Service history verification prior to purchase

[DonnyMac89]

Hi, does anyone know if you can verify a MB Main Dealer service prior to purchase? I only have the current registration number and I do know the car was previously on a private plate. I've not bought the car yet so don't have the chasis / VIN numbers. Thanks in advance for any help you could give.

 

[Blobcat]

Service history is held online now, have the supplying dealer print it out for you. If buying outside the Mercedes dealer network ask them to supply the service history with it - they'll them have to get Mercedes (or someone with access to the Mercedes system to print it out for you)

 

[Chrishazle]

Ask for a print of the service invoices rather than just the precis/DSR (digital service record), the DSR I got with my SLK was very small print and does not record everything that's been done to the car - which the service invoices do!

 

[DonnyMac89]

Thank you very much indeed for the responses.

Unfortunately I m buying from a independent dealer who doesn't have access to the MD Digital Service Records - only providing a list of service dates and mileage (not even the detail of which MD service centre carried out the work). I contacted my local MB dealer but as I don't own the car yet they couldn't help. I guess I might have to take the risk.

 

[Blobcat]

Thank you very much indeed for the responses.

Unfortunately I m buying from a independent dealer who doesn't have access to the MD Digital Service Records - only providing a list of service dates and mileage (not even the detail of which MD service centre carried out the work). I contacted my local MB dealer but as I don't own the car yet they couldn't help. I guess I might have to take the risk.

Stipulate to the supplying dealer that the deal is subject to confirmation by Mercedes that the service history is correct. Once you've bought it get the information from Mercedes (or an Independent with access) and as long as it checks out then all is good. If not go back to the dealer and give them grief.

 

[M80]

Assume there is no history until it has been demonstrated otherwise.

Some of these newer engines are a bit delicate.

 

[DonnyMac89]

Blodcat, thanks again for the advice. I will certainly do that. I think the dealer is legit and I've no reason to suspect foul play. Previous experience suggests that if a car salesman's lips are moving he is probably telling lies so perhaps I am being a little over cautious.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Worth getting to know a Mercedes independent beforehand and they should have online access to the service history

 

[Chrishazle]

DonnyMac89, give us your approximate location, chances are there's someone close by and known to the forum that will have the MB database access you require! It's worth putting the location in your profile as it's a big help to others trying to help you!

 

[Blobcat]

It's worth putting the location in your profile as it's a big help to others trying to help you!

That takes all the fun out of it though...

 

[vtaylor78]

Have you seen the V5 ?
Not sure if previous owner details are still on there. But might help if you have an area to search .

 

[AMGeed]

When I bought my E63 from an independent dealer, a complete set of service records were obtained from the main dealer prior to me checking out the car. If the dealer is in possession of the V5 it should be easy enough for him to obtain the service record before any sale.
An independent dealer can tell you anything to get a sale, so I'd want it in writing that the service history was as stated if buying without the history being present.

 

[AMGeed]

Have you seen the V5 ?
Not sure if previous owner details are still on there. But might help if you have an area to search .

Previous owners details are no longer available on the V5 due to the GDPR

 

[Ricardo_e220]

Suppose it depends on the age of car, how many services etc it should have had.

mine was from a non mb place and came with the print outs for the previous services...

 

[DonnyMac89]

DonnyMac89, give us your approximate location, chances are there's someone close by and known to the forum that will have the MB database access you require! It's worth putting the location in your profile as it's a big help to others trying to help you!

Thanks Chrishazle, I'm at Loch Lomond in Scotland so the nearest MB dealerships will be Glasgow/Grangemouth/Edinburgh. I'll put this in my profile as you suggest.

 

[John Laidlaw]

https://www.merparts.com/
Over the other side of the water but these guys are very good and well respected . Sadly no one any closer ...

 

[KennyN]

Is there no service details on the Comand unit , the idrive on the BM lists everything regarding servicing they even charge you £22 to update it at service which is nice of them.

What about a diagnostic device , can that see the service history ?

K

 

[Chrishazle]

I've seen good reports of MB Grangemouth on here and t'other side (mbclub.co.uk forum), normally for spare parts. They and MB Newcastle are often first port of call for spares!

 

[DonnyMac89]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. Well I collected the car yesterday and had the dealer sign the sales receipt to say that the car can be returned for a full refund if it transpires that it does not have a full MB service history. He was happy to do so. The dealer was not pushy at all and left me with the car for an hour while I went over it in minute detail. I also ran an OBD scan on it after a test drive and there were no current or pending faults. I didn't see the service history on the scanner (Kenny) but mines is only a basic scanning tool so it either does not have the function or more likely, I missed it. I'll check again but I will probably take it to a local garage and have them check it out. Fantastic car, drives like new so very pleased so far. Thanks again for all the advice.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Is there no service details on the Comand unit , the idrive on the BM lists everything regarding servicing they even charge you £22 to update it at service which is nice of them.

What about a diagnostic device , can that see the service history ?

K

One of the clever things BMW add Kenny, I've been impressed with that- sadly not on the Comand...in saying that I've never (knowingly paid £22 for updates?)