Registering my US NCV3 in the UK

Düsseldorfer

New member
Hello all,

I have been doing some research into taking my Sprinter with me on a permanent move to the UK, and I have come up with a few questions. Before I contact the various UK government departments, I thought I would see if anyone on the list had some experiences to share.

In a nutshell, the process of bringing in a non-EU-registered car to the UK involves changing certain equipment to UK standards, and then having the vehicle inspected to certify that it meets UK standards.

I think that the equipment changes will not be difficult for the Sprinter. I believe the Sprinter's lighting is mainly in compliance, though I may have to move the rear fog light to the right side. Other systems should be fine, with the possible exception of adding an "immobiliser" if the Sprinter's built-in system doesn't qualify.

One question has to do with licensing. The Dodge 2500 model Sprinter has, according to Dodge, a GVWR of 8550lbs. This is greater than the UK "light goods vehicle" cutoff of 3.5T (= approx 7700lbs). Yet the equivalent UK model of the MB Sprinter (144" low roof) meets the cutoff. So can my vehicle be "downplated" or "downrated", without mechanical changes, to meet the cutoff? Or do I need to plan on getting a C1 license (something like a junior version of a US commercial license) in order to drive the Sprinter on UK roads?

Can anyone shed some light on that? And, am I missing anything on the equipment side that might trip me up?

Thanks,
D
 

mean_in_green

>2,000,000m in MB vans
Douglas, search SVA for more information on attaining approval on an imported vehicle for UK use. That was the process in its previous incarnation - I believe a new system derived from Single Vehicle Approval now exists but I don't know much about the changes that took place.

I imported my TINcan into the UK from Belgium in 2000. That was in the days before SVA inspection existed - the process was very straightforward as DVLA just referred to Daimler-Chrysler (or Mercedes-Benz as it then was) for Type Approval information. The key difference between our situations though was that my experience was all within the EU.

There are many US vehicles running around the UK's road system however. What you're asking is doable, including down rating. I would think there is a strong chance Daimler-Chrysler here in the UK will support you in your application to DVLA if you go that route.

If you don't intend to use the vehicle for Hire and Reward it won't matter to you that the GVW may be determined above 3.5t. Yes, you would need the additional entitlement (extra training) to drive that vehicle class, but you wouldn't be required by law to have a tachograph fitted or be obliged to use it. This is only the case if never used for Hire and Reward. If yes for Hire and Reward - even if only once - then tachograph installation and observation of the driving hours regulations will apply. Actually it gets more complicated than that too: Operators' Licence.

Will it be used for commercial financial benefit?
 
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Düsseldorfer

New member
Simon, thanks for the reply. Yes, the SVA was the inspection I was referring to-- I think it's called IVA these days. There's a transition going on the inspection regime, and so the process documents are not as helpful as they could be.

I won't be using it for any kind of business; I'm a car collector, and the Sprinter's just to support my bad habit. So I'm happy to downrate. Well, happy as long as it doesn't cost me a fortune in e.g. new MB suspension bits.

I hadn't thought about contacting Daimler UK, but I'll look into that.

I'm at the beginning of a long string of emails and phone calls, but if anyone else has solid tips based on experience, that would be very helpful!

Thanks again,
D
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
as long as it doesn't cost me a fortune in e.g. new MB suspension bits
There was another thread recently (within the last month or so) involving those "bits".
They seemed to consist of a couple of metal plates (painted yellow?) welded below the rubber travel limiters, to shorten the available spring action.
(i.e. you'd bottom out if you overloaded the vehicle).
Search for "bump limit" or similar synonyms... there are photos in the thread.

I suppose you could take up part-time employment as a postal carrier... you'll be sitting on the curb/mailbox side of the cab...
--dick
 

mean_in_green

>2,000,000m in MB vans
Your path looks to be a much simpler one than if for commercial use then - forget all about tachograph and O Licences. I think these are your options as far as actually driving it here go:

If you passed your UK test before Jan 1991 you don't need to take the additional training for towing or >3.5t category. After that date you do. If you need a higher payload rating than 3.5t try to register the vehicle at the higher GVW you initally suggested. Because the use won't be Hire & Reward the law doesn't require you to abide by tachograph regulations that affect business users over 3.5t. Sprinters here are generally either 2.8, 3.5, 3.8, 4.6 or 5.0t rated.

DC's Technical Department are at Tongwell, Milton Keynes. I think they'll just be able to tell you what they would "plate" it at weight wise. I think it will be 3.5t. The only four wheeled variant over 3.5t in Euroland is a SuSi axled one.

Or if when it gets inspected VOSA want to plate it over 3.5t just down rate it to 3.5t (SV Tech will do it for you at a price) and use your standard driving licence but with reduced payload. I don't think it will come to that though.

Would be interesting to learn what technical differences may exist between NAFTA and Euro equivalents. Again there are companies here that take on the whole process for you.

I'll be happy to help you this side if I can.
 
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knighty

Member
Düsseldorfer, just an idea, but unless your van is something very special you might be better off selling it and buying a new one over here....

vans seam to be a lot cheaper over here than in the US

and adding to that the $/£ exchange rate makes it even more attractive !

ebay and http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/ would be a good place to guage used prices
 

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
Hello all,

I have been doing some research into taking my Sprinter with me on a permanent move to the UK, and I have come up with a few questions. Before I contact the various UK government departments, I thought I would see if anyone on the list had some experiences to share.

In a nutshell, the process of bringing in a non-EU-registered car to the UK involves changing certain equipment to UK standards, and then having the vehicle inspected to certify that it meets UK standards.

I think that the equipment changes will not be difficult for the Sprinter. I believe the Sprinter's lighting is mainly in compliance, though I may have to move the rear fog light to the right side. Other systems should be fine, with the possible exception of adding an "immobiliser" if the Sprinter's built-in system doesn't qualify.

One question has to do with licensing. The Dodge 2500 model Sprinter has, according to Dodge, a GVWR of 8550lbs. This is greater than the UK "light goods vehicle" cutoff of 3.5T (= approx 7700lbs). Yet the equivalent UK model of the MB Sprinter (144" low roof) meets the cutoff. So can my vehicle be "downplated" or "downrated", without mechanical changes, to meet the cutoff? Or do I need to plan on getting a C1 license (something like a junior version of a US commercial license) in order to drive the Sprinter on UK roads?

Can anyone shed some light on that? And, am I missing anything on the equipment side that might trip me up?

Thanks,
D
Your manufacturing Vin V doc sheet clearly states no complaint for emissions out side of the U.S
Richard
 

jdcaples

Not Suitable w/220v Gen
Sell it State-side. I know that it's a stereotype, but toss in your gun collection too :)

Seriously, I think you should buy a 4x4 in the UK and make fun of us .


-Jon
 

Düsseldorfer

New member
Thanks for the replies, everyone. I'll update this thread as I gather more information, in case it is useful to someone in the future.

Knighty, thanks for the link. At the moment it's not clear that selling my Sprinter and buying one over there would be any less expensive than the shipment and alteration: the 3.0-engined Sprinters with mileage similar to mine seem to be at a premium in the UK. But I won't know the final math in any case until I find out whether/how I can register my NAFTA bus.

And of course, the gun rack is a NAFTA-only option! Don't you people have "varmints" over there? :smilewink:

Green meanie, thanks for the info and offer. I'll stand you a pint when I get there at least.

D

PS- I really don't understand why folks make such a big deal about the 4x4 Sprinters. Just more stuff to break, IMHO. And given the way a Sprinter handles road imperfections, particularly when lightly loaded, I wouldn't want to go offroading in one-- I'd be afraid I'd lose a filling or something!

PPS- What is a "manufacturing VIN V doc sheet"?
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
Of course, you could take your Sprinter over there, swap VIN plates with a 4x4, ship the 4x4t back *here* and sell it to any one of the gotta have a 4x4 crowd here on the forum....
Big profits.

But... you asked:
PPS- What is a "manufacturing VIN V doc sheet"?
You can have anyone subscribed to the tech info service (or a friendly dealer) pull your "data card".
Give them your VIN, and they can get a two-page printout of all of the fiddly-bit options that went into *your* Sprinter.
Here's one of the lines from a NAFTA 2009 Sprinter's data card:
Z44 REGISTRATION OF VEHICLE NOT POSSIBLE IN EU
(so that's option code Z44, and what it entails)

One of the forum members had a link to his datacard as a part of his signature.
That would let you see what a full datacard looks like
Added: found it... ShaneMac's: http://shane.servicetechhelp.com/ShaneDataCard.pdf

happy travelling
--dick
 
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mean_in_green

>2,000,000m in MB vans
...the 3.0-engined Sprinters with mileage similar to mine seem to be at a premium in the UK.
Green meanie, thanks for the info and offer. I'll stand you a pint when I get there at least.
Yes, the 3.0 litres variants are very much in the minority here, UK fuel prices see to that. Wouldn't be hard to find one though. Be interesting to see how you ultimately decide to approach this, emissions issue aside. VIN V doc sheet, not sure - Type Approval statement from DC?
 

220629

Well-known member
Yes, the 3.0 litres variants are very much in the minority here, UK fuel prices see to that.
...
Simon,
Does that mean a NAFTA Sprinter over there would be somewhat an orphan for service similar to the NAFTA Sprinter gas engine models over here? I should think some of the NAFTA model specific parts might be in short supply on your side. That and the computer scan access to a NAFTA model may be different too. I know previous to the divorce MB dealerships could not scan NAFTA Sprinters (or maybe that was "would not scan? :idunno:).

Lots of things to ponder. I'd be inclined to sell the NAFTA Sprinter and purchase another of a type common to the country rather than take the chance. Then again, that is not based upon any specific experience. vic
 

mean_in_green

>2,000,000m in MB vans
I don't know if DC somehow watermark vehicle systems to control what they see as their geographical market rights. It does sound like the sort of thing a Nazi marketing strategist might do...
 

jdcaples

Not Suitable w/220v Gen
I don't know if DC somehow watermark vehicle systems to control what they see as their geographical market rights. It does sound like the sort of thing a Nazi marketing strategist might do...
I can't speak to the watermark, but the restriction notation is in place all NAFTA datacards I've seen, dating back to 2002, if I recall correctly.

They'll take our money, but we're not welcome in the neighborhood.

-Jon
 

autostaretx

Erratic Member
The 2010 Options list (that Richard posted, i think) does NOT have the Z44 option.
(i suspect that Z44 was either for tax-avoidance during construction (it's going offshore!) or for carbon-tax avoidance (it won't be making CO2 here in Europe!))
--dick
 

Altered Sprinter

Happy Little Vegemite
On the the 2010 options list first page ,you have a reference to the Vin numbering designation in Alpha format.

The two keys are engine and Non EU compliance for emissions.

In the first instance It may comply, but it will create a problem with customs and the DOT for re-designating the engine to a MB format for the EU. Basically it's a detuned 4 inline. that will not match the true MB V6 for a Mercedes Sprinter. be it a 2009 or 2010 the latter will require for 2011 EEC optioning for Euro 6 as this is a current model Sprinter.

Where there is a way a way can be found.

However import duty's on the Sprinter are not negotiable , as it's based on the original documentation of purchase in the USA ,that is required to be produced on the UK side at delivery of the port terminal.

Paper work is required to be done at time of export once on board at the U.S side.
Import duty is assessed from this point of departure.[Not on delivery at the UK side.]

Commonwealth tax is reversed to the U.S currency then recalculated at the days prevailing currency rate on the UK side , once calculated, VAT is added as TAX on the import duty. If the vehicle is under 12 months of age full import Duty and VAT costings apply.

All paper work must be completed prior to departure, and customs require the paper work to be sent prior to shipping. there is a fee applicable on the UK side .

Warranty can not be transferred to the UK or any other country, The sprinter becomes an orphan unless purchased new for export, then a warranty can be arranged to transferred to the destination of origin at that continues prevailing warranties. That are current in the country, the vehicle has been exported to.[NAFTA warranties are non transferable.]

It's not a cheap exercise.as to currency manipulation in today's climate and MB won't play ball unless it's forced to. [It can be done if new.]

I have recently looked at importation of a New sprinter from the UK side , the savings are huge if the unit is a SV order ,There is no savings if it's a base Sprinter run of the mill White terrorist.
Second hand vehicles have different rulings on import and VAT.

Visa's for tourists are simple and not as complicated.But for importations a permanent residence. Then it does become expensive.

Tax is assessed on passenger vans and trucks at separate tariffs, Passenger is more expensive. as to luxury tax is added if it exceeds a particular Sterling value , Trucks registered have the lesser tax. Basically the UK charges duties and tax.

The above is guideline only for Commonwealth countries.
Richard
 

Düsseldorfer

New member
Thanks all for your continued helpful comments!

I've been in touch with some import specialists, including SVA Tech mentioned above. I'm working on getting a specific list of equipment items that will need to be changed in order to pass the UK examination. This weekend, I'll experiment with moving the fog light to the other side, one requirement that I know must be met. Anyone want to make a bet on whether I can just drop a bulb in that empty holder on the RHS taillight assembly?

Let's try to avoid discussion of the customs and VAT charges. These vary by individual situation, and can be very heavy. In my case, I will be charged neither.

Vic, I would guess that you're right that UK MB dealers do not stock a lot of NAFTA-only Sprinter parts! However I'm struggling to think of a NAFTA-only Sprinter part that wouldn't fit in a box suitable for FedExing. And as it happens, I've bought Sprinter parts from the UK and had them shipped to the US, often quite cheaply. So I'm not too concerned, though it's worth keeping in mind.

The computer scan issue may or may not be a problem. If it is, the solution might be to pony up for a reader of my own.

Taking my Sprinter to the UK may in the end not be feasible, but so far I have not hit any insurmountable obstacles. I'll keep posting to this thread as I find out more. And of course, I appreciate any comments or suggestions!

D
 

Düsseldorfer

New member
Oh, and thanks again Mean in Green for the UK view. I'm sure it would be possible to find a good 3-liter with some searching, and even though I do have my van configured just the way I want it, I'm not sentimental when it comes down to it.

One mitigating factor about going through this process with my NAFTA Sprinter is that I would be able to bring it back again, if I ever made the return trip. If I sold it today and bought a UK Sprinter, I'd have to sell again and buy another NAFTA Sprinter-- because there appears to be no way whatsoever to register a non-US modern car for the road here.

That's not strictly germane to this thread, I just thought I'd mention it as one reason why I might want to take my van with me.

D
 

mean_in_green

>2,000,000m in MB vans
...Anyone want to make a bet on whether I can just drop a bulb in that empty holder on the RHS taillight assembly?
I tried it on my T1Ncan (well, the opposite side I mean) as I thought I would like to have two rear fog lights. The bulb fitted - I'm sure it would have worked marvellously had the holder actually been connected to the loom...

No biggie, worst case you'll end up rerouting or adding an extension to the existing feed.

Replacement headlights also a cheap and easy drop in job (xenons excepted).
 
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