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Hi all, ever since buying my '04 E55 sedan a few years ago, I've lusted over getting a wagon version of it. Only problem is they've obviously gone up in value, and are getting to the point of being crazy for such old cars. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has seen a cheap E55 wagon around; maybe something like a salvage title, blown engine, etc. There were a couple W211 E63 wagons that popped up for $15k, but sold immediately, and obviously don't have the legendary reliability of the 55's.
Mine has a salvaged title and I got it way cheaper as a result.
That being said, I wouldn't sell it for any less than what the low-miles, clean title cars are fetching. It's an awesome car to daily. I'm invisible 99% of the time, but every once in a while someone knows what it is and freaks out. I've turned down $20k+ twice so far.
One popped up in Atlanta a few months ago with a rebuilt motor asking $20k and I think it lasted a few days. So, good luck
Mine has a salvaged title and I got it way cheaper as a result.
That being said, I wouldn't sell it for any less than what the low-miles, clean title cars are fetching. It's an awesome car to daily. I'm invisible 99% of the time, but every once in a while someone knows what it is and freaks out. I've turned down $20k+ twice so far.
One popped up in Atlanta a few months ago with a rebuilt motor asking $20k and I think it lasted a few days. So, good luck
I am currently living in LA and Taipei back and forth and I have a 2004 E55 wagon originally from Japan.
Now I am thinking to bring this car to US but still trying to figure out the process.
Anyways, I have noticed quite a few wagons here in Taiwan imported from Japan in good condition.
Perhaps it would be an option to buy from here?
BTW, is any of you familiar with the import process please let me know.
What if you just swapped everything into a e500 wagon from an e55?
Been thinking about this as well. I've seen the person who swapped the M113K in, but I'm not sure if I'd trust all that torque through the 4Matic system... was thinking more of a complete sedan to wagon swap with E55 trans, subframe, suspension etc.
I am currently living in LA and Taipei back and forth and I have a 2004 E55 wagon originally from Japan.
Now I am thinking to bring this car to US but still trying to figure out the process.
Anyways, I have noticed quite a few wagons here in Taiwan imported from Japan in good condition.
Perhaps it would be an option to buy from here?
BTW, is any of you familiar with the import process please let me know.
Mark
Cool to know you got one in Japan! Could you recommend any website to purchase a Japanese vehicle from for import? Have been thinking about bringing one into the country like you. Doesn't look too hard to do since they're the same car as the US counterpart.
I was under the impression that a car needed to be at least 25 years old to import it into the US. Or is that only for ones that don't meet US regulations?
I was under the impression that a car needed to be at least 25 years old to import it into the US. Or is that only for ones that don't meet US regulations?
That is just for bare bones easiest way, go to the dmv with paperwork and get on the road.
If it’s a car that was sold in the US, you have to make sure the country it’s from has the same safety regulations or add them.
The process is MUCH easier if the car is over 25 years old. Any newer, and you'd have to contact the manufacturer for a Letter of Compliance. I was seriously looking into importing a blue E55 last year, and recieved my letter, but ended the process there due to the seller being too sketchy.
I thought if the car was imported to the US already then it should be ok.
there were about 160 W211 wagon sold to US by MB back in 2005~6.
However, those were US models and mine is EU model and some modifications are required.
Cool to know you got one in Japan! Could you recommend any website to purchase a Japanese vehicle from for import? Have been thinking about bringing one into the country like you. Doesn't look too hard to do since they're the same car as the US counterpart.
There are many wagons from Japan in Taiwan sold as used.
Mine was bought from one of the importers.
Here's the reply I recieved regarding the Letter of Compliance:
Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Canada. Please find attached the Compliance Letter you requested for the above referenced vehicle. Your vehicle is admissible for importation to the U.S., however, you may be required to have the itemmentioned in the letter modified before being allowed to register your vehicle in your new state of residence. The U.S. authority inspecting your vehicle will make this determination.
The note in the letter stating that MB Canada can only provide modification in Canada through its franchised dealerships speaks to the fact that we would only be authorized to issue a second compliance letter, stating that your vehicle has been brought into conformity with U.S. regulations, if you get your vehicle modified at a Canadian MB dealership. Unfortunately, we are not authorized to issue a statement pertaining to work done outside of our Canadian dealer network. Please do not hesitateto contact us again should you require further assistance.
I've been through this trying to get a w202 C55 wagon. The modifications required will be (if I can recall) headlights, seatbelts & anchors, tail lights, probably the windshield, sometimes reinforcements installed in the doors for impact resistance,
There's a decent chance you're not going to need much, but there's always the risk it gets here and can't be made compliant without $20k in modifications at a dealership, which is not a gamble I was willing to take. W202 C55's turn 25 in 5 years anyway, so I'll just enjoy my E55 wagon until then.
But the W202 wagon wasn't officially imported to the US, so it makes sense your struggle will be greater than trying to import a model the US did actually get.
The process is MUCH easier if the car is over 25 years old. Any newer, and you'd have to contact the manufacturer for a Letter of Compliance. I was seriously looking into importing a blue E55 last year, and recieved my letter, but ended the process there due to the seller being too sketchy.
Would you be able to help me import mine to US?
I am willing to pay for any consultation.
But the W202 wagon wasn't officially imported to the US, so it makes sense your struggle will be greater than trying to import a model the US did actually get.
Not when it reaches 25 years old. At that point no rules apply, I simply buy one and import it.
07-11-2019, 02:27 PM
