VIN search via MB database

[230/8]

Been away from this forum for awhile so thought I'd bounce this off you. Have searched the site but no luck.

I'm looking over a prospective 2000 W210 E320 4Matic wagon. High mileage from a local non-MB dealer. Not many records, but where I live there is not a large marketplace from which to select a used MB, so I take my chances when I have to.

The car looks good and seems to run well and smooth (no ringy-dingys or taps/clacks); a few small issues pop out, one rear window and PS mirror are non-op, balancer looks reasonably new, mileage is big...166K, but all my other MBs are high mileage and it typically doesn't scare me off. So, here's the question: Does MB still give out maintenance database data if you provide the VIN# so I can see its service/recall history? Oh, car was Starmarked so the PO probably got it from the dealer in WA.

Nearest dealer is 125 miles away and not very well-stocked. But they are all we have nearby. I'm going to be in their neighborhood next week so could stop by for a check, but won't waste my limited time if they don't do this anymore.

Thanks in advance,

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[JohnM.]

Yes, usually they can pull a VMR? (Vehicle Master Record) for all service done at the dealership on a particular VIN.

[RichardM98]

It used to be pretty easy to request a (VMI) from a dealer using the VIN. Recently, MBUSA's Star Magazine reported that most dealers were pulling back that service citing the release of private information about the previous owner as an issue. Of course, it's worth a try since all they can say is no.

However, most VMI's only contain warranty repair and recall campaign information. Routine maintenance data seems to be hit and miss and most likely if you go to the dealer that actually serviced the car and if they entered the data. Or that dealer will have access to the service invoices and could give you an idea of what maintenance was performed.

While a Starmark car is a plus, IMHO I think owner service history records are a big plus. Someone who keeps the records is likely to be careful about proper maintenance as well.

Good luck.

[230/8]

Thanks for the info...

Does the dealer get all the data for work done at MB dealers everywhere, or just at their own dealership? I don't know who was the original selling/servicing dealer. And will they do the search if I don't own the car yet, just me doing a before-purchase inquiry?

Thanks again,

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[230/8]

Thanks, Richard, your reply posted while I was composing my last question so I missed seeing it...

[deanyel]

Originally Posted by RichardM98

It used to be pretty easy to request a (VMI) from a dealer using the VIN. Recently, MBUSA's Star Magazine reported that most dealers were pulling back that service citing the release of private information about the previous owner as an issue.

It never had a privacy issue because the paying customer was the factory, not the consumer. They've "pulled back" from giving them away because they now charge for them. It's $50 for an "information kit" which includes the VMI and some other things. So the privacy issues disappear if they're getting paid.