Importing a Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II to the USA: What It Really Costs
A be-winged touring-car homologation special that turned the humble 190E into a collector grail.
A Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II costs about $266,430 all-in to import on the Germany → USA route in 2026 — a $250,000 purchase plus roughly $16,430 in shipping, 2.5% duty, compliance and registration.
- Route
- Germany → USA
- Est. all-in cost
- ~$266,430
- Duty & tax
- 2.5% duty
- On a purchase of
- $250,000
The 190E Evo II was a Cosworth-developed homologation car with aggressive aero and a high-revving engine.
It was a European-market model, so US cars arrive in original Euro spec.
How much does it cost to import a Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II?
Every line below is a researched 2026 estimate in USD. We start from the $250,000 purchase price, add marine insurance at about 1.5% and ocean freight, then 2.5% US duty on the declared value, and the broker, compliance and registration fees. Change the purchase price and everything else scales only modestly.
| Vehicle (purchase price) | $250,000 |
| Export agent & auction fees | $1,200 |
| Ocean freight | $2,600 |
| Marine insurance (~1.5%) | $3,750 |
| The standard US passenger-car import duty is 2.5% of declared value | $6,250 |
| Customs broker & port handling | $830 |
| EPA / DOT entry & compliance paperwork | $300 |
| Inland transport & registration | $1,500 |
| Estimated all-in landed cost | $266,430 |
Into USA the duty is light, just $6,250, so tax is the small part of the bill. It is shipping (about $2,600), compliance and registration that make up most of the roughly $16,430 you add on top of the $250,000 purchase price — around 7% before you turn a wheel.
How to import a Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II, step by step
- Agree the purchase and secure the title/export paperwork in Germany (an export agent or auction house usually handles de-registration).
- Book ocean freight — roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) is cheapest, a sole-use container is safest for a high-value car.
- Confirm eligibility from the build month — the US 25-year DOT exemption is calculated month by month, not by model year.
- Clear US customs and pay the 2.5% duty, then file EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 at entry.
- Arrange inland transport, then title and register in your state — a few states add emissions or kei-vehicle checks.
Is a Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II legal to import? Rules & compliance
An Evo II aged 25 years or more imports under the 25-year exemption from US conformity rules. Given its rarity and value, verify the VIN, factory records, and matching numbers with care.
Frequently asked questions
Why import the Evo II from Germany?+
It was a European homologation special, so the home market is the natural source.
Does the US charge VAT on it?+
No, only the 2.5% passenger-car duty applies, plus shipping.
What is the total estimated cost to import a Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II?+
About $266,430 all-in for a $250,000 example — the purchase price plus roughly $16,430 in freight, insurance, duty, compliance and registration. Your figure shifts with the exact price, route and exchange rate.
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