The Importance of Vehicle History
When buying a used premium vehicle, documented history is often more important than the first visual impression. Complete documentation can make the difference between a bargain and an expensive mistake.
Important Documents Overview
Essential Documents
| Document | Importance | Check Points |
|---|
| Service book | Very high | Stamps, dates, workshops |
| Invoices | High | Parts, work, mileage |
| MOT reports | High | Defects, test readings |
| Inspection certificates | Medium | Historical inspections |
| Registration document | Very high | Previous owners, first registration |
Digital Documentation
| Source | Information | Availability |
|---|
| Manufacturer portal | Service history | Free to paid |
| CARFAX/AutoCheck | All vehicles | Paid |
| Insurance reports | Damage history | Paid |
| Valuation services | Market value | Paid |
Service Book Analysis
What the Service Book Reveals
Positive Indicators:
| Feature | Meaning | Value Increase |
|---|
| Complete entries | Regular maintenance | +10-15% |
| Authorized dealer | Original parts, expertise | +5-10% |
| Short intervals | High appreciation | +5-8% |
| Documented extras | Options verified | +3-5% |
Warning Signs:
| Feature | Risk | Price Reduction |
|---|
| Gaps in service book | Missed maintenance | -15-25% |
| Only independent shops | Quality unclear | -5-10% |
| Illegible stamps | Forgery suspicion | Walk away |
| Missing entries | Hidden problems | -10-20% |
Brand-Specific Features
BMW:
- Connected Drive data retrievable
- Digital service book since ~2015
- CBS (Condition Based Service) protocols
Mercedes-Benz:
- Mercedes me account for history
- Digital service book since ~2014
- ASS reports (Automatic Service Systems)
Audi:
- myAudi portal for service history
- Digital service book since ~2016
- OBD diagnostic protocols
Mileage Verification
Verification Methods
| Method | Reliability | Cost |
|---|
| Cross-check with invoices | Very high | Free |
| MOT report comparison | High | Free |
| OBD diagnosis | High | 50-150 EUR |
| Wear pattern analysis | Medium | Experience needed |
| Manufacturer inquiry | Very high | Variable |
Signs of Manipulation
| Indicator | Description | Action |
|---|
| Inconsistent invoices | Mileage doesn’t match | Further investigation |
| Too good interior | High km, new condition | Be suspicious |
| New pedal rubbers | Typical manipulation sign | Check carefully |
| Missing MOT reports | No comparison possible | Caution |
Determining Accident History
Signs of Accident Damage
Visual Inspection:
| Area | Check Point | Tool |
|---|
| Panel gaps | Uniformity | Visual inspection |
| Paint thickness | Differences | Paint gauge |
| Weld seams | Factory stamps | Flashlight |
| Bolts | Paint traces | Magnifying glass |
Documentation Check:
| Source | Information | Reliability |
|---|
| Ask previous owner | Known accidents? | Variable |
| Insurance inquiry | Reported damage | High |
| Get expert report | Accident-free status | Very high |
| Body specialist | Hidden damage | Very high |
Accident-Free vs. Accident-Damaged Vehicles
| Condition | Price Impact | Purchase Recommendation |
|---|
| Accident-free | Reference price | Recommended |
| Minor panel damage | -5-10% | Check |
| Structural damage | -25-50% | Experts only |
| Severe accidents | -50-70% | Not recommended |
Previous Owner Analysis
Number of Previous Owners
| Owners | Rating | Price Impact |
|---|
| 1 (first owner) | Optimal | +5-10% |
| 2-3 | Normal | Neutral |
| 4-5 | Elevated | -5-10% |
| >5 | Critical | -10-20% |
Type of Previous Owners
| Owner Type | Pros and Cons | Recommendation |
|---|
| Private individual | Often more careful, fewer km | Good |
| Company car | Often great maintenance, higher km | Check |
| Lease return | Annual inspection | Good |
| Rental car | High stress | Caution |
| Dealer demonstrator | Low km, many drivers | Neutral |
Service History for Premium Brands
BMW Service History
| Service | Interval | Cost (Average) |
|---|
| Oil change | 15,000-30,000 km | 180-350 EUR |
| Brake fluid | 2 years | 80-150 EUR |
| Air filter | 60,000 km | 50-120 EUR |
| Spark plugs | 60,000-100,000 km | 150-400 EUR |
| Major service | 60,000 km | 400-800 EUR |
Mercedes-Benz Service History
| Service | Interval | Cost (Average) |
|---|
| Service A | 20,000 km/1 year | 250-400 EUR |
| Service B | 40,000 km/2 years | 450-700 EUR |
| Brake service | As needed | 300-800 EUR |
| Transmission oil | 60,000 km | 200-500 EUR |
Audi Service History
| Service | Interval | Cost (Average) |
|---|
| Minor service | 15,000 km/1 year | 200-350 EUR |
| Major service | 30,000 km/2 years | 400-650 EUR |
| DSG oil change | 60,000 km | 350-500 EUR |
| Timing belt | 120,000 km | 500-900 EUR |
Practical Checklist
Before the Viewing Appointment
- Request registration document (scan/photo)
- Ask for service book copies
- Check last MOT certificate
- Request invoices from recent years
- Make manufacturer inquiry
During the Viewing
| Check Point | Action | Duration |
|---|
| Review documents | Go through all paperwork | 15-20 min |
| Check service book | Compare stamps and dates | 10 min |
| Check invoices | Compare mileages | 10 min |
| MOT reports | Compare with condition | 5 min |
| OBD diagnosis | Read fault memory | 15 min |
After the Viewing
- Make manufacturer inquiry
- If suspicious: hire expert
- Check CARFAX (for imports)
- Request insurance history
- Copy all documents
Value Increase Through Documentation
Impact on Resale Value
| Documentation Level | Value Increase | Selling Time |
|---|
| Complete with service book | +15-25% | Shorter |
| Partially documented | Neutral | Normal |
| No documentation | -15-25% | Longer |
| Forgery suspicion | Unsellable | - |
Conclusion
Complete vehicle history is essential when buying a used BMW, Mercedes or Audi. Invest time in document verification – it pays off.
Our Top Recommendations:
- Only buy vehicles with verifiable history
- When in doubt, always consult an expert
- Manufacturer inquiries are worth the money
- Gaps in documentation mean price reduction
The best investment is time for thorough research before purchase.
This guide is based on our experience in the premium used car market. As of: September 16, 2024