I had planned to order an E350 CDi Coupe Sport for March 2010 delivery after choosing it against some rivals but was put off by the fact that some items were not available that were offered on the E Saloon. Despite assurances from dealers. I was not confident that Blind Spot, Lane Keeping and Night View Assist, and Keyless Go (which I know is not on the saloon) would not be offered at some time. In addition, I was aware that some owners were experiencing problems with rough engines. I now see that Blind Spot Assist at least is being offered and that, as an unexpected bonus, a 19" wheel can be specified. Presumably the engine issues have been ironed out a year on.
Call me spoilt, but I am still peeved that MB cannot fit Keyless Go to UK cars when (a) every rival and many lesser manufacture seems to be able to, (b) MB offer it on E Coupes in nearly every other market and (c) MB pioneered it and fit it to other models.
My question is . . . is it feasible to order a Coupe for export (say, to Ireland who are RHD and can specify Keyless Go) and then "import" it to the UK instead? Obviously I would have to pay UK taxes and I wouldn't even mind if I ended up paying a little more than for a regular UK car (though nowhere near what the Irish have to pay!!!). My plan would be to have a factory collection anyway, so what's to stop me driving to Folkestone, settling up with HM Government and registering the car in England? I'm guessing my insurers might penalise me a bit but apart from this, I cannot see what problems could occur.
Does anyone have an opinion on this strategy or any expertise in this area?
Call me spoilt, but I am still peeved that MB cannot fit Keyless Go to UK cars when (a) every rival and many lesser manufacture seems to be able to, (b) MB offer it on E Coupes in nearly every other market and (c) MB pioneered it and fit it to other models.
My question is . . . is it feasible to order a Coupe for export (say, to Ireland who are RHD and can specify Keyless Go) and then "import" it to the UK instead? Obviously I would have to pay UK taxes and I wouldn't even mind if I ended up paying a little more than for a regular UK car (though nowhere near what the Irish have to pay!!!). My plan would be to have a factory collection anyway, so what's to stop me driving to Folkestone, settling up with HM Government and registering the car in England? I'm guessing my insurers might penalise me a bit but apart from this, I cannot see what problems could occur.
Does anyone have an opinion on this strategy or any expertise in this area?