VMIs May be History
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
VMIs May be History
FYI -
I've often suggested to people wanting information about the build codes, maintenance and repair history for their car (or potential car) to ask a dealer for a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry). A comment in the latest issue The Star (mbca mag) states that more and more dealers are declining to give out that information siting privacy and proprietary reasons. That is, it may contain previous owner info and it's an internal document anyway.
So I guess if you have one consider yourself lucky. If you don't and want one, you may have to 'shop around' to find a dealer that is still willing.
Good luck.
I've often suggested to people wanting information about the build codes, maintenance and repair history for their car (or potential car) to ask a dealer for a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry). A comment in the latest issue The Star (mbca mag) states that more and more dealers are declining to give out that information siting privacy and proprietary reasons. That is, it may contain previous owner info and it's an internal document anyway.
So I guess if you have one consider yourself lucky. If you don't and want one, you may have to 'shop around' to find a dealer that is still willing.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
If you are the
original owner it's yours.
If you are buying the car from the original owner get the history from them.
If you inspect it properly the history means nothing since you will know far more about it with a good inspection than any vmi will let you know about its current condition
I don't care if it says it had new ball joints installed in 2007 if under inspection it reveals they are shot in 2010
Far to many new buyers depending on vmi's, carfax,and the like.
inspect,inspect,inspect
If you are buying the car from the original owner get the history from them.
If you inspect it properly the history means nothing since you will know far more about it with a good inspection than any vmi will let you know about its current condition
I don't care if it says it had new ball joints installed in 2007 if under inspection it reveals they are shot in 2010
Far to many new buyers depending on vmi's, carfax,and the like.
inspect,inspect,inspect
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Well, as everyone knows, the VMI isn't about the current condition. That's what an inspection is for.
There's an old saying, ohlord. People who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
There's an old saying, ohlord. People who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
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From: No. Calif., SF Bay Area, Orinda
2001 E430, Obsidian Black w. Ash/Orion Grey, 195,000 mi.
Fred
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From: Fairfield county, CT.
2004 Ran SRT-10,2007 S550,2016 E400c
I'm sorry not true if you see one right at the top it says FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY .. your not suposed to even give a copy to the owner. You can give your dealers history (adp,reyndolds) but not vmi's.
What we really use them for is data cards , when you version code certian modules you need to no what options are on the car with are listed on the data card.
But if your friendly with your SA you can get one
What we really use them for is data cards , when you version code certian modules you need to no what options are on the car with are listed on the data card.
But if your friendly with your SA you can get one
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
original owner it's yours.
If you are buying the car from the original owner get the history from them.
If you inspect it properly the history means nothing since you will know far more about it with a good inspection than any vmi will let you know about its current condition
I don't care if it says it had new ball joints installed in 2007 if under inspection it reveals they are shot in 2010
Far to many new buyers depending on vmi's, carfax,and the like.
inspect,inspect,inspect
If you are buying the car from the original owner get the history from them.
If you inspect it properly the history means nothing since you will know far more about it with a good inspection than any vmi will let you know about its current condition
I don't care if it says it had new ball joints installed in 2007 if under inspection it reveals they are shot in 2010
Far to many new buyers depending on vmi's, carfax,and the like.
inspect,inspect,inspect
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2008 VW Rabbit
As a prospective MB buyer I find plenty of cars available. If I pay for a pre-purchase inspection on every one of them, I'll soon have used up my car purchase funds. I use the VMI, if I can get one, or the service records, if available, or AutoCheck, which I trust marginally more than CarFax, to determine which cars will get to go before the mechanic for the PPI. My eyes are just not sophisticated enough to know for sure whether the car has been repainted, has a title problem, or has had any maintenance done. Use what you have.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
I ran across another VINcheck recently for lost or stolen vehicles.
https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud...check/vincheck
https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud...check/vincheck
