UCanImport has learned that Mercedes-Benz USA is now imposing a US$350 fee to issue a previously-free recall clearance letter.
At this time, importers are advised to telephone MB USA in advance of their importation to ascertain whether this fee will be charged. The telephone number is 1-800-367-6372.
UCanImport's earlier advise on how to request a recall letter from MB USA is no longer valid to importers.
How to benefit from purchasing an MB vehicle in the US:
1. Despite this new fee, importing Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the US still offers value to the importer. Lower prices and larger inventories are available to you.
2. Purchase a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that is nearing the end of its warranty coverage and you will be free to avoid dealing with the MB dealerships in Canada. MB Canada states it cannot honour a warranty on a vehicle unless one of its dealerships in Canada have been paid to inspect and modify the vehicle. So, if you don't have to worry about a warranty, you don't have to pay them a fee for inspecting your vehicle.
3. And finally, as part of your purchase negotiations with the US seller, request an Internal System Printout off the MB system. This free printout, which shows if the vehicle is subject to any current recall campaigns, will satisfy RIV and save you the US$350.
Last, but not least, save yourself hundreds of dollars on exchanging your funds from Canadian Dollars to US Dollars. Contact CanadianForex and set up your currency account with their professional assistance. Then simply use this account to convert funds and transfer them to the US. We think the savings you experience through this institution will compensate you for the monies you may have to fork over to MB.
Thank you to our ever-vigilant subscribers who share their experiences with us.
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5 comments:
I am importing an MB this weekend. I just came back from the RIV office and they have pre-approved my MB VMI(Vehicle Master Inquiry)that the dealership faxed to me. I'm good to go! No fee for MBUSA!
Thanks for sharing your good news with us John.
Folks, if you are looking to import a MB vehicle, do exactly what John did. Ask the seller to provide a MB VMI printout. This is basically a screen capture off the MB internal system. It shows if any recall campaigns are underway for the vehicle and is accepted by RIV.
Now, remember that only an authorized MB dealership will have access to this system. What we advise you to do as part of your negotiation with the US seller (either a private individual or a non-MB dealership) is to have them get this printout for you as part of the conditions of purchase.
Then e-mail or fax this VMI to RIV using the process outlined in the importing guide. You'll avoid the US$350 fee from MB.
Thanks to John for showing us how easy it can be!
John G, did you import a used MB? Do you just have to take the MB to Can Tire and forgo the need to visit the MB dealer in Canada?
Hi GD:
I think it's safe to assume that John G imported a pre-owned Mercedes Benz vehicle as dealerships in the US are restricted from selling brand new new vehicles to Canadian importers.
Quite likely the vehicle was close to the end of its warranty period as well. MB Canada is clear that it cannot honour the warranty on imported vehicles unless one of their Canadian dealerships has the opportunity to inspect and modify the vehicle as per MB Canada requirements.
What John G did is completely legal and acceptable to meet Transport Canada requirements. MB Canada would have a different take on the matter though.
Best of luck on your project.
Thanks for the info guys. i'm about to pull the trigger on a 2005 MB that is soon to be out of warranty. Just to be clear, if I forgo any remaining extended warranty i dont need to deal with the CDN dealer and their inspections and costly modafications?
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