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Grey Market Emissions

Started by 90077merc, 22 December 2020, 02:55 PM

90077merc

Does anyone know what is the most reliable way to determine whether a 450 SEL is a grey market vehicle? I am interested in an example outside of California. It has Euro bumpers and "oel" instead of "oil" on the oil pressure gauge so it seems like a European grey market example. My thinking is to somehow have it checked for the proper US smog equipment before buying it. Help! It's beautiful!
1974 450 SEL

rumb

A euro car has euro headlights and bumpers - of course those can be switched. The oil cooler next to radiator is different at least on a 6.9.

Under the front bumper the black plastic grill is different. the US model had fog lights. If bumper was changed you might not see this.

On the body plate by radiator I think it is the upper right first line there is a number for delivery Country. 3 is Germany, but there are others.

As far as smog equipment you are best if there is none. Federal law allows exemptions for unmolested cars.

You may have an EGR valve and plumbing added during import to meet EPA requirements at that time.

Can you post a photo of the engine bay and body tag?
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

karmann_20v

When you check it look for an additional belt driven air pump on the bottom right side of the engine, opposite to the AC compressor

90077merc

#3
Please see requested photos.
1974 450 SEL

karmann_20v

That label on the B pillar is a sure indication that this was not a US model, it was imported from elsewhere. I can't tell from the pics if any emission controls retrofits were done, but you need to investigate what would please the fine folks at CARB.

BTW 116032 is a 450SE (short wheelbase), not SEL. Looks like Icon Gold which is a kick ass color and rare.

Good luck

rumb

Can you do a photo of the exhaust manifolds to see if there are egr or air pump lines going into it?

Car is Def a euro.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

90077merc

1974 450 SEL

rumb

That picture is just shy of the manifold but it doesnt look like there are any of the air lines going to the manifold from an air pump.

That would be good news for you.

Check out
https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/epa-standard-form-3520-1-declaration-form-importation-motor-vehicles

You would use box E on the form.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

90077merc

I think that is bad news for trying to import to California..
1974 450 SEL

rumb

Quote from: 90077merc on 23 December 2020, 08:48 PM
I think that is bad news for trying to import to California..


Why?  Colorado adopted CA standards and it works here.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio

Randys01

 Whilst accepting I'm not full bottle on 450's I see it is a K jetronic but cannot see the transducer or plumbing on the lhs fender that manages the EGR plumbing.
So this is a later 450 and by mid 76 onwards , I would expect any US variant would have adopted the EGR ... whilst the delightful addition the smog pump came later.
From 20000kms away on  what I can see...she is a Euro spec. not UK..not Aus..and not US.

90077merc

Hmm, okay. I'm still confused. I do love the car, but what would it take to register and operate it in California?
1974 450 SEL

rumb

Take this form to a smog check station and have them tell you what is required;

https://www.epa.gov/importing-vehicles-and-engines/epa-standard-form-3520-1-declaration-form-importation-motor-vehicles


That is how I finally figured it all out.
'68 250S
'77 6.9 Euro
'91 300SE,
'98 SL500
'14 CLS550,
'16 AMG GTS
'21 E450 Cabrio