Mercedes-Benz service history check

A full service history is one of the best signs a used Mercedes-Benz has been looked after, and it supports the price. A Mercedes-Benz service history check shows you the dealer services recorded against the car, with the date and mileage of each, so you can see for yourself rather than relying on the advert.

How Mercedes-Benz servicing works

Mercedes-Benz servicing generally alternates between a smaller Service A and a more thorough Service B, usually once a year or at a set mileage, whichever comes first. The car's own display tells the driver which is due. A good history shows the pattern of A and B services continuing without long gaps.

What to look for on a Mercedes-Benz

• A run of Service A only, with no Service B, which can mean the bigger items were skipped
• Long gaps followed by a service just before the sale
• Independent garage work, which you'll need invoices for

One late service isn't a reason to walk away. A pattern of long gaps, or a burst of servicing just before the car was advertised, is worth asking about and should be reflected in the price.

Services at independent garages

Dealer records only include work done at franchised Mercedes-Benz dealers. Plenty of owners switch to an independent specialist once the warranty runs out, and a good specialist history is nothing to worry about. It just won't appear in the dealer record, so ask the seller for the invoices and check the dates and mileages fit.

Check the mileage too

Every service records the mileage, and those numbers should fit neatly between the MOT readings either side. Our free mileage check lists every MOT reading, so you can line them up. If they don't agree, read our guide on signs a car has been clocked.

For the rest of the car's past, including finance, write-offs and theft, run a vehicle history check on the reg.