Passing on the history
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Passing on the history
When I trade in a car, I put all the documents (less confidential information) in the trunk for the next owner. Includes window sticker, sales docs., service records, brochures, manuals, etc. I have even saved all the mailings I have received from MBUSA, the dealer, etc.
Of course, dealer clean-up person may throw them away, but probably not.
A woman once called me to thank me for doing it as she always buys used and this was first time she had all the stuff for her "new" car.
Of course, dealer clean-up person may throw them away, but probably not.
A woman once called me to thank me for doing it as she always buys used and this was first time she had all the stuff for her "new" car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
When I trade in a car, I put all the documents (less confidential information) in the trunk for the next owner. Includes window sticker, sales docs., service records, brochures, manuals, etc. I have even saved all the mailings I have received from MBUSA, the dealer, etc.
Of course, dealer clean-up person may throw them away, but probably not.
A woman once called me to thank me for doing it as she always buys used and this was first time she had all the stuff for her "new" car.
Of course, dealer clean-up person may throw them away, but probably not.
A woman once called me to thank me for doing it as she always buys used and this was first time she had all the stuff for her "new" car.
I used to include it too until a dealer told me about the restriction about PII - it is much easier to toss the whole package then it is to go through it.
Now I just include the window sticker and tell the dealer to contact me if the new owner wants it. I keep the folder for a half year and then toss it.
With many cars going to auction I don't expect to get a call from a dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 573
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
I keep the window sticker in the spare tire well for the new owner to find.
Since all the service history are now uploaded to the national database, I just scanned them and recycle it.
In terms of confidential information, I find people often forget to clear the navigation/phonebook memory at trade-in / loaner returns.
Since all the service history are now uploaded to the national database, I just scanned them and recycle it.
In terms of confidential information, I find people often forget to clear the navigation/phonebook memory at trade-in / loaner returns.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I keep the window sticker in the spare tire well for the new owner to find.
Since all the service history are now uploaded to the national database, I just scanned them and recycle it.
In terms of confidential information, I find people often forget to clear the navigation/phonebook memory at trade-in / loaner returns.
Since all the service history are now uploaded to the national database, I just scanned them and recycle it.
In terms of confidential information, I find people often forget to clear the navigation/phonebook memory at trade-in / loaner returns.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
that is a thoughtful thing to do.....
I got my TT used and there were some things of this nature
that came with the car......
I save all paper work as well and had planned on having it ready for whomever
gets these cars when I sell them........hopefully soon
I got my TT used and there were some things of this nature
that came with the car......
I save all paper work as well and had planned on having it ready for whomever
gets these cars when I sell them........hopefully soon
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 160
From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Actually, I had blacked out the PII, etc. and she got my name and number from the salesman. She was primarily looking for the second set of keys because of the engine immobilizer. Told her I had left them with the sales manager along with valet key. Apparently he threw them in a desk drawer and forgot about them.
With all the information out there now, not sure there is PII that somebody can't find. Also, most sales people (at least around here) will provide name and contact info. for previous owner if asked.
Of course there are a lot of cars that are wholesaled out instead of kept on the dealers lots. My M-B dealer sells only M-B vehicles, even used.
If you go to a collector car show or read collector car mags, many of current owners are pleased that they know where car was originally sold, dealer's name and original purchaser - and have original sales documents, etc.
Of course, times aren't what they used to be and the PII is a concern I have considered.
With all the information out there now, not sure there is PII that somebody can't find. Also, most sales people (at least around here) will provide name and contact info. for previous owner if asked.
Of course there are a lot of cars that are wholesaled out instead of kept on the dealers lots. My M-B dealer sells only M-B vehicles, even used.
If you go to a collector car show or read collector car mags, many of current owners are pleased that they know where car was originally sold, dealer's name and original purchaser - and have original sales documents, etc.
Of course, times aren't what they used to be and the PII is a concern I have considered.
Last edited by El Cid; Aug 27, 2013 at 02:25 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 387
Likes: 4
From: Boston, MA
2010 E550 Coupe
I certainly wish I'd had the original window sticker for my car rather than having to 'guess' what was installed, etc. Service records would have been great too. A carfax somewhat eludes to service history, but doesn't necessarily have all the information.
I believe you can go to the dealer to obtain a copy of the original window sticker, yes?
Is there another way to get this information without having to go through the dealer?
Thanks!
Richard
I believe you can go to the dealer to obtain a copy of the original window sticker, yes?
Is there another way to get this information without having to go through the dealer?
Thanks!
Richard
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 476
Likes: 1
BMW 5er
the buyer needs my phone number to call me, and my address for his shipper to pick the car up. PII my ***.
and i need his address to send the pink slip!
and i need his address to send the pink slip!
Last edited by E Classy; Aug 28, 2013 at 07:18 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
I keep all sales and service records and pass them on. With my '01 C320 that was like an encyclopedia set but since I traded it to a dealer they only got the owners books. Dealers neither care nor want to know about sales or service history other than what is in Carfax and what the car 'looks' and drives like. All my private sales get the whole history.
but since I traded it to a dealer they only got the owners books. Dealers neither care nor want to know about sales or service history other than what is in Carfax and what the car 'looks' and drives like. All my private sales get the whole history.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 93
From: Houston, TX
2010 E550
I bought a used 2010 E550, the phone list had not been cleared. There were only a few entries but one was titled "office"; I called and inquired if someone had recently sold the car. Spoke to the previous owner, very friendly, he was going to keep the car at the end of the lease but ended up getting a new car. His buyout price was over $7k more than I paid and there was an auction and dealer to make money in there as well.
Peter
Peter
