Caliz_Finest

I want to import a CLK55 AMG Cab from Germany but Im not sure what I have to do to make it sreet legal, so.. what do i do?

Timster

Caliz_Finest,
A friend of mine is currently (The last 7 months) trying to bring in a 97 Euro Spec Diablo.
Here's what he has done so far.
He bought the car at an IRS Auction in LA. Paid a fair price for it.
Located a Grey Market modifier in Napa California. That could make the car meet US specs, DOT, EPA, and CARB. The
IRS misrepresented car, he had to have the car crated and shipped to England. Have it stored there for 10 days. Then Shipped back showing the proper documentation, that the car was brought in the USA legally thru proper channels. That cost and additional $8,000.00. Then shipped the car by bonded currier, to Napa. Car must have US Spec Bumpers, Door Beams, Headlights, Miles Speedo instead of Kilometers, OBDII Diagnostic’s software upgrade, O2 Sensors, US Spec Seat belts, and Airbags. Estimated cost $20,000.00 plus. He found out last week during smog testing that the car needs a new Clutch. That cost another $8000.00, for parts and Labor. Lambo parts are very hard to come by.

I doubt that you will have to go thru all that, but just wanted to let ya know if it's not done right it will cost you big time.
He still doesn’t have the car. Maybe by Christmas he might have the car if they can get all the parts in time.
I suggest you contact the Board of Equalization and get all the documentation upfront, they can be very helpful if you know the right questions to ask.
Best of luck to ya,
Tim

Caliz_Finest

does the gray market modifier you were talking about have a website? im not buying it form an auction or anything, some german guy on autotrader

Timster

There are only about ten people in the country that are certified. I do know he is expensive. I believe there is on in Southern California. I check and let you know.
Tim
PS
Don't believe it when or if they tell you you can bring the car in thru Canada. That's how the first guy lost his Diablo.

BANSASN

If you ask dumbass questions you'll feel like a dumbass for three minutes. If you don't ask dumbass questions, you'll feel like a dumbass for the rest of your life. My .02 cent.

-BANSASN

LostHerbz

Here's a link to the NHTSA website it has loads of info on importing cars to the US... Hope it helps

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Larry Sonsini

Any particular reason why you've chosen to go for an over seas clk55 cab? If it's just to have a "Euro" MB, you could just get one here and buy a Euro trunk... much less hassle. Not a true euro per se, but I don't know what you would gain by going through the trouble of importing one. If it's more of a performance issue, there isn't really much of a difference US vs. Euro, and some mods could more than take care of that.

Caliz_Finest

thanks everyone whos helping,

LArry its 35,000 for a CLK55 AMG Cabriolet w/6000 mi, thats why im getting it, that i need an extra car, Even if i have to pay 15,000 to get all stuff done to it after importing im still saving money

karl k

I wonder, what the carfax report will say when you are trying to sell this US-modified import...

Improviz

There were some guys from Germany selling M5's on Autotrader for $40K or something like that with very low miles...the bet was that they were probably wrecked or something similar, which is impossible to check given that their records are in Germany.

If it's the guys I'm thinking of, they send you a letter saying that they want 20% in escrow, the rest when they personally deliver the car to you, that they know the drill because they have done this before, etc...

Buyer beware! If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and you'd have little chance of ever seeing your money again if these guys take it and run to Germany.

My $0.02...

karl k

YEP.

If it's too good to be true ---

IT IS!!!

Caliz_Finest

i decided against importing, sounds like too much of a pain in the ***

Petie

good call, my dad imported a CL600 a few years back, but knew who he was buying from, still a pain...