Question about MBs brought in from Japan

[Mike Richards]

I know of a person who's importing MBs from Japan. Lots of folks over there are having money problems and as a result are selling off assets.

At the moment I have no interest in acquiring one of these cars, but I am curious about EPA issue(s).

Japans emission laws I'm told are stringent; nonetheless, I suspect Uncle Sam is going to insist on some sort of additional gadgetry being fitted before they're allowed to operate in the U. S.

Would the EPA insist on MB-provided emission equipment or would they allow any after-market approach that satisified their requirements.?

A year from now it might need repairs that are over a diyers head and a dealer or indy tech might find himself befuddled by what was under the hood.

Thanks for your input.

[Gilly]

There haven't been gray-market cars brought in to the US since the mid-80's. I believe it's both due to emmision laws and crash-worthiness tests for the US market. I believe the Japanese emission standards are similar to the US standards however.
You may find it very hard to get the car registered in the US, and also to get it insured. Good Luck, it would be a fun car to have over here, as I believe they are right-hand drive.

Gilly

[Mike Richards]

The cars are here - Austin,Texas.

Steering wheel is on the same side as ours.

[Joe Blowe]

In Japan, it's a "status thing" to have a left hand drive car. RHD is what the "commoners" drive.

[Palangi]

I think a lot of the "status" cars in Japan are actually U.S. market cars. The most popular status cars when I was there last year were dark blue Volvo wagons.

Through the authorized dealers you can buy both left and right hand drive cars. The higher end ones are available in only LHD.
Mercedes has a Japanese page in English.

There is a grey market importing into Japan from the US, Canada and Europe. I assume from the serial number you can find out the market it is made for.

Lots of S600 Brabus models and so on.

Gary