Shipping SL to Germany
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Why would you need to spray underneath the car, are they going to tow it behind the ship 
The car should be in a watertight container but if there is a risk of salt water splashing around spray the car with Waxoyl or similar.
You will then have the lovely job of washing off the protective spray when you are united with the car in Germany.
The car should be in a watertight container but if there is a risk of salt water splashing around spray the car with Waxoyl or similar.
You will then have the lovely job of washing off the protective spray when you are united with the car in Germany.
True but I do not intend on walking everywhere. I would ship the Dodge Ram 2500 Turbo diesel mega cab, but I would find it difficult to drive it on the narrow streets, and the diesel would be way to expensive.Shipping a Mercedes to Germany, is it like shipping tea to China ?
What I was trying to say was would it be cheaper to buy one in Germany than to ship it?
As far as I know, new cars received a coat of spray to protect the paint during shipping, which is later removed as part of the 'Dealer's prep' (and you pay for that). Then the Dealers will try to sell you an extra 'undercoat' to rust proof when you were buying the car.
So if your shipper tells you that you only need the undercoat, you have to wonder will that do anything?
As far as I know, new cars received a coat of spray to protect the paint during shipping, which is later removed as part of the 'Dealer's prep' (and you pay for that). Then the Dealers will try to sell you an extra 'undercoat' to rust proof when you were buying the car.
So if your shipper tells you that you only need the undercoat, you have to wonder will that do anything?
Hi Kawagirl.
Germany is kind of civilized, so I do not think that you should have too much problems with the roads. Also, diesel is normally cheaper than gas.
As for the shipping, I had my SL shipped from NY to Lebanon, (longer trip than to Germany), in a container without any preparations without any problems five mnts ago.
Even if you are using a Ro-Ro ship, there should be no problems, just give it a throughout cleaning when it arrive.
AND, enjoy the Autobahn, just keep a good look in the rear view mirror.
I think the shippers are just being cautious.
I am not sure I go along with Redliner on waxoyl as it is a nightmare to get off - I know as my MGB is covered in the stuff, but the MGB was built by a mob that knew nothing about building cars, unlike MB.
I would suggest, if you were to spray it with anything, WD40 or similar. It will serve the purpose and is easily removed...
I am not sure I go along with Redliner on waxoyl as it is a nightmare to get off - I know as my MGB is covered in the stuff, but the MGB was built by a mob that knew nothing about building cars, unlike MB.
I would suggest, if you were to spray it with anything, WD40 or similar. It will serve the purpose and is easily removed...
1999 SL500 Sport, Black Opal Pearl, Helios Leather, Pano roof, AMG Aero2 18"Split Rims, Rear Seats
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I shipped my car to Australia last year in a sealed container and just did the following. Jet washed the underside really thoroughly, scrubbing of any built up dirt in the arches and suspension areas. When it dried off I sprayed everywhere I could get at with WD40. The WD40 makes everything look clean and shiny plus offers some protection from damp. My main worry was Customs and especially quarantine. The car past by both with no additional costs for cleaning and inspections.
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Yes but it's still very expensive.
Just wax the car so salty air doesn't catch easily on the car.
I wouldn't worry too much about it, if U are, clean the car very good and powerwash the underside, but as I said, I think it's useless.
Driving in the winter is much worse for your car because of the salt they spray on the road, that salt is far more aggressive.
An sl bought in germany might be cheaper, although the dollar is pretty low against the euro...do some calculations...and think about euro/vs cars, thay are different, maybe one from the VS won't get regularised in germany.
The German customs will charge you a 19% value added tax on the current market value of your car.
As the vehicle is a German marque, claim diplomatic immunity
If the Army is paying shipping, I would sell the SL in the USA, buy and ship a Corvette over there where you can resell at $$$. Then get something else for transportation and pocket the difference.oohhh I see, sorry for being pissy
I like that WD40 idea, thank you.
93 500SEL DOA - PARTING OUT, 08 CLK350 Cab -DOA, '05 CLK500 Cab (hers), '10 Razor Elec Scooter (his)
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Great idea!! I know where you can get a clean 1963 for cheap!
As a side note, we in the US are very spoiled by low fuel costs. Fuel was $7.42 / gal when I was in Germany last year. Just looked at Gasoline usage and pricing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , and as of 4/20/08, it is $8.63 / gallon! I hope you can get it on base cheaper!
You see very few 8 or 12 cylinder vehicles in Germany. Very interesting to see all of the diesel variants (BMW 7'er, for example) and small displacement gassers (E200, etc.) that weren't offered in the US market. A LOT of Smart and the like.
Good luck!
acb
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