwilling to issue that letter, then you will need to contract an independent commercial importer (from a list prepared by customs) to comply the vehicle. This can be a very large expense, depending on what needs to be done. The ICI will then prepare your paperwork and your vehicle will either be accepted, in which case you can drive it home, or rejected, in which case all you have to show for the effort is an empty wallet.



Changing engines, not a huge mechanical issue, but how will you get DMV to change the title from gas to diesel? CA can't be any less picky about that stuff than NY. It would flunk inspection here on that alone. I bet CARB would spoil your day.

It is actually not a big deal. A trip to the referee with the car having the same year or newer engine (same chassis donor) will breeze right through. The hard part is the electrical components. It will need most if not all the wiring harnesses and SAM's changed over from the Diesel donor, as well as the entire fuel system.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by dude99

I've never seen one up here. Not that that means we didn't get them. Also, keep in mind the CDI's still command a premium price up here compared to what you folks in the US are paying. I've not seen a cdi sedan for less than $10,000 in my area in recent memory. If we did get wagons then I'd imagine they'd be a few grand at least over and above the sedan price.

I actually went on Auto Trader Ca https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mercedes-benz/e-class/mississauga/ontario/19_10829652_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_3_3&pc=B3K%205X5&sprx=-1
and found one. 7,500 Canadian, and it looks pretty good.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

It's easier and cheaper to drive across the border for sure. Nafta won't apply, you will have to pay duty. But getting it through EPA and DOT compliance is exactly the same as importing it from Europe. You will need to get a letter from the manufacturer stating that this particular VIN complies with all US requirements. If Mercedes is unwilling to issue that letter, then you will need to contract an independent commercial importer (from a list prepared by customs) to comply the vehicle. This can be a very large expense, depending on what needs to be done. The ICI will then prepare your paperwork and your vehicle will either be accepted, in which case you can drive it home, or rejected, in which case all you have to show for the effort is an empty wallet.



Changing engines, not a huge mechanical issue, but how will you get DMV to change the title from gas to diesel? CA can't be any less picky about that stuff than NY. It would flunk inspection here on that alone. I bet CARB would spoil your day.

Are you saying it is not possible to drive the car across the border unless it is registered to me? Could I have the owner drive it across, and take delivery in the 'States? I doubt I can get a letter from MB, as the "Estate" variant is not available in Diesel for the US market. I am sure the instrument cluster will be in KM's, but that is fairly easy to change (Star DAS). A friend told me that it is possible to register a Canadian car in Oregon without much fuss. I am not sure how true that is, but I plan to find out. I think once the right car is on US soil, Dave will work it out from there.

[pawoSD]

Whats up with people knockin the M112, its an amazing engine! Sure its incredibly thirsty but its also essentially invincible....My E320 wagon is a drift machine!

As for getting a not-originally-sold-in-the-USA under 25 year old vehicle and getting it successfully titled and registered, I wish great luck. My guess is it will be extremely difficult.

[Mxfrank]

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

Are you saying it is not possible to drive the car across the border unless it is registered to me? Could I have the owner drive it across, and take delivery in the 'States? I doubt I can get a letter from MB, as the "Estate" variant is not available in Diesel for the US market. I am sure the instrument cluster will be in KM's, but that is fairly easy to change (Star DAS). A friend told me that it is possible to register a Canadian car in Oregon without much fuss. I am not sure how true that is, but I plan to find out. I think once the right car is on US soil, Dave will work it out from there.

Doesn't matter how it gets across the border. No DMV will register a personally imported car that doesn't have proper customs documentation (form 7501), along with bill of sale and properly transferred Canadian title. Customs documentation will require EPA and DOT certifications, as well as payment of applicable duty. If you can't get a letter from Mercedes, you're going to have to have an approved shop certify all Dot safety items, as well as emissions compliance. There are shortcuts on safety and emissions if the car was over 25 years old, but not on something recent. The car is impounded until it's imported legally or crushed. My suggestion is not to have any of your own money or skin tied up in this adventure, as it may get more interesting than you'd like.

Here's the relevant info from the DHS website:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/~/requirements-for-importing-a-vehicle-%2F-vehicle-parts