[W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro

[Mike R.]

Yep, "load of crap" is the polite version. There are different rules for 
importing from Canada and from "Everywhere Else", but it is a full set of 
regulations that must be met in both cases. I haven't imported one from 
Canada so have no first hand knowledge, but I've heard that it is somewhat 
less stringent. There is a list of RI's on the DOT web site that could be 
queried if anyone needs specifics.

That said, there is a possible way around this. The DOT and the EPA only 
have concerns about "newer" cars. I "think" it's 25 years old and newer for 
DOT and 21 years old and newer for EPA. If I'm right, a 26 year old car or 
older can be imported without having to do the conversion process. Couple of 
phone calls could verify.

Later,
Mike R.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Iain Gunn" <igunn at bmts.com>
To: "Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists" <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:33 PM
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro



> What a load of crap you guys have to go through. Who is the government 

> protecting? Bringing most, there's a comprehensive list, Mercedes are 

> handled by MB Canada, for the government, cars into Canada is very simple 

> and easy. Needs tractability of the VIN, It needs to pass a safety check 

> and an emission check for that year. Twenty years old, only a safety.

> What happens if you bring the car in to Canada and have it certified here, 

> then import to the States?

> Regards, Iain, Ontario, Canada.

> ----- Original Message ----- 

> From: "Mike R." <mramay at att.biz>

> To: "Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists" <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>

> Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:00 PM

> Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro

>

>

>> As an ex-employee of a Registered Importer (RI), I can verify that David 

>> and Bruce are right on the money. All they've stated is true.

>>

>> It's the liability issue that is the major concern. Most insurance 

>> companies know what a gray market is and what is required. If you have an 

>> accident and the other party's insurance company realizes (usually via 

>> the European VIN number) that this is an imported car, they'll call the 

>> Department of Transportation (DOT) to verify the car's legality. If it 

>> has NOT been converted by an RI, the VIN number will not be in the DOT 

>> data banks and the DOT will tell the insurance company the car is in the 

>> country illegally. At that point, your insurance becomes null and void, 

>> retroactive to the date you purchased it. You won't get any premiums 

>> returned and the accident is now YOUR fault since if your illegal car 

>> wasn't there, there wouldn't be an accident. Then you'll likely 

>> (probably) get sued.

>>

>> Since I'm not capable of self insuring my vehicles, I have to use a 

>> company and follow their rules. YMMV

>>

>> Take care,

>> Mike R.

>>

>> ----- Original Message ----- 

>> From: "David G. Cole" <dc at dc-mc.com>

>> To: "Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists" <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>

>> Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 10:41 AM

>> Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro

>>

>>

>>>I would heed Bruce's perspective on this as he is actively involved in 

>>>these

>>> ventures. But I will throw in my comments as well.

>>>

>>> My friend while searching for an AMG Widebody car had located one 

>>> licensed in

>>> Virginia. This was a euro spec car, converted at the AMG facility in 

>>> Germany with

>>> all the associated documents. The car was brought in to Canada and then 

>>> into

>>> the States and licensed in Virginia. For what ever reason the lack of 

>>> epa or dot

>>> docs did not bother the boys at the license branch in Virginia.

>>>

>>> My friend and I discussed the what-ifs of this situation, but in the end 

>>> he went

>>> ahead and bought the car. Upon bringing it to Houston the TX state 

>>> police did

>>> their "check if this is a stolen car" inspection and then proceeded to 

>>> give it a go

>>> for texas plates. Neither the license branch or his insurance company 

>>> voiced any

>>> concerns over the grey market status, stating the valid virginia title & 

>>> registration

>>> is all we care about, history wise.

>>>

>>> That has been 5 yrs ago and he has not had any issues since.

>>>

>>> Hope this helps some.

>>>

>>> David Cole

>>> '87 560SEC AMG Widebody w/ 50k miles and also originally through Canada

>>> and other german toys...

>>>

>>>

>>>

>>> On 23 Feb 2008 at 8:06, Bruce Mendel wrote:

>>>

>>>>

>>>>

>>>> bringing the car into the US legally requires either an exemption

>>>> allowed by the US laws

>>>> (diplomat, non-resident staying 6 months or less, show use only, car

>>>> of importance, etc).

>>>>

>>>> If you want to title it and drive it here on a more permanent basis,

>>>> the car must be

>>>> brought in to the USA by a registered importer and converted to US

>>>> laws, which is a

>>>> $4K+ undertaking.

>>>>

>>>> As Jim mentions, there are "creative" ways of getting it into the

>>>> USA, but you won't be

>>>> able to register or title it. And if you have an accident, you will

>>>> have huge liability issues.

>>>>

>>>> Bruce

>>>>     ----- Original Message ----- 

>>>>     From: jralex at ix.netcom.com

>>>>     To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists

>>>>     Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:46 AM

>>>>     Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro

>>>>

>>>>     Bruce Mendel will likely chime in to help you with this

>>>> information. If you have any diplomatic

>>>>     connections you might be able to bypass some of our out of date

>>>> but expensive DOT

>>>>     requirements. You might even be able to ship to Canada and drive

>>>> it here. There are

>>>>     creative ways around it but others know more about it and will

>>>> help. Jim Alexander

>>>>

>>>>

>>>>     -----Original Message----- 

>>>>     From: Firas Al-Shatti

>>>>     Sent: Feb 23, 2008 1:56 AM

>>>>     To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com

>>>>     Subject: [W126 Coupe] 560SEC Euro

>>>>

>>>>     Dear Friends,

>>>>     I own a 560SEC Euro version and I'm planning to ship it to US

>>>> Virginia.

>>>>     I wonder what modifications I need to do (as per Virginia rules)

>>>> prior to

>>>>     shipment.

>>>>

>>>>     Your feedback will be highly appreciated.

>>>>

>>>>     Regards,

>>>>     Firas Al-Shatti

>>>>     Kuwait

>>>>

>>>>     Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with

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>>>>

>>>>     The MB Coupes Website!

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>>>

>>>

>>>

>>> The MB Coupes Website!

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>>> Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.

>>

>> The MB Coupes Website!

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>>

>>

>>

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>

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