dpayne7571

I bought a CPO 2013 S550 this summer. I asked the dealership for complete vehicle service history. They said they can only see what they have done to car and not what other dealerships have done to it....... I feel like I'm being lied to, if so, how do I found out the history of car services before my dealership bought it? Thanks

apl175

Three letters: VMI
Vehicle Master Inquiry
The two dealers I went to, had these printed out in-advance as part of their packet of information on CPO cars for the sales person. Typically, they will not let you see it or even have a copy of it for whatever reason because some VMIs do have previous owner name and contact information on it.

While it does not contain the same level of details as the line-item repair orders you get when servicing a car, it will, in particular give past descriptions of warranty work, and options that were installed since the in-service date, descriptions of any performed campaigns, and other miscellaneous repairs.

DaveW68

A CarFax report will usually tell you where the car has been serviced. Run the report and ask those dealers to print out the full service reports. Most service advisors who understand the importance of this data for a new owner will comply. If they tell you that the reports contain personal data from the previous owner(s), just tell them to black that info out and send you the reports.

dpayne7571

Thanks for the useful info!

cetialpha5

It was easy to get mine, I was making an appointment in person and I told them that other dealers gave it out. They tried to say they wouldn't give it out due to personal info and I told them to black it out otherwise I'd just go to another dealer that would give it to me. They gave it to me after blacking out the personal info.

KNBS550

I got a copy of the VMI because I had a good relationship with the MB Service Advisor. He just handed it to me and gave me a wink.

Also, I quickly scanned through the VMI document and there doesn't appear to be any personal information from the previous ownership.

cablvr

I agree with KNB. I went to another dealer to have the vehicle inspected in PA. While in waiting room, the SA offered me a copy of the VMI (I am the original owner). Don't recall seeing any personal info. Good information to offer a prospective buyer someday.

cetialpha5

The only personal information on the VMI was the name of the owner.

Nuru

Where the car was first put into service is also on there