Ian

I am planning a trip to Europe in May with my family and was wondering if it would be feasibile to buy a US spec 2003/4 E55 AMG in Germany and use it for my vacation then have it shipped to the US?

..or is this a bad idea?

I know EPA are picky and i'm not sure how the taxes would work or import duty, has anyone done this before?

M6toE55

BMW has an excellent european delivery program, where ALL details are taken care of [insurance, drop off/pick up, etc.], plus they give you a discount that can significantly defray the cost of your travels.

I do not think that MB has yet to design such a program... unfortunately. Anybody have info to the contrary?

E55 KEV

Mercedes has always had a European Delivery Program. But once I heard that the AMG models may be qualify, but the C32 is listed on the website. I suggest you see your local dealer for more information. With the EDP program you go to the factory watch your car built, have lunch at the factory get a free hotel stay, insurance and you deliver your car to the port for shipping to the US. Go Here:

www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/edp/index.jsp

mikE55

The Mercedes European Delivery program use to provide a nice discount on the vehicles, but the AMGs were not included. Now they've included the C32 but the prices for all cars seem to be MSRP. I don't see the point of this program anymore. Other than having a nice trip (that you pay for), driving on European roads with greater speed limits, and a factory tour, what's the incentive? For me, it's not worth the wait for the time it takes to ship the car over and the added hassle involved.

amg55

I looked into buying an E55 (W211) this way almost a year ago.
The E55 was not available through MB's Euro Delivery Program.
I doubt this will change in the near future.

FInality

I heard from someone who got an SLK delivered in Europe that the Euro delivery program is top notch. Free hotel stay for ~2 nights as well as free (very nice) food etc....

my401

The Euro trip was well worth the time and experience of travel, to countries that have the cost of entry to drive above that of pickup truck loaded with rocks!!! Only wish I could have done the 55 instead of the 32. We did see a fleet on the factory lot ready for shipping. Currently inroute to Renntech for upgrades. Check Cannonballs e55k. He know runs 12's on street tires.

E55 KEV

my401, what upgrades you getting at RennTech? Supercharger also? Thanks.

dotunakinola

I think the question here is not about the european delivery program but more about whether you can go to Germany and buy a US spec E55 (cash down, I presume), use it there for a little while and then ship it to the US.
So does anywone know if you can buy a US spec model in Germany?

E55 KEV

I don't know the answer to that, however, I can only specualte the answer - I doubt it!

WHY? Because the E55 is a limited production car and before each car rolls off the line it is already spoken for. There is a waiting list for every E55 made for every market around the world. The US allotment is finite and you can not just walk in and pull a car out of allotment. But who knows - with enough money maybe so but you would have to buy the car from someone who has a slot.

If the Germans have to order and wait for a car I doubt that a German salesman can order a US spec car for immediate delivery. Mercedes cars are not sold from the factory they all sold by dealerships.

MikeyE430

You have to buy your Euro delivery car through a US dealer. I bought my 2000 E430 Sport thru the M-B European delivery program and it was the experience of a lifetime. In 2000, the E55 was NOT available thru Euro delivery. That may have changed, but I doubt it. Call your dealer and they will know.

Unbelievable hotels, tours, food, resorts, driving.