SL/R231: Ship to Europe / Conversion?
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SL550 - 231
Ship to Europe / Conversion?
Hi all! Retiring to Spain. Transport is not as bad as I thought, and registration while expensive ($4k, mostly due to CO2 emissions) is tolerable. Has anyone brought a 2015 ish SL550 to Europe? What adaptation is required? Lights, etc..??
Thanks!
Thanks!
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I took a car from the US to Germany about 44 years ago. The only problem then was Germany still used leaded gas and, if I remember correctly, I had to get the filler neck modified for the larger gas nozzle. Of course, that was 44 years ago. Your exporter/importer should be able to tell you what may need to be done.
Have you Googled "importing a US-spec car to Spain"?
Have you Googled "importing a US-spec car to Spain"?
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,497
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
It seems each website has a little bit of useful/important information, such as ensuring the underside of your car is clean of "bio-hazards" such as invasive plant seeds or insect eggs. Maybe you have already looked at those sites. Ultimately, you need to get an official response from a government agency or a transport company authorized to answer your question. Though probably not useful, I would check with Mercedes-Benz USA, as well.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2016
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SL550 - 231
I have looked at many sites. I've received quotes for shipping, and documentation. Not a problem. My question is, for a reasonably modern car, will I need to change anything on the car itself -- lights, etc. I have not found a definitive answer an on that. Hence, asking this forum if anyone has recent experience in this area.
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks,
Rick
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
The OP really must LOVE his car! If it were me, I’d definitely sell the car where it is and buy another in his new home country.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Well, I don’t doubt you, but with that kind of a spread, one would think there would be a huge traffic in used cars being bought up here and shipped there. There must be a catch. Anyway, best of luck to you.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Isn't the European Union outlawing the internal combustion engine by 2035? So, now is the time to sell your SL and buy a moped!
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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There should be no issues bringing the SL to Spain.:
Couple of things I can think of.
Fuel - use the 98 octane rating in Spain, 95 minimum
Turn lights have to be amber in Europe. You can try to keep your US ones but they likely require you to change them to the Euro version. Easy to do yourself and Ebay is your friend...
They may require you to have the speedo in km/h vs mph. You can't convert it without exchange but in case they check the car, set the secondary speed indicator in the instrument cluster screen (center) to km/h and make sure it shows at the time of inspection.
I believe Mercedes can code the Fahrenheit to Celsius if desired. Not required and there is no user setting.
Same for checking the tire pressure. Might be helpful to code it to KPA instead of PSI. This way it's easy to use the tire pressure gauges at the gas stations.
Good luck! The SL is the perfect car for Spain!
Couple of things I can think of.
Fuel - use the 98 octane rating in Spain, 95 minimum
Turn lights have to be amber in Europe. You can try to keep your US ones but they likely require you to change them to the Euro version. Easy to do yourself and Ebay is your friend...
They may require you to have the speedo in km/h vs mph. You can't convert it without exchange but in case they check the car, set the secondary speed indicator in the instrument cluster screen (center) to km/h and make sure it shows at the time of inspection.
I believe Mercedes can code the Fahrenheit to Celsius if desired. Not required and there is no user setting.
Same for checking the tire pressure. Might be helpful to code it to KPA instead of PSI. This way it's easy to use the tire pressure gauges at the gas stations.
Good luck! The SL is the perfect car for Spain!
