Topic: Let's get serious about importing a Mercedes M class

[Ottawa]

Well, it is time for me to start the process of importing a M class CDI (new). If anyone has any experience going through the steps I would appreciate a response. I do know that Mercedes is kind of odd as it allows imports but the DMV in Canada requires a letter of compliance from Mercedes Benz Canada as some modifications are required (bumpers etc...). Obviously I am interested in what you have been able to determine in terms of warranty coverage as well.
Thanks

[initial_D]

Sorry, but I am boycotting buying MB in the US this month. 

[Wolfe]

Obviously I am interested in what you have been able to determine in terms of warranty coverage as well.

Well if you're going to get serious about importing a car I suggest you start doing your research.

[airbalancer]

I would also like to have a ML 320CDI and win the lotta

[Ottawa]

Sorry, but I am boycotting buying MB in the US this month. 

I am doing exactely what I am preaching. Your comment is of poor taste.

[Ottawa]

Obviously I am interested in what you have been able to determine in terms of warranty coverage as well.

Well if you're going to get serious about importing a car I suggest you start doing your research.

I am in the process of gathering the facts. I will send my summary once I gather enough useful info

[gord_boyd]

I do not know if this helps but on E320BlueTec Sedan the U.S. site shows base model without:
moonroof
heated front seats
Sirius
and
Voice Control
for about 17K dlrs less.
If Cdn dollar increases next week this could rise.
I'd have to live without bi-xenons due to packaging in U.S. dealers.

You should go to various sites mentioned in these threads and also became aware of ucanimport.com today.  Brokers a good idea before
heading south and getting forms ahead necessary.  State tax rebate must be possible. 

Someone reported on CTV news yesterday saved $30K on Lincoln Navigator.  Call up web site for info.

[mdxtasy]

Sorry, but I am boycotting buying MB in the US this month. 

I am doing exactely what I am preaching. Your comment is of poor taste.

It's what some people call a sarcastic comment, a jest...or a joke. 

[Cord]

I talked to my export broker today and was told that the 3 day processing time at the US border has increased to up to a week because of increased volumes (at the Sweetgrass crossing anyway). People showing up at the border after sending in their paperwork 72 hours earlier might have to turn around and find a local Super 8.

[initial_D]

Sorry, but I am boycotting buying MB in the US this month. 

I am doing exactely what I am preaching. Your comment is of poor taste.

Then kiss it, don't swallow.   

[tpl]

"I do know that Mercedes is kind of odd as it allows imports but the DMV in Canada requires a letter of compliance from Mercedes Benz Canada as some modifications are required (bumpers etc...)."

I think one reason for this is that  M-B is the manufacturer and at least some of its outlets are just retail stores not dealers, that is, they are fully owned by M-B and therefore count as "the manufacturer" from the point of view of being able to make changes to cars to meet Canadian regs. An end run around the Cdn rule that forbids the sort of grey market companies that exists in the USA that are allowed to make non-compliant cars into compliant cars

[sailor723]

"I do know that Mercedes is kind of odd as it allows imports but the DMV in Canada requires a letter of compliance from Mercedes Benz Canada as some modifications are required (bumpers etc...)."

I think one reason for this is that  M-B is the manufacturer and at least some of its outlets are just retail stores not dealers, that is, they are fully owned by M-B and therefore count as "the manufacturer" from the point of view of being able to make changes to cars to meet Canadian regs. An end run around the Cdn rule that forbids the sort of grey market companies that exists in the USA that are allowed to make non-compliant cars into compliant cars

I'm still not clear on what has to be done to a US spec Benz to bring it into compliance. For most cars the RIV site says what needs to be done (if anything) for each year or model but not for MB.

[tpl]

Quite likely nothing except turn on the DRLs and tell the odo to show KMS.  The point is that M-B Canada are allowed to do it and anything else that needs doing

[Ottawa]

Quite likely nothing except turn on the DRLs and tell the odo to show KMS.  The point is that M-B Canada are allowed to do it and anything else that needs doing

From various sources found on the net and people who actually imported a Benz, the most expensive part is the retrofit of front and back Bumpers to bring the car up to Canadian standards. (2.5 vs. 5 m/h shock resistant or something to that effect). Dollarwise you are looking at 2 to 6K depending on models. This is BS as most folks out there seem to agree that this not making the car any safer or more dangerous to drive. May be there is some other more logical explaination!!!

[mmret]

May be there is some other more logical explaination!!!

Why does legislation have to be logical?

[initial_D]

We have different safety standards here. Though the rule states that all cars will have to meet the standards right out of the factory. If a simple bumper swap will meet the requirements, consider it a big bonus. Some cars, like the EVO VII, VIII, IV, is off the allowable list because of the bumper requirement.