What's the verdict: Getting svc. history on a VIN @ the dealership ...

[AuctorEcclesiae]

Hello friends -

Am in the midst of a rather frustrating experience. I'm looking into the possible purchase of a '95 E300D. The independent dealer that is selling the car invited me to call the Mercedes dealer to get any information I wanted regarding the vehicle's service history. Great, I thought.

Called Atlanta Classic Cars Mercedes in Duluth, GA last evening, and spoke with an appointment scheduler. Very helpful gentleman. He alerted me to some head work done on the car as well as some refused A/C repairs throughout the car's history, beginning at 99k. He could not, however, give me any details as he did not have access to that portion of the computer system. He invited me to call back today and speak with a service advisor.

I called this morning, and spoke with another appointment scheduler. He tells me, "Oh, I'm sorry, but we cannot give any of that information out. It's against the law, and we have to protect the vehicle's owner." I was very confused and told this guy that I had gotten all sorts of info. last night, and that I wanted to speak with an advisor to discuss some service details. He said, "I'm afraid that won't be possible. Whomever you spoke with yesterday shouldn't have helped you in the first place, but would you like to talk to our service manager?" I left a message - it's doubtful that I'll get a call back.

I can always go over the service records with the independent dealership, but of course, they're the ones selling the car, so they're going to downplay any major work that had been done. The hints on the refusal of the A/C work are also troubling - I would bet $$$ that it's the evaporator that's gone bad, and the PO didn't want to deal with it.

So what's the real story with requesting info. on a VIN? Why was the dealership so helpful last night, but ready to linch me today? It's not like I'm asking for the PO's name and address ... I just want the service history!! What gives??

-Michael.