I just configured a Canadian E400 4Matic sedan with the options I want for CAD 84,100. That's about USD 64,000 which is much less than the USD 72,000 for a similarly configured E300. I wonder how hard it is to import a car from Canada to Florida.

Included are: 18" AMG Wheels, Nappa Leather, Warmth Comfort Package, Driving Assistance Package, Sun Protection Package, Technology Package, Intelligent Drive Package, Exclusive Package and Premium Package.

Not included: Mbrace

The big issue is how close does a Canadian model come to meeting US requirements.

 

if its a diesel it wont meet spec... you may be required to get a Registered importer, who will do the import... it will cost. why are you ordering in Canada?

 

or you try it on your own, you arrive at the border and US Customs officer ask "did you buy anything" you say yes the car.. you are referred to secondary for processing. in secondary the vehicle is inspected. the drivers door is opened and a Canadian DOT sticker is in the door. you are asked for the MB conformity letter. you don't have it and are told the veh is inadmissible until you get it. so you have to leave it in Canada until you get it. MB says that your vehicle complies with US DOT law in effect at the time of manufacture except. and the except are not allowed you now have to hire a registered importer to change all the except. and oh by the its not a NAFTA vehicle so at least 2.5% duty. oh and if its a diesel its not admissible.

 

Importing a new car from Canada is virtually impossible. There is a myriad of fees permits and taxes involved. If there weren't people at the border would routinely buy their cars in Canada.

 

Canadian dealers are prohibited from selling new cars to US residents for export to the US. The reverse also applies. Your only hope is to purchase a slightly used W213 with features that comply with the US DOT. Some optional headlights may be the only problem, otherwise most cars comply.

 

I've gone through the import process previously with other models. Mercedes-Benz does not import/sell diesel cars in North America. They do not import/sell an E400 in the USA. My question was really whether anyone knows what the non-compliance items are. I like the W213, but the E300 is under powered. Too bad they didn't put the CLA 45 4 cyl engine (375 hp) in the W213.

 

It is commonly known that the US government systematically closed down various loopholes over thirty years ago. The closing of these loopholes effectively ended the era of the "Gray Market Car". It is such old news, no one even talks about such things anymore.

A private individual cannot import a non-certified new or used car, and has a one time exemption for cars, if I remember correctly, twenty years older or more. This is usually for old exotics, such as a Ferrari 275GTS, or Ford RS200 and so on.

For various reasons non-compliant cars can be brought into the US and driven for 12 months with foreign registration, but they have to be exported at the end of that time.

It remains conceivable to do an engine/drivetrain swap on an US legal car. This is still technically illegal, but is done all the time. Many states have semi annual SMOG testing, for those states it could be a constant hassle to renew registration, unless you have "low friends in high places".

 

I'm in Florida where there are no required vehicle inspections of any kind and Canadian cars abound - some for years. Many new cars are very close to compliance with US requirements making it cost effective to bring into compliance. In the E400 price above add $1,600 duty, $4,000 sales tax & title and still have $2,400 for compliance before getting to the $72k price point for the E300. A US E43 similarly configured will cost at least $10,000 more.

 

If Canadian cars abound that is because they are still running with Canadian plates and were bought by Canadian residents in Canada. The point I was trying to make is that US residents cannot buy a new car for export to the US. DEALERS ARE PROHIBITED from making such a sale.

 

Exactly correct. Same applies to new US bought MB cars - no exporting for one year (and yes they make you sign a paper to this effect).