ZANE55

I want one! How do I get one on to the US side?

jonwhite99

Build your own that's what I did.

Buy a salvage E55 and a rust free E320 Wagon and swap the drive train.

This took me a couple of weeks working evenings.

PM me if you need help.

ZANE55

Does anyone have a Japanese import in the US?

khomer2

I recall age restriction of 25 years? doesnt allow vehicles from Japan to be brought into the USA plus there is a rigorous inspection process you may face to get the vehicle passed.
Correct me if I am wrong on this.

Canada has only a 15 year age restriction and the process to import is pretty darn easy.

ZANE55

I thought I read some where that it could be imported as a parts car? I just want to know if could just get it over to the us and not register it until 25 years old?

khomer2

Not sure about being imported as a parts car. Finding a "parts car"? and shipping it over (~$1200cdn here in Canuckland) - I dont think that's cost effective.
Are you trying to bypass the required EPA etc inspections/registrations as a parts car?
If that were the case, then every one would be doing this.

There are enthusiast who do buy and store their purchase in Japan until the vehicle reaches the 25year age and then ship it over. Money to burn, I guess.

There's a lot of write-ups by the exporters in Japan that provide more details on importing into the US. You may want to consult with them or correspond with rufrob over on the other forum. He can probably give you more insight on your query.

ZANE55

I was just thinking to get one in Canada and ship it home???

khomer2

Here's an article to review:
http://jalopnik.com/here-are-the-fou...uni-1682067632

It would be straight forward, ONLY if the vehicle was produced for the cdn market.
If it was originally from Japan, then I believe you would have to apply what is written in the article.

ZANE55

I guess I need to wait 5 more years....

KJI3jflarryfe93

in 5 years your desired E55 will probably have vaporized in a pile of rust?
in 5 years you will probably look at another AMG model?

make a thorough check before purchase if you still want a W210 E55 statione wagon , hidden rust is the worst kind of metal cancer!

ZANE55

Lol, quite possible, but I just started my hope to collect all of the first amg body styles I can get a hold of. Yes, rust seems be a big issue as I see some of the comments here. I did not think of all the salt roads in parts of our country. And by looking at ianb's thread on the other forum/site, there is so much involved when a car arrives and isn't well maintained.

I'm not mechanical, so I'm a turn key driver.

I'm starting with the e55 and clk55 as I've admired but couldn't afford them when they came out. The c,slk, and ml are hopefully next.

khomer2

IF you do plan, in future, on picking up one north of the 49th parallel, look for the ones in the Westcoast. The other provinces will have many with visible and hidden rust issues (unless of course, you find one that is not winter driven)

ZANE55

So the rust is from more the Canadian location vs. Japan ....?

khomer2

Winters are colder with plenty of snow (and lots of winter salt) as you move eastward from the Rockies in Canada to Montreal, Quebec and beyond.
On the Westcoast, Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and east as far as Abbotsford, salt is not used alot for the roads and our winters are pretty mild. (Like Seattle Wa) On occasion we get dumped on, but not alot of salt is used. In extreme snowfall (like last year) they used alot of sand instead.
So if you're looking for a vehicle in Canada, look for one where the owner has a good history record of taking care of it as well as avoided or minimized winter driving. I believe IanB2 is based in Winnipeg (Winterpeg) where the winters are pretty extreme (as well as the Summers) but he I dont think drives his E55T in the winter out there (or maybe on occasion).

Japan is always a good bet if you have the right guys looking for you. I have 2 fellas I've relied on and reputable too. Japan's climate is mild and similar to Vancouver Metro and as well, the mileage on their vehicles is low by our standards when they sell them.

If you talk to the Canadian bodyshops looking for used replacement parts and even the dealerships, they always try obtain parts from the yards in BC (minimal rust issues) and avoid obtaining used parts from the high salt condition provinces. I'm no expert but that's the word/comments I get from the stealerships and bodyshops.

ZANE55

If this is a Canadian car, I would think it could be driven over to Washington state and then transported from there?

khomer2

http://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-...e-from-canada/

ZANE55

I was just thinking fast fast. Buy it, get it home and just keep it until 28 years old, 5 more years.

There is a nice looking white one listed. I didn't get it checked out or anything, but the seller said it has no rust.

khomer2

Did you see the silver one listed. Other side of the country? Possibly IanBs.

ZANE55

The white one seems to have lower KMs and an interesting interior.

khomer2

100k KMs is nothing. PLUS, if it is IanBs w210, it has all the service records and most likely has been well-cared for. imo, you want to find one with good service records.
Nothing against the lower mileage benefit, you should check what service records, etc are present with the sale and your due diligence.