I visited a large MB dealer this weekend to check on a 1999 E320 with 4-Matic, about 40K miles. It was very clean looking and drove well, but when I asked about service records they couldn't produce very much.

From what I've been reading here, accurate and up-to-date service records are something that one should be able to expect, right? The dealer made a big fuss about nobody keeps those kinds of records (and in fact, I never have on any of my cars either, though I've never owned a MB), and since the car was Starmarked anyway, what was the problem?

What they did have, in the service book itself, was only one record --- oil was changed at 10K mi---to Pennzoil 15W-40. The issue of the changing interval aside, aren't these supposed to be using synthetic? There also was a separate shop printout noting replacement of the electronic cooling control unit at 20K mi - and absolutely no other references to anything else except the wiper insert being changed. And no further entries regarding oil changes.

So, I concluded there was sufficient doubt about how well this car had been cared for, and walked.

Is it reasonable to expect detailed service records? Is the oil changing an issue here? Or did I walk away from what otherwise was just about exactly what I was looking for?

I wouldn't rule out that car based on the lack of an oil change record. The previous owner may not have kept records. If the paint had been neglected then that along with the oil change record would set off an alarm. When in doubt trust your gut.

I would run a Carfax and see how many previous owners it had. The Starmark is also a plus.

I wouldn't worry about missing the train. There are lots of used cars out there.

i think the dealer only keeps records of warranty repaired items.

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g-wagen