Letter of Compliance Process Requires Additional Inspection
Submitted by: MB importer in Alberta
Comments and other experiences welcome
”We had our conversions done mid-March to the tune of $4685.00. This covered the $500.00 inspection fee, replacing the instrument panel (which really isn't necessary as it has a built in metric conversion in the computer), and the bumper pads. The bumpers were about $2800 to convert.
Now we are still awaiting the arrival of the phantom MB Inspector to show up and rubber stamp their "exhaustive" repair work. Phoned the other day and he is still not expected into our city until April 23rd!!
I was told by the dealer that Mercedes-Benz Canada is down to one inspector for the country. So who knows when the inspector will return to our city to inspect the work completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership? How ludicrous that Mercedes Benz-Canada has only one person in the entire country capable of this onerous task, and that Mercedes Benz-Canada does not place enough confidence in their dealers to ensure the work is done safely."
--------------------------
UCanImport says:
If you import a Mercedes-Benz vehicle from the US, you will have to complete the above documented process to receive a Letter of Compliance. The Letter of Compliance is required by RIV to release your Form 2 (Federal Inspection Form). However, the Letter of Compliance can only be authorized after a Mercedes-Benz inspector has confirmed that the modifications were correctly completed.
All prospective importers should at the very least get a written quote from their local Mercedes-Benz dealership for the modification work required to their vehicle. This can be done by submitting a VIN to the dealership and requesting a written quote. Understanding that you may have delays of up to 2 months, possibly more, before you can operate your vehicle should also be a consideration.
If anyone from Mercedes-Benz is reading our blog, tell us why you don't trust your dealerships to complete the modifications and why you insist on having only one inspector for the country. Surely, you can't be trying to prevent imports into Canada?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I recently imported a new ML into Canada. Before a quote for any conversion, which can be done only by MB, I need to supply the dealer with my Recall letter and my admissibility letter ( the VIN is on each of these documents). One dealer told me that in addition to the $500.00 MB Canada certification each dealer will charge $250.00-$1,000.00 for the local dealer processing fee and local certification. I was told that once I start the process it is irreversible and they will charge my credit card with the all the conversion when the quote is complete ( I was surprised he did not ask for my PIN also). My advise is not to import a Mercedes Benz- this is my fifth new MB in 7 years and my last. Despite all my costs- taxes, conversion etc... my savings on this vehicle will be 18K.
Thanks for your posting Non Complacent Canadian.
I agree with you. Each step of the way MB keeps adding new twists and turns to the importation criteria.
First a letter of admissibility. Then all the modifications can only be done at a MB dealership. Then the availability of only one inspector to check the modifications. And now the importer has to get a recall letter from MB head office in Canada, even though the MB dealership will be issuing a letter of compliance that should include this information.
This is starting to look like a qualifier for the Olympics. Shall we call it the MB Hoop Jumping event?
I think with your savings of $18,000.00 you are certainly in the running!
Just spoke with MB Canada, as long as you don't need the warranty from MB Canada, you can get your modification done anywhere else.
Post a Comment