importing a automobile

[bazookaman]

My wife's parents are moving to the US from the UAE and they want to bring their 1988 300SEL. What i want to know is what needs to comply to US standards? I've found all the paperwork for customs, etc. But everyone we've talked to seems to be tightlipped about what exactly needs to be done to the car. The emissions are the big thing, I know. But seems i read a long time ago about all these little incidental things that need to be brought "up to code".

[Todd's keyboard]

In which state will the car be licensed? That state will decide if the car meets its standards.

[BigGuynRusty]

If it doesn't meet Federal standards, it isn't coming in. Also, unless they are millionaires, it isn't gonna happen. Things that most likely will have to be changed,:
Headlights
Engine Tuning
Side Door Beams
Bumpers
Seatbelts
Also, if that car isn't sold in the USA already, there is a whole slew of tests that has to be done.
It has to meet fed standards, then state.

BGnR
Sell the car.

[bazookaman]

its coming to NC. And thats why i wanted to know. I am really trying to talk them out of it. It would be a LOT easier if i could say "Here is what will have to be done. It will cost X amount of $$$$." The problem is they won't get any money for it over there. Unlike selling a pristine Mercedes over here, EVERYONE drives a Benz over there. Its like the UAE version of the Taurus.

[elmo3]

it must meet the federal standards that were in place the year it was built. In other words, it must meet all federal standards that an 88 300SEL met when it was sold through official channels here.

It may already meet those standards. It may not.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/impo...10807b.htm



This will also help:

http://www.bmwworld.com/bmw/importing.htm

[davester]

It's almost a 20 year old car. If it costs anything to certify or ship, then it is worth nothing. A used 300SEL that is US-certified is worth less than $3,000. You need to (gently) let your in laws know that the car is worth nothing here or there, but it will be a lot less trouble to sell there.

[Racer X]

Seattle values are in the 3k range as well.

[bazookaman]

Yep. i figured an easy way to handle it was to get some prices for that model in my area. the highest one was $4995. But the majority were around the 3k range. So hopefully that will make the decision for them.