Papers & docs for a new W126 & others (B) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jim B. · #1 05-02-2006, 06:15 PM

Can be fun, and impressive when you resell -

1. Factory Build sheet - send RESPECTFUL request to DB Historical Archives, Postfach 60-02-02, 7000 Stuttgart Germany attn ;Dr Harry Niemann with VIN # and copy of title to prove ownership, request it IN ENGLISH!!

Gives all option codes, build date, shipment date, order #, production Numb er, engine and transmission number, radio number, paint, appointments, tires, lights, special options, and list of options.

2. 1-800-For Mercedes and ask for photocopy of Factory window sticker, will show Port of importation, vehicle prep center, shipping number, purchase number (for the original selling dealer, to whom sold,) selling dealer name and address, list of options, paint and upholstery, and MSRP.

3. Mercedes Vehicle Master Inquiry Shows DC (DAMAGE CODES) need a friend in dealer parts to help decode, each entry beginning with Port Prep center, to dealer, tells in brief what was done to car at center, dealer, warranty claims, by claim No. date, mileage, which dealer, service type and sequence no. ,roadside service calls, extended warranty claims at dealer etc.

Neat thing is all of this is free!

4. The Carfax for the car

Jim B. · #2 05-02-2006, 06:51 PM

Continuing with the Documents thread, (sorry for the double post)
inside the black zippered case (probably lost by Previous owners but obtainable at MB Parts Department or ebay, you would be quite lucky if you were able to get the following:

This is a 1991 W126 package to illustrate:

1. Owners Manual 1991, 126 584 27 82, Order #6550 5922 13

2. Maintenance Booklet passenger cars, 129 584 39 95 Order # 6550 1525 13
(If looking at it today check carefully for all services stamped in booklet with dealer or independent shop stamped, date mileage, repair order, look in front for owners information, look in back for radiator fluid and brake fluid changes stamped. Spaces for up to 187,500, beginning with predelivery inspection.

Perhaps the most important thing to get when buying used, sometimes shops or dealers will co operate and give you photostats of Repair orders, and get owners names and numbers. Such a find that these are often FORGED in England to get premium prices for the cars, so check staples in place, etc.
This is the best thing to get. (if it matters to you)

3. Car care Guide booklet

4. Driving Dynamics Booklet (ASR,ASD & 4matic)

5. AMFM Stereo cassete operation guide booklet

6. Supplemental Reatratint System (SRS) booklet

7. 1991 Mercedes Directory Booklet (US and worldwide, 1 booklet)

8. MBNA Dealer directory (for 1991)

9. Owners Service and Warranty Information 1991 (9-90)
Dealer and warranty information filled out in front, swigned by salesman?
warranty start date, VIN and serial # filled out, selling dealer code there, business card of Salesman and Service manager there?
ANOTHER GOOD one to have.

10. Orange cruise control card hanging on steering wheel

11. Operation of Climate control Blue card hanging on steering wheel

12. Where applicable - owners Service and Warranty Information booklet, (where CPO waqrraqnty perchased) filled out correctly, business cards of salesman inside, proper dealer information, warranty mileage start date noted etc.

lOOK CAREFULLY IN ALL PAGES, I found key 1993 registration card which led to contact with 2nd owner and put the puzzle together.

Hope this helps, its a good start

WVOtoGO · #3 05-02-2006, 06:54 PM

I’ve known a few folks who have gone that route for all the info on their MB cars. It’s neat that they actually still have all that and will still provide the service for free.
There are also quite a few sites on the internet that will provide you with the translation for all the codes.

The build codes are on the back inside cover of the maintenance book, I believe. There’s also blanks for the dealers to put the codes in for any options they do prior to sale. I was amazed at all the codes MB had/has.
There’s even codes for preparations done to the car for sale in different areas in Texas !

Being the original owner of my 300D, I still have all that stuff. When I go to gatherings/shows, I make sure to put it all on the car. The little red tag hung with the original string from the mirror about how to operate the cruise control is quite the conversation piece. That, and the plastic coated tag that is wired to the spare tire on how to operate the jack and change a flat (in English as well as German) is pretty popular too.

Good post, Jim. Great stuff to research and learn more about the more “personal” history of our cars.

BTW - That built Sheet is often referred to as the Birth Certificate for the car. Kind of a cute name for it.