Hello Cheryl
importing a Sprinter into the States is no big deal about US $3500 U.S. I think
But you need an export broker and some political friends to get it in as there may be a certain section that would try and block the entry before you even tried to think about bringing this in. 'not that easy'.
But under the NAFTA agreements you can legally do this as to the Sherman's act that pertains to cross border importation of vehicles into America Although DCX Has the license rights for the Mercedes come Dodge thing under certain conditions where a distributor importer can not comply to a customers request to supply a purpose built unit then a secondary compliance manufactures plate can be obtained for acceptance for having the vehicle plated to US road licenses, this is a real long thread, so I won't go into it a this point of time.
there are some minor alterations you would have to do for it to comply to US Safety requirements, I''d love to see the look on the transport guys face telling you the emission exhaust which is for Euro V is too advanced for the US side and he says replace it with the lesser one,
And then say excuse me could you just look at the end of the exhaust again to make sure you have not made mistake Sir whilst i turn on the engine just to make sure the emission check is OK and then time it for the DPF to recycle and burn his whiskers to Kingdom come.
Head lights the latest ones have no markings for direction on them I now think they are omni directional check your Dodge headlights at the lower bottom of the lights to see if there are any arrows indicated if not then that's not going to be an issue, seat belts are OK as they are three point connection with auto adjustment.speedometer has to be in MPH or Metric with MPH Europe has this system left hand drive OK, you drive on the wrong side of the road !so does half of Europe, so you can get the wrong side if you must insist to satisfy American standards
I'm not sure about added padding on the new Sprinters behind the A pillars or B pillars but those can be sourced from DCX as the parts are already available to you in the US anyways now that's a positive thought for the day
There may be other items like running lights etc,
Warranty exchange can be arranged by Daimler Benz on a case by case basis.but you get the local warranty not the European one no arguments on that because that's final no negotiating on that one. you can not be denied the warranty,unless DCX is bringing in the Sprinters on a as is where is stand alone purchase at considerable discount and wearing the warranty via the DCX division of Chrysler in the USA this is a possibility.
Dam that's a negative.
Positive steps
You could inquire from Argentina as they manufacture them as well, as Germany.
Next approach your affiliated organization for disabled councilors to assist you in this inquiry as to using their letter head, this gives a little credibility to wards your request , a local Polly could do the same in asking DCX why they can not provide you with electronic doors, as the option is available under the Vin number of your Dodge Sprinter to be.
rather than rattle on how serious are you.
Here is another thought auto sliding doors, if you live in a large city Town then try asking a company that supplies automatic sliding doors if the can come up with a system ! All it is is a hydraulic ram that has an electronic impulse to open and shut the door it can't be that hard to have one fitted lower the van with air suspension but you'll lose 'esp' and possibly traction control.
What do you think about that little lot of info.
Richard.
PS I genuinally understand your frustration cause I would buy a new Sprinter now but can not get a unit with rear seats, or lineing, unless it's a retro fit! Why Would I do that. so brining another one this time around is not so simple for me unfortunatly.