MPH display on W204 Japanese import

kwaktango

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Does anyone know whether a Japanese import W204 can display MPH?

The reason I'm asking is that my car (a Jap import 2008 W204) is on a boat from NZ, and I'd like to know what I need to do to get it through the IVA as soon as it arrives. I know I can change the speedo face easily enough, but if the car can display MPH (with or without re-coding) I can avoid taking it apart. Which would be nice :)
 

Alfie

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This needs a new cluster and some coding.
 

Craiglxviii

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Kwaktango... is that as in Kwak beer?
 
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kwaktango

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This needs a new cluster and some coding.
Sounds extreme! Will probably just change the dial face but thanks anyway :)
 

LostKiwi

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Sounds extreme! Will probably just change the dial face but thanks anyway :)
That will help with speed indications but your odometer and trip will still be in kM.
 
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kwaktango

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Kwaktango... is that as in Kwak beer?
Nah - had a 2003 Kawasaki Z1000 in Nuclear Orange from new, but sold it to move back to the UK :-(
 
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kwaktango

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That will help with speed indications but your odometer and trip will still be in kM.

S'OK, I'm not bothered about those. In fact I'm not bothered about the dial either, I'm just doing what I need to do to get it through the IVA as I can't see me selling it in the foreseeable (famous last words!)
 
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kwaktango

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It should comply as the KM cluster has MPH on it anyway

Only the lights and MOT test is what is required I believe.

Thanks Steve. I knew Canadian cars could display both, just wasn't sure the Japanese ones would. What changes do you think the lights need? I've got bi-xenons and the Japanese drive on the left so the dip is OK, and I'm pretty sure it's got fog-lights (never used them but it's definitely got the switch!)
 
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umblecumbuz

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Having a kph readout on the distance indicator is legal, but whether you choose to reface the speedo dial or not, your speed must be readable in mph to comply. You must also have a high intensity red rear light on the offside as well as the normal rear lighting - but that is probably already built-in to your model, or at least the wiring is probably there, even though such a light is not a requirement in Japan.

I'm not an expert at import regs, but I've recently found this out because I have been considering importing a Jap camper van.
 

grahamwoodward

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I don't know if it helps, but my 2004 E320 W211 was originally exported to New Zealand from new and has a speedo in Km/h. I set the central display to show the (digital) speed in mph and set the units to miles, and it is fine.
 
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kwaktango

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Well, the car's arrived and I thought I'd better update the thread with the status; the situation's better than I thought it would be.

As Graham has pointed out, the digital speedo can be altered to be displayed in mph. Making the switch from km/h to mph also updates the trip and odo. Result :)
 


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