How do I get one of the $36K CLK's they have in europe?
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How do I get one of the $36K CLK's they have in europe?
OK, I feel like I've done a ton of research but then again maybe I'm just getting started. I know this is forum is often used as a "performance" board but the last time I "raced" anyone was about 15 years ago in college. So, please hold the comments asking why I would want such a car. I notice that there are additional versions of this new 209 body available in europe at significant discounts to our costs in the US. Specifically, the 200komp and 240 engines in these guys are what I'm talking about. Today, in the USA, the lowest entry point into the CLK320 is $45K (start) whereas the CLK240 is starting @ $36K (Adjusted for euro conversions). I've already looked at the euro cost for their clk320 and it's right in line with ours (around $45K) so the $'s aren't in any import fees. I also like the Mfg included aspects like blue tinted windows and the blackout grill of the avant garde version of the car. So, here's my question: How do I get one of these? I spoke with the local MB dealer but all they want to sell is the stuff on their lot. I understand that but I would much rather save the $10K difference and have a nice highline sporty looking (if not in true performance) matched with the better gas mileage. Can you experts on here give me some direction (maybe even a contact at your local dealer who might be willing to talk to me about importing one of these guys)? PS - Of course I expect my final price to rise once I add options (command, K3 & keyless go only) but the starting point is still the same (~ $9K less).
Last edited by ndabunka; Dec 29, 2002 at 10:03 PM.
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From: ATL
CLK 550
ndabunka...
the US customes website gives the ins and outs of importing a car. Check out http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-e...mal/car.htm#FT
This is just speculation, but I would assume you could purchase a vehicle at a dealership overseas and then arrange to have it shipped over here. If it is that easy, there are a couple of things you want to think about as there will be various costs associated with getting your car over here and making it street legal. And those costs will quickly eat away at the $9000 difference you mentioned.
First off, shipping a car from Europe is not cheap, especially if you are a lone individual as opposed to a large company who benefits from the economies of scale by shipping in bulk.
Also, European cars do not adhere to the same emissions standards that we have here in the US. You may have to pay to have work done for your car to meet US standards so you can pass emissions and register your vehicle.
Don't forget that goods you bring into the US are dutiable. So figure that you will have to pay out a few percent of the purchase price to cover the duty fees.
You will also need to replace and possibly recalibrate your instrumentation so that they read out in English as opposed to metric units.
I am sure there are some other subtle nuiances, but those are some items that immediately pop into my head.
Bottom line...if it is possible to buy a 200 or 240 and ship it over here, you may not be saving that much money given the cost of getting it here and making it street legal.
the US customes website gives the ins and outs of importing a car. Check out http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-e...mal/car.htm#FT
This is just speculation, but I would assume you could purchase a vehicle at a dealership overseas and then arrange to have it shipped over here. If it is that easy, there are a couple of things you want to think about as there will be various costs associated with getting your car over here and making it street legal. And those costs will quickly eat away at the $9000 difference you mentioned.
First off, shipping a car from Europe is not cheap, especially if you are a lone individual as opposed to a large company who benefits from the economies of scale by shipping in bulk.
Also, European cars do not adhere to the same emissions standards that we have here in the US. You may have to pay to have work done for your car to meet US standards so you can pass emissions and register your vehicle.
Don't forget that goods you bring into the US are dutiable. So figure that you will have to pay out a few percent of the purchase price to cover the duty fees.
You will also need to replace and possibly recalibrate your instrumentation so that they read out in English as opposed to metric units.
I am sure there are some other subtle nuiances, but those are some items that immediately pop into my head.
Bottom line...if it is possible to buy a 200 or 240 and ship it over here, you may not be saving that much money given the cost of getting it here and making it street legal.
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I noticed looking at the UK site that the Euro bumpers look different - they have little indentations at regular intervals, almost look like bolts or something, but still plastic. Subtle, but neat.
I also wouldn't mind getting the Euro "avant garde" wheels, they seem a tad nicer than the "apperance package" wheels, but obviously not as nice as some of the AMG wheels (but way cheaper).
Has anyone here actually successfully imported a car that wasn't designed for the US market?
I also wouldn't mind getting the Euro "avant garde" wheels, they seem a tad nicer than the "apperance package" wheels, but obviously not as nice as some of the AMG wheels (but way cheaper).
Has anyone here actually successfully imported a car that wasn't designed for the US market?
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Importation
Thanks for the replys guys. Keep em coming. Most interested in others who may have already done this in prior years with other cars (MB, BMW, etc) to see what it actually costs them when they did theirs. Since this is the same engine that is already being sold here in the states (in the C-class and SLK models), I figure it should already be (mostly) compliant already. My brother-in-law bought an audi while he was over there and I don't think it cost much at all to have his conform to the US standards. Since I live on the east coast, the stricker California stds should also not be an issue (It's the CA buyer who's responsible for conformance when they register a car, right?). Of course, the transportation costs may be pretty pricey now-adays. The duty fees are something I did not consider until you guys pointed it out. The conversion of dash components could be pricey for such a new model with only limited parts availability? If anyone knows of any MB plans to bring these into their US portfolio of offerings I would be most interested. I just sold my '97 740iL and am looking for a replacement. May be one of these, may be a Crossfire upon it's release. I still have an extra late-model Accord EX in perfect condition I can drive around until I make the decision so I can wait if these are coming available in the near (3 month) future. The deposit for the crossfire is required around the start of March so I am trying to put the details together by then.
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I finally had the opportunity to drive one of the 320CLK;s yesterday. Nice little car with a fair amount of zip. While a 240 engine might be OK, I think I'm heading the other way. I also drove a CLK55 AMG they had in stock as well. Man was it quick. Similar to driving my ragtop corvette (sold it a couple of years ago). Step and it MOVES. I didn't like the tap shifting though as it seemed to have a delay in both cars.
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Just two quick points:
1) The metric to imperial conversion is as easy as changing the settings electronically on the options via the steering wheel- all c209s have this feature and it corrects the needle as well as digital output so that is no problem at all will require no technitians or $s
2) The "bumps" on the bumper are there for the parctroniv distance measurer
In my own opinion get the 320 the 230 is a four sounds like a sick sewing machine and realy isnt proportionally that much less expensive.
Cheers
1) The metric to imperial conversion is as easy as changing the settings electronically on the options via the steering wheel- all c209s have this feature and it corrects the needle as well as digital output so that is no problem at all will require no technitians or $s
2) The "bumps" on the bumper are there for the parctroniv distance measurer
In my own opinion get the 320 the 230 is a four sounds like a sick sewing machine and realy isnt proportionally that much less expensive.
Cheers
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No longer car shopping...
230 was never a consideration
Thanks for the information. Sounds like the electronic mods are a breeze. However, you may have mis-read the post... The 230 was never an option. Rather, the 6-cyl 240 was the option I was considering. In europe, the 4 cyl Komp (I assume that means its a supercharged 4?) is also available but wasn't one of the options I was considering. In either case, it looks like I'm waiting until the CLK500 cab becomes available (of the Crossfire) whichever hits the streets first...
