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I have a little down time this morning and decided to read through my VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) report again a little deeper. I think the info, dates and mileage are interesting and gives me a feel for what has happened since new. I also find it interesting that my car was serviced regularly, like clockwork its entire life except for a 1 year gap where nothing was done at all. Likely during that year my car had, or started having my prior problems that weren't caught, because the car went seen. I do understand that the car could have been serviced by a non MB shop, but looking at the long history of regular services all at MB I don't think that was the case. I suggest you get a copy of your VMI if you are able. I think the VMI can be valuable, because it shows the options your car has (no guessing), as well as all MB work performed. Also shows if you car was ever a CPO at some point. Now it does say right at the top in big letters (for internal use only) lol, but if you can get a copy I think it is a good idea.
Some general questions for those in the know......
Transmission service, break flush and gear oil filter completed at 101k. I assume that was the 100k service. How often are these done on our cars? Break flush was also done at 47k I guess they we're doing it every 50k, or so.
Spark plugs were done at 47k I am at 105k now. Time do them again, or wait until 150k?
Left and right Apillars were loose at 75K. Interesting. I assume I would hear a rattle, or notice them loose now when cleaning the car, but now I want to check when I go out for lunch. I don't think they are loose again though.
My options list magic sky as "heated" I didn't know it was heated. Perhaps the transition shift that happens when you use it has too warm, or something?
Radio remote control?? Really Anyone have one of them? Yes, I have had aftermarket radios with a remote, but never seen a MB remote with their radios..
Now this one really has my attention and I am going to call my service person when they open today to inquire. in June my car was at MB for service and the VMI says MB replaced my front brakes and rotors. I never had any conversation about those and certainly didn't ask for that, or pay for those. So I am like, hmmmmmmm? EDIT-Update------>>> Spoke with MB and the rotors/pads were not done and were recommended. In there system it shows that they were not done. My copy doesn't have the internal coding for breaks/pads.
I am going to see if I can get an updated VMI, because I had quite a few things serviced since the VMI I am reading from.......
There are tons of other service things on the VMI like oil changes, etc. but those are pretty straight forward and not worth sharing.
Anyway, just sharing and as always looking forward to feedback...
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Nov 18, 2021 at 02:57 AM.
If you are cool with your service advisor they may give it to you. I would only ask if you have a good relationship though. If you guys are always beefing, or they are always by the book kinda person then skip it.
Originally Posted by steve sl550
How did you get the VMI info ?
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Nov 16, 2021 at 03:44 PM.
If you are cool with your service advisor they may give it to you. I would only ask if you have a good relationship though. If you guys are always beefing, or they are always by the book kinda person then skip it.
The whole approach by the dealers with VMI is lame….
While privacy issues have been stated, I suspect the real reason is they can sell you more service. I find they are less reluctant to just show you the VMI and if they “can’t” provide you a copy, I always whip out my phone and just snap away. Technically, they are not providing a copy 😀 It makes it harder to say no, and the service advisor is less likely to get in trouble.
Last edited by crconsulting; Nov 17, 2021 at 10:31 AM.
Transmission service, break flush and gear oil filter completed at 101k. I assume that was the 100k service. How often are these done on our cars? Break flush was also done at 47k I guess they we're doing it every 50k, or so.
Spark plugs were done at 47k I am at 105k now. Time do them again, or wait until 150k? .
Your best bet is to just follow the factory recommended service intervals:
The prior history doesn't show prior owner info, so to me there is no issue. I suspect someone at some point lied about what they had done at MB service and were caught when the buyer produced a VMI that said otherwise. I dunno, but car info should go to current car owner if requested IMO.
Originally Posted by crconsulting
The whole approach by the dealers with VMI is lame….
While privacy issues have been stated, I suspect the real reason is they can sell you more service. I find they are less reluctant to just show you the VMI and if they “can’t” provide you a copy, I always whip out my phone and just snap away. Technically, they are not providing a copy 😀 It makes it harder to say no, and the service advisor is less likely to get in trouble.
My options list magic sky as "heated" I didn't know it was heated. Perhaps the transition shift that happened when you use it has too warm, or something?
Look again. Most likely you saw “magic vision” or “magic vision control” aka the special wiper blades used on the R231s that squirts washing fluid through the blades. And yes the fluid is heated.
Look again. Most likely you saw “magic vision” or “magic vision control” aka the special wiper blades used on the R231s that squirts washing fluid through the blades. And yes the fluid is heated.
You are correct, it does say magic vision. I guess I saw “magic” and associated it with “magic sky”. My brain was probably like, how many Magic’s can Mercedes put in a car lol.
