Will dealer release vehicle history? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ps2cho · #1 04-11-2015, 12:59 AM

So I brought home my 2008 E350 4Matic...Carfax shows dealer maintenance.

All I want to know is if its missed any maintenance. Can I just walk in and ask the service desk, or will they deny me all info?

I just don't want to miss changing any fluids if they weren't done. Also spark plugs were supposed to be replaced 10k ago, but without any receipts, who knows??

That, or anybody know a service adviser that might be willing to help out here?
I know the common google reply is PRIVACY. Well I have no interest in the PO...I mean having the copy of the receipts would be great, but I'm fine just knowing whats done ya know?

Any suggestions?

Mölyapina · #2 04-11-2015, 06:28 AM

I think it depends on the dealership. The one in our area was willing to look up the car's history if they had a copy of my title. I've heard that others will just look it up for you -- no title required.

97 SL320 · #3 04-11-2015, 09:50 AM

There are a few levels here.

From easy to hard

Data card, this is a build sheet that shows options, paint codes and radio lock code.

VMI Vehicle Master Inquiry, this is a MB master computer report that at least shows repairs done under warranty, not sure if it shows all dealer maint. MB official policy is not to give this out, it you have a good relationship with the parts guys ( an in buying lots of parts on a consistent basis ) you might be able to get it. I've gotten it once but not for a second car. A random person stopping in has a near zero chance. You might get answers to specific questions if the parts dept isn't busy, especially if you are buying a meaningful amount of parts.

Service records for work done at a specific dealership. This is iffy, parts and service counters are pretty busy and usually don't want to take time on something that has little chance of generating a sale.

rocky raccoon · #4 04-11-2015, 10:59 AM

You can just walk in and ask. Whether they provide the information or not is unknown. Just do it.

tbomachines · #5 04-11-2015, 11:07 AM

I don't get why it is so hard to get this stuff. If you prove ownership of the car it should be no different than typing the vin in and printing out a list of items and dates. I ran into this with my saturn as well so it's not limited to Mb. I'm also having a hard time getting documentation of a (warrantied) engine replacement from mazda.

Sent from an abacus

Mölyapina · #6 04-11-2015, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

VMI Vehicle Master Inquiry, this is a MB master computer report that at least shows repairs done under warranty, not sure if it shows all dealer maint. MB official policy is not to give this out, it you have a good relationship with the parts guys ( an in buying lots of parts on a consistent basis ) you might be able to get it. I've gotten it once but not for a second car. A random person stopping in has a near zero chance. You might get answers to specific questions if the parts dept isn't busy, especially if you are buying a meaningful amount of parts.

I was a random guy calling in, and as long as I faxed them the title, they were willing to do it.

97 SL320 · #7 04-11-2015, 01:44 PM

Does the top of the paper they sent back to you say VMI or Datacard ?

Mölyapina · #8 04-11-2015, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 97 SL320

Does the top of the paper they sent back to you say VMI or Datacard ?

I was specifically asking for any maintenance/repair history, and they said that they would need the title for that. Unfortunately, when they came back, they said that if the car (1984 300D) had been to a dealer, it was so long ago that it was not recorded in their system. They said that if I wanted to call the dealership where it was purchased, they might have old paper records, but in my case, the specific dealer was long since defunct, so...

MTI · #9 04-11-2015, 02:57 PM

Nope, MBUSA sent instructions to all dealers . . . Service history is confidential proprietary property of MBUSA. Data card info is no problem, but no service data other than to confirm recall compliance.

Skid Row Joe · #10 04-11-2015, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

So I brought home my 2008 E350 4Matic...Carfax shows dealer maintenance.

All I want to know is if its missed any maintenance. Can I just walk in and ask the service desk, or will they deny me all info?

I just don't want to miss changing any fluids if they weren't done. Also spark plugs were supposed to be replaced 10k ago, but without any receipts, who knows??

That, or anybody know a service adviser that might be willing to help out here?
I know the common google reply is PRIVACY. Well I have no interest in the PO...I mean having the copy of the receipts would be great, but I'm fine just knowing whats done ya know?

Any suggestions?

This may be similar to asking someone in or with LEO ties to look-up a license plate for you. There will more than likely be a trail generated on the terminal that looked up the information, and when.

The person @ the MB dealership with access to their computer files and information, and that provides it freely to ppl, may be asked to account for their hits, if you will.

I've never had a scintilla of resistance when asking for a VMI look-up from my source(s). That said, it helps to have a relationship of 25+ years with one MB dealership.

Others here have reported being stonewalled or flat out refused this information on used MBs.

Skid Row Joe · #11 04-11-2015, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

Nope, MBUSA sent instructions to all dealers . . . Service history is confidential proprietary property of MBUSA. Data card info is no problem, but no service data other than to confirm recall compliance.

Please provide the proof of your claims made here.

Skid Row Joe · #12 04-11-2015, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ps2cho

So I brought home my 2008 E350 4Matic...Carfax shows dealer maintenance.

Congrats on your new purchase!

How about some pics. of your new to you car here?

Just curious why you would buy a 4-matic for driving in Phoenix, AZ??

Mölyapina · #13 04-11-2015, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

Nope, MBUSA sent instructions to all dealers . . . Service history is confidential proprietary property of MBUSA. Data card info is no problem, but no service data other than to confirm recall compliance.

That's dumb.

MTI · #14 04-11-2015, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Please provide the proof of your claims made here.

Call up your local SA at the dealership. Better yet, drive down to one with your title and a picture ID. Post the history printout and I will gladly apologize.