Switching from EURO-spec to US-spec ??????'s - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rocket5979 · #1 11-14-2003, 01:33 PM

Ok I got my car in Europe here for a steal of $2000! I am going to be over here for a few years but if the car survives without being in an accident or something I would like to take it home to the states with me. I know that there are different safety standards over here than back in the US So I just wanted to know how feasible would it be or how costly would it be to switch from euro to US specs? I mean the steering wheel and all is on the left side of the car and all but I just dont know about all the safety and emissions stuff. Thanks for any help.

sixto · #2 11-14-2003, 01:49 PM

Unless you can bring it in under some special returning expat or diplomat arrangement, forget it. It'll cost more than it's worth to get it DOT and EPA certified. Double the time, cost and effort if you live in California.

I think it's easier to bring it in as a parts car and move the good bits over to a registered chassis.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

rocket5979 · #3 11-14-2003, 02:23 PM

Well the shipping home would be free since I am military and am allowed to ship one vehicle back to the states. Was that factored into your answer at all? Or was it striuctly a conversion thing you were talking about???

sixto · #4 11-14-2003, 02:32 PM

I didn't even think of shipping.

Check out - http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/ and http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/

Seems like you have to work through a registered importer. I hear they're busy with CLK GTRs and other exotics and charge accordingly.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

euronatura · #5 11-14-2003, 04:16 PM

I believe that you really need to investigate this with your home state or the state in which you want to register the car. I believe that some states only require that you bring the car upto the specs required for that model year. I think that it varies from state to state.

Like 5 years ago, I friend of mine brought in an Aston Martin Lagonda to the state of Florida and all he had to do was install emissions to be able to register the car. Additionally, back in the 80's a diplomat friend of mine parents, sold a benz that was completley european (sans emiisions) and when they sold it, the new owner just had to also have emmissions installed. But, I do not know how much that can cost?

Iggy

euronatura · #6 11-14-2003, 04:18 PM

Forgot to mention that the Aston Martin was a mid 80's model as well as the Benz.

rocket5979 · #7 11-15-2003, 04:11 AM

Hey thanks for the help. The cool thing is that my state I live in doesnt even tes for emssions. lol. So I would venture to say that since they dont even test for that I would say that thye dont test for much. My 300E is an 86. So maybe there would be some things I would be able to get away with. I would really love to take this car home. So what I gather from you saying is that I can bring it back to the country no problem but that the registering is what is going to cost? I woner if a military tax exemption form would take care of alot of that bill? It seems to take care of alot of others. lol.

euronatura · #8 11-15-2003, 09:53 AM

As I said. You need to check with teh state that you want to register the car in. Just because they do not test for emissions does not mean that they do not require a Cat. Converter.

You should contact your state's DMV first to see what they require.

MTI · #9 11-15-2003, 02:13 PM

If you haven't read this already, here it is:

http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/cars.htm

deanyel · #10 11-15-2003, 03:25 PM

The states have virtually nothing to do with the issue. It is a federal matter - both EPA and DOT. As has been stated both have web sites that are helpful. One and perhaps both sites have a list of registered importers that provide the service. A turn key price quote from one or more of them will tell you where you stand. The cost of the process has very little to do with converting or modifying your car. It is costly because these government agencies believe they received a mandate from Congress in the late 80s to stop the unofficial flow of automobiles into the U.S. They have ways of making your life hell. For an inexpensive automobile it is a completely impractical concept.

rocket5979 · #11 11-16-2003, 03:39 AM

Well then I guess I will have to leave this car somewhere else before coming back to america. And maybe while I am back I can find another 300E that I like and is in as good condition as the other one. It is just too bad that I get one for such a steal and then I cannot even bring it back. I guess that is why I got it for such a great price.

deanyel · #12 11-16-2003, 11:54 AM

I feel like we've just told you that you can't have a puppy. It's obvious you're crazy about the car. I'd get some quotes so you know exactly what you're looking at financially. Early 300Es are awfully cheap here but good ones are quite rare.

william rogers · #13 11-16-2003, 08:37 PM

I really like my Euro model but I had to go with another insurance company as the one I had been with for ten spotless years would not insure a Euro car.Does the car have any emission controls on it now? I think that the exaust system would in itself make it cost too much. A factory cat for my 500 SE is $2300 dollars.

As far as wear parts go I have replaced a lot all from FastLane with never a hitch and unbelievable fast dilivery time..........
William Rogers..........