Differences between european and US versions?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2008
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2008 C300
Differences between european and US versions?
Hi all
I'm looking to buy a C300 in the US and to take it with me to Europe when I return back. Of course, to register the car in europe, I'll have to modify the car to comply with european specifications.
I have some nagging questions about some of the differences and modifications:
1- The overall lenght is different between european and US versions: The US MB website states 182.3 inches, while the UK website shows 4581 milimeters. Converting the units, it seems that the US version is longer 49 milimeters or almost 2 inches. Why? Does this make any sense? Will this be a problem?
2- I'll have to change all units from imperial to metric, i.e. Miles - Km, Gallons - Litres, Farenheit to Celsius. I suppose that this is only a software change. Is it a dealer job, or can I do it myself?
3- I would like to change the navigation database from US to Europe. Is this possible? Or should I opt for the obvious solution of using my Garmin GPS receiver?
4- I'm assuming that 'Capri Blue' is the same colour as 'Tansanite Blue metallic'. Am I right?
Any help is very welcome!
Alex
I'm looking to buy a C300 in the US and to take it with me to Europe when I return back. Of course, to register the car in europe, I'll have to modify the car to comply with european specifications.
I have some nagging questions about some of the differences and modifications:
1- The overall lenght is different between european and US versions: The US MB website states 182.3 inches, while the UK website shows 4581 milimeters. Converting the units, it seems that the US version is longer 49 milimeters or almost 2 inches. Why? Does this make any sense? Will this be a problem?
2- I'll have to change all units from imperial to metric, i.e. Miles - Km, Gallons - Litres, Farenheit to Celsius. I suppose that this is only a software change. Is it a dealer job, or can I do it myself?
3- I would like to change the navigation database from US to Europe. Is this possible? Or should I opt for the obvious solution of using my Garmin GPS receiver?
4- I'm assuming that 'Capri Blue' is the same colour as 'Tansanite Blue metallic'. Am I right?
Any help is very welcome!
Alex
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 426
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From: Rostock,Germany
i like to ride my bike
on the other hand the car is ****loads cheaper in the US!! But I would opt for a one year old here in Europe! Buying a Benz new these days is just stupid if you are not going for a lease.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 18,414
Likes: 6
From: West Michigan
2007 E63
Hi all
I'm looking to buy a C300 in the US and to take it with me to Europe when I return back. Of course, to register the car in europe, I'll have to modify the car to comply with european specifications.
I have some nagging questions about some of the differences and modifications:
1- The overall lenght is different between european and US versions: The US MB website states 182.3 inches, while the UK website shows 4581 milimeters. Converting the units, it seems that the US version is longer 49 milimeters or almost 2 inches. Why? Does this make any sense? Will this be a problem?
2- I'll have to change all units from imperial to metric, i.e. Miles - Km, Gallons - Litres, Farenheit to Celsius. I suppose that this is only a software change. Is it a dealer job, or can I do it myself?
3- I would like to change the navigation database from US to Europe. Is this possible? Or should I opt for the obvious solution of using my Garmin GPS receiver?
4- I'm assuming that 'Capri Blue' is the same colour as 'Tansanite Blue metallic'. Am I right?
Any help is very welcome!
Alex
I'm looking to buy a C300 in the US and to take it with me to Europe when I return back. Of course, to register the car in europe, I'll have to modify the car to comply with european specifications.
I have some nagging questions about some of the differences and modifications:
1- The overall lenght is different between european and US versions: The US MB website states 182.3 inches, while the UK website shows 4581 milimeters. Converting the units, it seems that the US version is longer 49 milimeters or almost 2 inches. Why? Does this make any sense? Will this be a problem?
2- I'll have to change all units from imperial to metric, i.e. Miles - Km, Gallons - Litres, Farenheit to Celsius. I suppose that this is only a software change. Is it a dealer job, or can I do it myself?
3- I would like to change the navigation database from US to Europe. Is this possible? Or should I opt for the obvious solution of using my Garmin GPS receiver?
4- I'm assuming that 'Capri Blue' is the same colour as 'Tansanite Blue metallic'. Am I right?
Any help is very welcome!
Alex
Tansanite blue is indeed the same as Capri Blue.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
On the very narrow issue of the overall length, I believe the bumpers are different - not different "looking", but just a hair further out both front and rear to comply with US regs. This would be irrelevant to registering the car in the EU.
However, I have to tell you, even at the higher prices, I'd be very tempted to pick from the EU catalog - so many more choices, esp the very desirable 4 cyl turbodiesel....not cheap, but with the difference in fuel costs over there, you might make it all back over a reasonable period of time.
However, I have to tell you, even at the higher prices, I'd be very tempted to pick from the EU catalog - so many more choices, esp the very desirable 4 cyl turbodiesel....not cheap, but with the difference in fuel costs over there, you might make it all back over a reasonable period of time.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
(Audi and Porsche persist in using red rear signals on a lot of their cars for the US market, and MB does on some of the domestic [Alabama] models, but NOT the W204.)
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From: San Diego, CA
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
I stand corrected - guess I've never been behind a P2-equipped car. Anyway, mine are amber.
I understand that red LEDs are easy, and many other colors are not, so this makes sense.
I understand that red LEDs are easy, and many other colors are not, so this makes sense.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Groton MA, Champaign IL, Korea
08 C350 (W204), 08 ML350, 05 E350
I would say it is bad idea to get an US version.
it is like giving up lots of good options you can have.
hold function which is only in S class in us versions is one of the best thing I love. (not a hill stop hold) as well parktronic on the front and the rear.
etc....to be honest, that hold function is big to me..
it is like giving up lots of good options you can have.
hold function which is only in S class in us versions is one of the best thing I love. (not a hill stop hold) as well parktronic on the front and the rear.
etc....to be honest, that hold function is big to me..
