CPO How to find out complete car history?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 247
Likes: 27
2013 S550, 2009 E320, 2013 ML350 Bluetec
CPO How to find out complete car history?
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
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 25
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 390
Likes: 26
From: USA
Mercedes-Benz 2007 S550, 2012 S550 4-Matic, 2014 S550 (Traded), 2015 GL450
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.
Also, I quickly scanned through the VMI document and there doesn't appear to be any personal information from the previous ownership.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Central PA, Jersey Shore
'16 S550, '03 & '15 GMC Sierra 1500, '17 C300
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.
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