Okay so I went to Mercedes benz today for a VMI and was all excited, I go to service wait there and when a service rep finally gets to me, all flustered he tells me they don't give out VMI's anymore, something to do with privacy issues ect.... So I told him okay and thanks for the help.

I then walked over to parts where they printed out the VMI without a single problem.. LOL

This VMI is for my 91 w124 and it has a bunch of service records and the dealer code. I want to know what dealership it was originally sold from but how do I go about decoding it? It's "Selling Dealer: 05638" I tried googling it but I'm not getting anything. Any advice?

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76 MG Midget
78 Datsun 280Z
86 Peugeot 505
01 Subaru Outback

“Owning a car is like owning a dog. Every now and then, it craps on the carpet — but it’s still your dog.” - Jeremy Clarkson

The service guy was following MBUSA protocol, the parts desk wasn't. MBUSA has instructed the dealerships that the VMI database is proprietary information, not customer owned.

Well then that's the second time he messed up because I received a VMI unintentionally when I needed part information for my 220D.

I don't see how it's a privacy breech, there is no owner listed on my VMI just all the service information which is gold to me. That's so lame how they're not allowed to give that out anymore. It certainly helps the now owner get a feel for how the car was taken care of.

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76 MG Midget
78 Datsun 280Z
86 Peugeot 505
01 Subaru Outback

“Owning a car is like owning a dog. Every now and then, it craps on the carpet — but it’s still your dog.” - Jeremy Clarkson

It's not a "privacy" issue, it's what MBUSA considers information that it owns. The VMI is also somewhat limited in that the national database only contains warranty or recall service, not the routine or out of warranty work.

Well, I guess I got really lucky

I called the classic center in Irvine, California and nothing was coming up under the dealer code so he had me call Mercedes customer service in New Jersey and they were able to decode it there. Number for them is 1 (800) 367-6372 for anyone who needs this done.

__________________
76 MG Midget
78 Datsun 280Z
86 Peugeot 505
01 Subaru Outback

“Owning a car is like owning a dog. Every now and then, it craps on the carpet — but it’s still your dog.” - Jeremy Clarkson