difference between us 2002 clk430 and german clk430 - CLk430

[icurazz2]

I would like to know if there are any differences in the us model clk430 and german model clk430 convertible.  I am planning on importing one to the us but want to know if it would difficult or cost effective in bringing one to the states.

 

[Arnie]

difference between us 2002 clk430 and german clk430

I don't know specifically abouth the CLK, but most cars for the US market are quite different from the european version in a number of key areas. These include Interior dash parts (different crash standards in US requiring additional bulky padding); lights (until recently only sealed beams were approved. Xenons, I think are still not US-legal); engine components (high-sulphur content of US fuels requires Steel liners on aluminium engines); Body-control electronics (US has different settings for alarms etc)... and many more...

And then you would still need to go through the US type approval procedure on import.

You can, however, order a US-spec car from Germany or thru a UK dealer, use it in Europe and import it yourself to the US.

PS: The CLK430 is now the CLK500 in the new version



(Edited by Arnie at 7:52 pm on Oct. 23, 2002)

 

[Arnie]

difference between us 2002 clk430 and german clk430

I don't know specifically abouth the CLK, but most cars for the US market are quite different from the european version in a number of key areas. These include Interior dash parts (different crash standards in US requiring additional bulky padding); lights (until recently only sealed beams were approved. Xenons, I think are still not US-legal); engine components (high-sulphur content of US fuels requires Steel liners on aluminium engines); Body-control electronics (US has different settings for alarms etc)... and many more...

And then you would still need to go through the US type approval procedure on import.

You can, however, order a US-spec car from Germany or thru a UK dealer, use it in Europe and import it yourself to the US.

 

[Matt Crooke]

I could never figure that out about sealed beam lights...why on earth were they the only approved ones to have on US cars?