Euro Spec in Calif???
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
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1976 240D, 1982 240D, 1983 300CD, 1984 300SD
Euro Spec in Calif???
Hi there members,
I've just located the gorgeous 126 coupe that I've been looking for the last several years. Unfortunately(my long time mechanic), it is a Euro Spec. He has advised me strongly not to do it. I would like to know if any members out there have registered a Euro Spec auto in Calif, and what hoops they had to jump thru to make it happen. What would it cost to make the car legal here? I would love to have this car.
Thanks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Rich
I've just located the gorgeous 126 coupe that I've been looking for the last several years. Unfortunately(my long time mechanic), it is a Euro Spec. He has advised me strongly not to do it. I would like to know if any members out there have registered a Euro Spec auto in Calif, and what hoops they had to jump thru to make it happen. What would it cost to make the car legal here? I would love to have this car.
Thanks. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Rich
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 202
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From: Northern California
2011 BMW X5d, 2011 Nissan Leaf and Kubota L39 Tractor!
Did you find this car in another country? If it's already registered in the US it may not be that difficult to register in California. If not, it would be very costly to bring the car up to the US/CA specs. You would have to strenghten the bumpers and doors, replace the headlights, taillights and front turn signals to meet the DOT specs. It would also be necessary to install emissions equipment (CAT, O2 sensor, etc) to meet CA smog requirements.
I imported two 126 body cars in the early 80's. At the time is cost about $5K per car to complete the DOT/EPA work.
I imported two 126 body cars in the early 80's. At the time is cost about $5K per car to complete the DOT/EPA work.
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 202
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From: Northern California
2011 BMW X5d, 2011 Nissan Leaf and Kubota L39 Tractor!
I believe as long as the car meets the federal (EPA) standards you would be able to register in CA. As long as the car has 7500 miles on it and is registered in another state you don't have to comply with the CA std.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,279
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From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
ours is euro
last week i found the federalization paperwork
theres no mention of any changes to the cat or emissions or anythings
its pretty detail. talks about the doors, bumpers, lights (which we changed back i guess)
someother little things but no real engine stuff
last week i found the federalization paperwork
theres no mention of any changes to the cat or emissions or anythings
its pretty detail. talks about the doors, bumpers, lights (which we changed back i guess)
someother little things but no real engine stuff
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 49
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From: Grass Valley, Northern California / Gardnerville, Nevada
1991 560SEC AMG & 1995 E420 & 2013 BMW 535i DINAN & 1967 Cougar
If it already registered in Oregon, then you should be ok with the Federalization process having been achieved, and need do nothing.
All you need to worry about is passing the California smog test.
While these cars burn clean, very clean, the euro spec W126 coupes and sedans are diabolically difficult to pass smog with.
Especially in the really strict counties like the Los Angeles basin and San Francisco bay area.
Smog test standards vary by county, so cow counties like (for instance) Lake, Mono. Tehama and Butte (to use random examples) would be easier.
Maybe rent a post office box in one of them and register the car there if all 3else fails?
They do have test only stations, gold shield ones and smog referees to help it passCalifornia smog first. Do some checking.
I think eventually it will get through smog tests in California.
All you need to worry about is passing the California smog test.
While these cars burn clean, very clean, the euro spec W126 coupes and sedans are diabolically difficult to pass smog with.
Especially in the really strict counties like the Los Angeles basin and San Francisco bay area.
Smog test standards vary by county, so cow counties like (for instance) Lake, Mono. Tehama and Butte (to use random examples) would be easier.
Maybe rent a post office box in one of them and register the car there if all 3else fails?
They do have test only stations, gold shield ones and smog referees to help it passCalifornia smog first. Do some checking.
I think eventually it will get through smog tests in California.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,279
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From: OC
i drive them all, fast and hard
and its like what do u do if it doesnt pass, i mean theres nothing broken with it,
i dont need a no nothiong mess around with it especially when it drives perfect nowadays
i dont need a no nothiong mess around with it especially when it drives perfect nowadays
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
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Mercedes 500 SE 1980
Mercedes 126 chassis - I am replacing U.S. headlight assembly with Euro headlights H4. The existing electrical connector in the car is a 4 prong female and the new euro H4 headlight has a 5 prong male connector. How do I make things work.
loocon8x10
loocon8x10
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 303
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From: Northern California
It changes all the time
I wouldn't buy the car and try to keep it registered in Ca. The specs get tighter every year in Ca. For example if car X had a pass limit of 550 PPM for NOX 2 years ago, it is probably only 400 this year. Also unless you can find a replacement control computer if one was added during conversion, you're screwed if yours craps out.
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
Probably not an issue
anymore since the op's post was 3 months ago
but if anyone is searching the same euro spec grey market California issue
contact or call
www.arb.ca.gov or call 1-800-242-4450
and good luck getting one passed
but if anyone is searching the same euro spec grey market California issue
contact or call
www.arb.ca.gov or call 1-800-242-4450
and good luck getting one passed
