Advice on importing Merc into UK (Euro Type Approval)

[irich]

Hello

I would appreciate any advice on the following:

I work in Saudi and have a 2001 Merc E240 Elegance. This was built in Germany for export to Saudi Arabia and is a Gulf Model (LHD, bigger radiator etc). I have ran the VIN through the Russian VIN checker site.

I think it has the USA spec motor and thus no Euro compliant emission control system.

The VIN is WDBJ F62H 72B 388651.

I work in Saudi but will be coming back to UK at some time. Any UK or European Mercedes dudes out there who can advise whether I can import this car into the UK?

I am not sure whether I could get UK registration as I dont think this car was built to Euro type approval. Will I have problems with the SVA single vehicle approval route if I try that route?

Cheers

 

[television]

The car must be able to display MPH and the lights and indicators must conform to the EU rules regarding the colour.

Re the emissions, many USA states are more strict than ours, I understand that imported cars go for a special test, and you have to comply with their findings.

I believe that if you do the known modifications before the test, they will pass it on the single test.

There is a web site for this, I will try and find

 

[Blobcat]

This is a good place to start; http://www.vca.gov.uk/other/faqs-vehicle-importi.asp

I knew someone who brought his Range Rover back from Saudi in the ealry 90's, he was sad when it was re-registered as he like the plate.

 

[type49]

I remember a guy who bought a US spec 203 because it was a "very good price". He had to buy new headlights, instrument cluster & command, due to FM waveband is different in US. It cost him a packet + he ended up with a left hand drive car that's obviously harder to sell & more to insure.

 

[irich]

Cheers

Thanks Guys. I've already checked out the on line guidance on the web. The car has no Euro Type approval certificate. The problem is I don't know if the car will meet the single vehicle enhanced tests (emissions and such like).

I am hoping that a Merc specialist from a Dealer or similar can help me here, using the VIN number WDBJ F62H 72B 388651 to check whether this will meet Euro type approval, or pass the enhanced SVA test. I know I'll have to dal with the lights and speedo/foglight but not sure on the rest.

I bought this for 4600 GBP for a 2001 E240 Elegance with genuine 35K kilometers on the clock (ex ambassadors car). It's pretty much mint. I'd like to keep it if I can, even if the mods cost me 1000 GBP in the UK.

Anybody?

 

[ml420cdi]

Dont Do It

 

[irich]

err

Dont Do It

care to expand a little on that advice?