Used Car Predicament - C63
 

So here's where I'm at..

I'm looking into purchasing a 2009 C63 AMG. I've done my home work for quite a while which all points to making sure the headbolts have been replaced if buying an 08-11 C63. The car I'm looking at is a 2 owner car, purchased and mainted at the same dealership, but was recently traded in at a non-MB dealership.

They've told me that all the work was done at a specific MB dealer. I contacted the MB dealer regarding maintenance records, more importantly I want to know if the headbolts have been done but was advised by them that it's "against MB policy to release any vehical history"

That being said not only would I like to use it as a bargaining tool if it has t been done, but I'd rather not go through all the hassle to physically check if it's been done.

Does anyone have any insight on how I may go about getting dealer service records?

TIA.

Have the current owner/tiltle holder/salesman of the car obtain the report.

If the seller is honest they should be able to provide you with detailed service history.

Berz out.

I find that most dealerships will not provide service history, especially if you are NOT the owner of the vehicle. I am sure some dealerships are more flexible than others, but my experience is, if you ask, they will not provide it.

Best to ask the previous owner(s) if possible, for the service history. From there, you will have to make a decision on whether to pass or to go through with the purchase given your options. If you absolutely have to have it, go for it. If the headbolts are an issue and you cannot confirm if it's been serviced, then maybe move on. Good luck.

I feel like you guys missed this part:

How is OP gonna contact the previous owners when it's at a dealership?

It's pretty unlikely the head bolts were done as preventative maintenance. The average amg owner is probably not paranoid from reading horror stories on the internet. Just assume they haven't been done

I inquired about the head bolt issue at MB. Basically they are unwilling to replace head bolts with updated oem or install stronger aftermarket ones. It does not matter if have warranty or if you are paying out of pocket. It does not matter if its preventative or its already failed. If failed, they will only sell you a new engine as the only repair. If you ask a MB corporate store, this will be their go to response.

Thanks for all the input guys.

I'll continue growing grey hair, wondering what I should do.

PM me the vin , ill get the data card for you and let you know if your engine is affected, Most 09-2011s are though.

FL is a whole different car which is something to consider , but it is still pricey.

Offer the dealer a price based on the assumption that they haven't been done. Based on what toyota86 said, they probably haven't. If you get it for that price and later find out they were done, score. If not, fix them and carry on.

Seems like you are stuck with no report. You won't be able to obtain anything unless the person who was paying for the dealer services inquires. Just assume that it hasn't been done. You should still skim through the pouch with the books and look through the service book. The dealer might have stamped through it or noted any major items. Otherwise, if the car doesn't come will full service history provided, thats just something to bargain on, the money you save here car go towards your new head bolts.