sunowl

Hello, long time creeper/first time poster here.

I'll be heading to the UK next year, and thanks to my generous employer (Uncle Sam), I can have my C300 shipped for free. I would sell it and just buy a car over there, but I just bought the thing and I love it more than any car I've driven. Anyway, besides the trouble I'll have with driving a LHD car on the left side of the road, it seems that I also have to deal with converting the lights to be legal to drive on the other side of the road when I get to the UK.

Does anyone know how extensive my light conversion will be for a C300? I have read that some types of lights can be adjusted or reconfigured, but others must be completely changed out at a high price. I don't really know much about lights despite some Googling, so please excuse my ignorance.

Thanks for any help or advice!

alecmascot

You will have to pay 10% duty and 20% vat on the value of the car and the shipping.
I really would not bother.

superangrypenguin

Why would your lights have to change? The addition of DRL and such is a software change.

I don't know about the rest though. I second what the other poster said...don't bother...

larrypmyers

I'm guessing the op is in the military. If this is the case his vehicle transportation costs will be paid by the US government. Further, the vehicle will be exempt from UK duty, VAT ect.

With regard to headlights, they must be compatible with driving on the left side of the highway. If this can be achived with software that would simplify conversion. Or he may be required to install UK spec lamps.

Don't ship a banger. Your vehicle will be required to pass MOT. A comprehensive inspection so as to satisfy authorities the vehicle is roadworthy.

sunowl

Thanks for the responses. But yes, for the record, I am military and there is no cost for the shipping. Also, the car is new and not a "banger"...pretty sure it can pass whatever tests I have to do for emissions, suspension, etc. The only thing I'm concerned about is the lights.

NZ-Merc

Hi,
The depending on where you are stationed the traffic is quite dense in the Uk and the parking spaces are geared for small cars.

In the Uk you car would be considered a large car and that could be a PIA on a daily basis being LHD.

Me I would either sell or secure store your car and buy a run around in the UK.

TH p/n for l/h drive headlight is different than r/h drive headlight so that would mean new set of headlights.

Adi-Benz

Its not that big of a car.

You might be able to get a depo UK spec headlight for a decent price, although I can't help you much more than that.

larrypmyers

Ship it! It will work fine in the UK. Your MB will be one of many operating in the country.

Admittedly in small towns and villages the streets are narrow but still negotiable. In fact, some seconday roads follow the route of Roman conquerors. These require ones full attention. On the other hand UK Motorways, much like our interstates, will permit you to satisfy your need for speed.

My bad. Was not my intent to infer you were driving a banger.

The UK is a great place. And so are the blokes that live there. Hope you have a great tour.