Hi Guys,

My girlfriend is looking to move down to DC from Ontario, she owns a '97 E420 that was imported from Japan years ago that we would like to get registered here. I have read a lot about the process, but I was wondering if someone could offer up their expertise on the exact steps?? The gauges are in kph, so I was wondering if that would have to be changed..and how much of a hassle this might be.

Thanks!

Friends in US bought an E320 in Montreal a few years ago. The conversion to US spec included changing the speedometer. There was a shop, I believe in VT, that did the work for them, I'm sure that there are many shops familiar with the process.

I would have her check with her local dealership for information on the conversion.

Although she is coming from Canada, this is actually importing a Japan market car to US. It will most likely have to go through some form of emissions testing/modifications, as well as a speedo gauge faceplate change. Being a Japan market car, is it a right hand drive vehicle? No problems with importing, but if so, do you really want to drive a right hand drive car in a city like DC with all the traffic?

Car is left hand drive and if it were right hand I would say forget about it. The emissions is what scares me considering it originally comes from Japan.

Really want to find out the exact process although I get different feedback from everyone, if it were just a matter of getting a new gauge that would be fine. When you say no problem with importing, please tell me more on the process? I have heard I will need a letter from the MB stating it adheres to US standards..

Thanks!

Try getting in touch with these folks...

J.K. Technologies
3500 Sweet Air Street
Baltimore, MD 21211

410-366-6332
410-366-7655

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

Sorry for being off topic, but does Canada let people import gray market cars? That sounds pretty interesting.