I would like to know what the difference is between USA and imported Mercedes. Is it only headlights and bumpers, or does it go much deeper than that including engine and emissions equipment? What is the identifying feature of a non-USA model. Is it much more difficult to get parts for them? Do yellow headlights mean anything? I have heard so many different stories that I would like to hear the pro's comments on this board.

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

I'm not a pro, so I'll limit my reply to what I am fairly sure of, and let those in the know fill in the details. Things like bumpers and lights are the easiest way to tell euro vehicles apart fom North American ones. These difference are not merely cosmetic. DOT has regulations (such as 5mph bumpers in the seventies and those horrible lights). There are also mechanical differences. The best example of which is the 450SL from 71-80 ( I think). I don't believe this model was sold in europe - they had a 280 and 350 I think. The extra dispacement was necessary to get similar horsepower and performance and still meet US emmissions. I think the difference in newer cars are marginal, but they do exist.



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Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

The reason I ask, is because I saw a 1982 300SE for sale, that needed a lifter set, and was a German model, for 800.00. I was curious but I want more knowledge of the pitfalls of parts availability and how different my manuals would be.

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

I have two Euro 240D's. One is a parts car, the other a driver.

There are obvious differences which include; bumpers, headlights, headlight leveling switch, metric guages and different interior trim. The euro cars have different models as far as trim, and option combinations. The diesels have different injection pumps, I expect that the gas models would have different injection systems as well, but I'm not sure about that. The engines will definitely be different because they do not have to meet the same emissions standards.

There will probably be a different gear ratio combination.

You are saying German, are you sure it's from Germany, or just not a US model. If it is from Germany, it was probably driven hard and fast on the Autobahn which wears engines out MUCH faster than 70 and 80 MPH like we drive here. Europe has many countries, most all of which have speed limits except Germany. If you want the car for parts, how deep do you get into car work? Having a Euro spec. parts car puts forth some interesting combinations that you could build, such as different gear ratios, and of course the Euro headlights(if the car still has them).

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Will the vin no. have this info. regarding whether it is a euro or not? What will the clue be?

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

One more question, why do some Mercedes have yellow high beams?

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

Patsy, there is no such thing as a 1982 300SE. The 300SE 126 body was introduced as a 1986 model in the US and Europe and has the same engine as the 300E but in the bigger 126 body. Are you sure you have the model correct? For 1982, if it is a US version you would have:
300SD - Inline 5 Turbo-Diesel
380SEL - 3.8L V8 gas
Euro Versions:
280S - Inline six 2.8l carburated
280SE - Inline six 2.8l fuel injected
380SE/SEL - 3.8l V8
500SE/SEL - 5.0l V8
European cars differ greatly in their emission controls and horsepower. For example a 1982 US 380SEL has only 155hp where the Euro car has 204hp. Also of course the bumpers are different, interiors are usually velour/cloth, A/C systems are manual instead of automatic, etc...
Yellow fog lights were standard fare on US 126 cars and optional on euro cars. Yellow light is supposed to work better in foggy conditions as it reflects less in the suspended water particles in the fog.
Hope info helps.
Regards,
Joe Brasileiro
1980 450SEL
1987 Jaguar XJ6

Thanks Joe for the info. I did not even notice I typed "300" instead of "380", I have the "300" and so I guess it looked normal to me. It is indeed a "380". I appreciate your help. If I want to repair the engine on the '82 380SE, will parts be difficult to get? Thanks everyone for your responses.

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

Patsy, the 380 engine up to 1984 had a single row timing chain which could break or jump and cause the valves to hit the pistons. Most likely it is what happened to the car you are talking about. Repairs involve basilcally doing a valve job. Avg cost is around $4000-$5000 if properly done by a dealer or good MBZ mechanic. I would pass on the car unless it was an euro which has a lot more power and in immaculate condition. You can find a lot of these in excellent condition with the updated timimg chain for around $6000.00
Regards,
Joe Brasileiro

Patsy,

The yellow's are not the high beam, they are fog lights.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Only US spec engines had single row timing chain. Euro motors weren't weak in that area!

I restore cars so I would not want one in excellent condition. I was wondering if internal engine components are more difficult to come by on euro's- I gather they are different internally?

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'79 300SD (340K),'71 VW Karmann Ghia conv.,Toyota '77/'88 Land Cruiser's

Yes, getting parts for euro versions is a little more difficult. My 1980 380SE (euro) need an oil filter housing (i.e. with oil cooler fittings) Salvage was not available I had to wait for overseas delivery plus $$.




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Nick Koch
80 380SE (euro)
87 300SDL 204,000 Miles
96 Dodge Ram 1500

Hi to everyone i have u.k spec 230 ce w124 i have noticed there are a few difrences in euro spec mercedes to u.s.a models especially in the exterior i.e bumpers- lights etc if you need to get parts for euro spec models visit www.euro-car-parts.com thet are based in london u.k and they do mail order and competetive prices i hope this helps good luck. p.s why cant they make one type for all the countries it would be so much easier.

I have always had problems with the vin on my car because it is completly diffrent than what people think it should be. Mine starts wdb126...... I think the american had ca243.... but im not sure for the American.