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Zonnule
Date registered: Apr 2007
Location: SANFRANCISCO, Nor-Cal
Vehicle(s): 1981 300GD lwb, '00 LR Discovery
| Cal. registration for my 300GD
Greetings all, I am trying to register my '81 300GD in california and as it is a "grey market" diesel imported from Germany last year it will have to undergo certification testing by a shop qualified to do this by the 'Air Resources Board'. Anyone have experience with this? Cal. ARB and the shops they use(all 3 of 'em for the whole state) are not very forthcoming with info as to what all will be tested and what parameters the vehicle will have to meet to pass. I'd like to have the old girl ready to pass before taking the $2500 certification tests so that I dont have to pay to have for the dyno set-up and tests twice. any help appreciated, Thanks!! |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Uggh. Good luck with those fascists. |
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jcaine
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
As a diesel it SHOULD be exempt from the emissions testing... you're much better off if it's a factory diesel than if it's converted in which case you have to prove it's a diesel... I don't know what DOT requirements there are... in any case you MAY have to shove it down the throat of the DMV as they are notoriously hard and inconsistant on these things...
Sorry... |
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Zonnule
Date registered: Apr 2007
Location: SANFRANCISCO, Nor-Cal
Vehicle(s): 1981 300GD lwb, '00 LR Discovery
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Thanks for the advice. Cal DMV has actually been pretty helpful, it's the Cal Air Resources Board that are the fascists so far. The saga continues.... |
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W5YK
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, Unimog U2450,
Posts: 543
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
When you take it in for the VIN inspection, they will look for federal safety labels on the door, and that is where your problems will really start. |
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GDog
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Why do they want you to have the test? Your truck should be exempt.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/graymarket_RI_list010807...
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quikover.htm |
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Zonnule
Date registered: Apr 2007
Location: SANFRANCISCO, Nor-Cal
Vehicle(s): 1981 300GD lwb, '00 LR Discovery
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
The ol' girl is federal EPA exempt un der section E but California does not recognize this exemption. or so the ARB tells me. |
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Ducks
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Was it imported by a Registered Importer? If so, then there should be all the right paper work available. Chad |
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clubgwagen.com
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: gwagenpreserve.com
Vehicle(s): 300GE Cabriolet
Posts: 736
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
yah, nonsense, our '79 240GD did not need ARB approval to import back in 2004, it took lots of hassle, 4 months waiting for Sacramento to check the rules, etc. But the rules are the rules, and if its 25 yrs old, its good to go.
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Ducks
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
How does the 25 year old rule work in California? I thought vehicles were only exempt if they were built before 1976. Chad |
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Zonnule
Date registered: Apr 2007
Location: SANFRANCISCO, Nor-Cal
Vehicle(s): 1981 300GD lwb, '00 LR Discovery
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
So....... Are ya saying I dont need a certificate of conformance from ARB? I'm not sure who to bother about this- ARB or DMV? Sorry all of this isnt really Mercedes or Gelaendawagen related but all who plan to import an old diesel into california should pay heed. The saga continues......... |
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GDog
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Try calling the Bureau of Automotive Repair at 800-952-5210 dial 0 and ask for a technical adviser.
Or call 800-622-7733 and ask for the referee supervisor.
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
clubgwagen.com - 5/24/2007 11:03 AM yah, nonsense, our '79 240GD did not need ARB approval to import back in 2004, it took lots of hassle, 4 months waiting for Sacramento to check the rules, etc. But the rules are the rules, and if its 25 yrs old, its good to go. So Mike; are you saying that if I bring my 1982 280GE to the Bay Area next year that I will be exempt? What are things needed (or I can expect) to be done if I bring my 25 year old G from Oklahoma to California? Thanks. |
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clubgwagen.com
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: gwagenpreserve.com
Vehicle(s): 300GE Cabriolet
Posts: 736
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
what I stated applies to DIESELS only.
(becuase they don't need smog, therefore they do not need the CA BAR sticker)
easiest way with a diesel is to register it in another state first, then bring it in with that title, get a DMV VIN verification, and have the verifier check "diesel" on the form.
Then you'll have no probs.
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W5YK
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: May 2006
Location: San Diego
Vehicle(s): 2002 G500, Unimog U2450,
Posts: 543
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
clubgwagen.com - 5/25/2007 8:18 AM
get a DMV VIN verification, and have the verifier check "diesel" on the form.
Then you'll have no probs.
Well, not until five seconds later when the DMV guys gets to check some of the boxes in the middle of this form...
 (vin.jpg)
Attachments
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 vin.jpg (76KB - 1 downloads)
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clubgwagen.com
Elite Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: gwagenpreserve.com
Vehicle(s): 300GE Cabriolet
Posts: 736
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Right, which is when you present the verifier your documents from import.
1. EPA doc #3520-1 which is required to have the car enter the US. EPA Declaration code will vary, but for our normal purposes it is either of two:
EPA Exempt:
code E -vehicle at least 21 years old (calendar year of manufacture subtracted from year of importation) and in original unmodified configuration is either exempted or excluded from EPA emission requirements, depending on age. Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines. Customs may require proof of vehicle age.
or for Canadian Imports (1986, 1987, 1996-200?)
G code EE -identical in all material respects to a U.S. certified version - either 1) Canadian vehicle (proof required e.g. Canadian emission control label, registration or title, or letter from the U.S. or Canadian manufacturer representative on letterhead verifying manufacture for sale in Canada) on EPA list of Canadian "identical" models, or 2) vehicle from any country with letter attached to this form from the manufacturer’s U.S. representative on letterhead (not a dealer or mechanic) stating that the vehicle is identical to a U.S. EPA certified version with respect to emissions. The importer attests that vehicle is being imported for purposes other than resale or lease. For import of “identical” Canadian vehicles for resale, use code FF.
G code FF -Canadian “identical” models imported for resale or lease -Canadian vehicle as described above appearing on EPA list of Canadian “identical” models, imported for resale or lease. The importer attests that the importer will satisfy applicable labeling, warranty and CAFÉ requirements as specified by EPA.
Then you will also need the US DOT Declaration form. This is NHTSA No. 2127-0002
Shows port of entry, customs port code, customs assigned entry number, entry datye, make of vehicle, model, year, VIN. Also lists reason allowed into USA.
#1 is Vehicle is 25 yrs or older.
#3 is registered importer if newer than 25yrs. This requires a 150% of value posted bond, and then you have 120 days to convert the vehicle to DOT specs. RIs can then apply to have it certified. Once certified bond is returned. If not certified in 120 days, vehicle must be exported or released to the gov't. Include copy of bond and copy of contract with RI.
Attachments
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3520-1.pdf (158KB - 1 downloads)
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Zonnule
Date registered: Apr 2007
Location: SANFRANCISCO, Nor-Cal
Vehicle(s): 1981 300GD lwb, '00 LR Discovery
| RE: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Hey ,"clubwagen.com", did you perhaps move into Cali. in 2004 and brought your grey market G with you? so far it looks like the only exemption to cal. health and safety code 44202(requires certification of any grey market vehicle newer than 1975) is if the G was first registered in another state and then brought into california by an owner who is moving to california from another state. I cant seem to find the test criteria anywhere that the G will have to pass to be certified; I'm assuming it will be things like lights, signals, safety belts, etc. I would like to know so I can have the G ready for inspection/testing. |
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Adoni
Expert
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
A bit off topic, but since my car is on record for smog tests with the state of California using my 280 motor, would I have any emissions testing issues if I dropped a same era MB 380 v-8 into it? |
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gwagen460swb
Extreme Veteran
Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Vehicle(s): 280GE SWB, Toyota Highlander, BMW530i, RR HSE
Posts: 513
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
gwagen460swb - 5/25/2007 9:12 AM clubgwagen.com - 5/24/2007 11:03 AM yah, nonsense, our '79 240GD did not need ARB approval to import back in 2004, it took lots of hassle, 4 months waiting for Sacramento to check the rules, etc. But the rules are the rules, and if its 25 yrs old, its good to go. So Mike; are you saying that if I bring my 1982 280GE to the Bay Area next year that I will be exempt? What are things needed (or I can expect) to be done if I bring my 25 year old G from Oklahoma to California? Thanks. Nevermind. I forgot my G was first registered in California. When I was looking at some info for Sean (Photoman), I saw the California registration on the driver's side door. So I should be good. |
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Ducks
Date registered: Dec 1899
Location:
Vehicle(s):
| Re: Cal. registration for my 300GD
Adoni - 6/1/2007 11:46 AM A bit off topic, but since my car is on record for smog tests with the state of California using my 280 motor, would I have any emissions testing issues if I dropped a same era MB 380 v-8 into it? Any engine swaps have to be from the same year vehicle or newer. All smog equipment that it originally came with has to be installed. The engine has to have been available for sale in California at that time. |
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