A VMI is very much worth getting because it has a lot of useful information about the engine, transmission, paint, options, etc. It also has the warranty repair history but it has no service history. It will sometimes include goodwill repairs after the warranty expiration. It exists in the MBNA system and can be accessed equally by any dealer. The warranty repair listing will include the dealer number which may provide a clue as to where any dealer service was performed. There are no privacy issues on the VMI - there is no customer repair records on the VMI. I have never come across a dealer that would not glady provide a VMI. I have come across individuals who were not yet aware that it was OK to give it out but this is rather easily circumvented by going to a more experienced person at the dealership. I think an email lacks a personal touch. I would start with a phone call and perhaps you can talk someone into mailing it to you. On the customer service records more and more dealers are sensitive to privacy issues - but you can always try.