EClassBenz

I will be travelling to Germany in the spring and am interested if anyone here has imported a car into the US. I found a few S class diesels (w220) with decent miles for around 13-15k euros. I understand there are some fees involved (2.5% tax) but I'm worried about the conversion costs.

In 1984, my family bought a w123 200 (gas version of 300d) in Belgium, when Mercedes was on strike. We brought it to Greece (where we lived at the time) then eventually brought it here. At the time we paid a good amount in conversion costs (lights, emissions system, seat belts, etc) but it was still well worth it. However, things have changed over the years and I'm wondering if it is easier to do now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

(The w123 200 is now back at our home in Greece. 270k miles and it still runs like it's brand new!)

speedracer888

you cannot import it unless it's 25 years old

prometheus

This is a link for importing a G class. It may be of some help.

EClassBenz

this is not correct. as i said above, we did it with a brand new car in 1984

EClassBenz

prometheus, thank you for the link. I will contact an RI today

Kubazzz

Strange - brand new Mercedes-Benz cars are much cheaper in US.

ClayJ

Even though you're in NJ (by your sig) - I'd suggest that you give G&K (in Los Angeles) a call - hearsay has it that I like doing business with them....

revstriker

The laws for importing cars changed in the late 80s (I remember because I was living in Germany at the time). I don't know the specifics, but I do know that it became a lot harder and expensive to import a car. There was some kind of an age clause (maybe it was 25?) where it was easier and cheaper if the car was of a certain age.

Sorry to be vague, but I just wanted to point out that things have changed since 1984.

EClassBenz

Just spoke with J&K in Baltimore. You can import any car as long as the model exists in this country. When I asked about the S320 CDI, she said it should be possible because it has the same motor as the E320 CDI in this country. However, conversion costs may be as much as $12-$15k. Add on shipping costs and some fees and you are pushing $20k to bring a car over. I can only see this worthwhile with a used (like new) higher end Benz.