Rant Alert - Utter intelligence insulting rubbish from MB
Discussion
At a recent Mercedes Forum get-together (Brooklands) I met one of the previous owners of my W124 E36.
He told me that my car was originally a MB press car when it was first registered in the UK.
On the strength of this, I wrote to MB and asked if they could confirm if that was indeed the case. All I want to know is if it was a press car and any prep it may have had..
They have just responded to me as follows
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
Regarding your enquiry as to the previous ownership of the above mentioned vehicle and if it was originally a press office vehicle. We are unable to divulge any information like this, due to data protection rules.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at ..................
And please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>)
Yours sincerely
Angela Bleus
Customer Service UK"
I despair!
What data protection rules? I don't want to know the names of any non-MB owners, just if it was a press car.
Customer Service my ar5e, get a grip you tossers! It's a long time MB customer (and paid up member of the MB Club) enquiring about the provenance of an "oldtimer" car he really likes and cherishes.
I can't believe I am off to Stuttgart in 4 weeks with the sole intent of visiting to the MB Museum.
Am I being unreasonable?
He told me that my car was originally a MB press car when it was first registered in the UK.
On the strength of this, I wrote to MB and asked if they could confirm if that was indeed the case. All I want to know is if it was a press car and any prep it may have had..
They have just responded to me as follows
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
Regarding your enquiry as to the previous ownership of the above mentioned vehicle and if it was originally a press office vehicle. We are unable to divulge any information like this, due to data protection rules.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at ..................
And please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>)
Yours sincerely
Angela Bleus
Customer Service UK"
I despair!
What data protection rules? I don't want to know the names of any non-MB owners, just if it was a press car.
Customer Service my ar5e, get a grip you tossers! It's a long time MB customer (and paid up member of the MB Club) enquiring about the provenance of an "oldtimer" car he really likes and cherishes.
I can't believe I am off to Stuttgart in 4 weeks with the sole intent of visiting to the MB Museum.
Am I being unreasonable?
You're not being unreasonable! My Elise is ex press and Lotus were happy to confirm and also give me a full list of its schedule whilst they had it! Photos of its build too!
The Mercedes museum in Stuttgart is amazing. You'll be very very impressed. I'm going back again in August.
Try and make time to see the Porsche museum too. Not as vast but it is still very impressive and they have a good restaurant and a good cafe on site too.
The Mercedes museum in Stuttgart is amazing. You'll be very very impressed. I'm going back again in August.
Try and make time to see the Porsche museum too. Not as vast but it is still very impressive and they have a good restaurant and a good cafe on site too.
Mercedes don't appear to have a clue when it is something a bit old and none mainstream.
I was at Brooklands and asked to speak to someone who dealt with the cars on display.
It was two or three years ago when the C63 was big news, and I asked if they would be interested in showing some of the proper '80s AMG Hammer engined cars, i.e. the ones with the proper quad cam engines.
One mechanic new exactly what I was talking about and approached a couple of the "bosses"
The reply they came back with.
AMG didn't do a quad cam engine, so the cars I was offering must be some home built specials.
Yeh, right.
Anyway, as an aside OP, if you are going to Stuttgart you really should go to Affalterbach as well, for an AMG factory tour.
The last time I was there, they even put the Union Jack out specially for us
I couldn't fault their hospitality either, thoroughly decent people
If you want their contact details, feel free to pm me.
I was at Brooklands and asked to speak to someone who dealt with the cars on display.
It was two or three years ago when the C63 was big news, and I asked if they would be interested in showing some of the proper '80s AMG Hammer engined cars, i.e. the ones with the proper quad cam engines.
One mechanic new exactly what I was talking about and approached a couple of the "bosses"
The reply they came back with.
AMG didn't do a quad cam engine, so the cars I was offering must be some home built specials.
Yeh, right.
Anyway, as an aside OP, if you are going to Stuttgart you really should go to Affalterbach as well, for an AMG factory tour.
The last time I was there, they even put the Union Jack out specially for us
I couldn't fault their hospitality either, thoroughly decent people
If you want their contact details, feel free to pm me.
I got mine serviced at Brooklands recently and asked for a printout of the previous service history. I was given similar guff about privacy issues. I said that obviously all personal data could be redacted before it was given to me as I had no interest in the owners.
Chap said he'd get back to me - never did.
I have a feeling that extracting and printing off the history is quite time consuming and the data protection excuse is an excellent way of getting out of it.
I really don't know why the good old service book was killed off in favour of this useless set up.
Chap said he'd get back to me - never did.
I have a feeling that extracting and printing off the history is quite time consuming and the data protection excuse is an excellent way of getting out of it.
I really don't know why the good old service book was killed off in favour of this useless set up.
swisstoni said:
I really don't know why the good old service book was killed off in favour of this useless set up.
You're looking at this from the wrong direction.The good old fashioned service book could be accessed easily, even members of the public and worse still by non Mercedes (and all other manufactures are no doubt the same here) service people.
By moving everything to a computer system which they can control they control the data.
Their aim here isn't to be helpful to us, their customers
The aim here is to own the knowledge and therefore have more control.
TooMany2cvs said:
swisstoni said:
I really don't know why the good old service book was killed off in favour of this useless set up.
Because it's too easy to forge a non-existent history into, or "misplace" to support a clocking.swisstoni said:
TooMany2cvs said:
swisstoni said:
I really don't know why the good old service book was killed off in favour of this useless set up.
Because it's too easy to forge a non-existent history into, or "misplace" to support a clocking.Media Hotline +44 (0) 1293 851790
- See more at: http://www.mercedes-benz-media.co.uk/car/contact/#...
Call the press office, ask nicely and explain that you own an ex press loan car and would be interested to know which magazines had it. If its on their system they will probably tell you
Nothing new here. For some reason German manufacturers in particular are very wary of data protection type issues when it comes to giving new owners details of their cars.
No direct experience of MB from me, but I do have some from Porsche.
Enthusiasts used to particularly prize access to the factory kardex information held by the factory which contained lots of interesting data.
Due to 'data protection' sensitivity, you now no longer get a copy of the kardex, but a Certificate of Authenticity, which they charge you £60 for, contains much less information, and what you do get is translated by a factory spod who might not have any direct experience of the details of your car.
No direct experience of MB from me, but I do have some from Porsche.
Enthusiasts used to particularly prize access to the factory kardex information held by the factory which contained lots of interesting data.
Due to 'data protection' sensitivity, you now no longer get a copy of the kardex, but a Certificate of Authenticity, which they charge you £60 for, contains much less information, and what you do get is translated by a factory spod who might not have any direct experience of the details of your car.
The laws in German regarding data protection are even more stringent that the UK; upon discussing car dash cams with colleagues I was led to believe whilst their use is not technically illegal the posting of the footage is, without the express permission of everyone captured in the footage (whether this is enforced ...).
When I moved here the amount of forms, permissions you have to give is unbelievable, even for simple matters!
When I moved here the amount of forms, permissions you have to give is unbelievable, even for simple matters!
StonetheCrows said:
I don't get this, why would Mercedes Benz care and what value does is add to the owner, Its one of their mass produced cars. One of my current cars was owned by a Dr, am now worried whether the previous owner was a GP or not even qualified
What are you talking about?Just had a further response to my enquiry from Mercedes Customer Service.
However, they have inadvertently given me its previous (maybe first) Reg. No. M5 MAE!
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
We are sorry that you find our response unhelpful, though due to Data Protection laws and internal process' Mercedes-Benz adhere to we are neither able to confirm nor deny any of these details to you.
We would never divulge any details of a previous owner to another entity or person(s).
You may be able to obtain the relevant information you are seeking via the National Vehicle Registry authorities.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at https://www.mbcac.net/go/Customer/Cu...IN.aspx?id=... please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: ........................................)
Yours sincerely
Mark Devine
Customer Service UK"
However, they have inadvertently given me its previous (maybe first) Reg. No. M5 MAE!
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
We are sorry that you find our response unhelpful, though due to Data Protection laws and internal process' Mercedes-Benz adhere to we are neither able to confirm nor deny any of these details to you.
We would never divulge any details of a previous owner to another entity or person(s).
You may be able to obtain the relevant information you are seeking via the National Vehicle Registry authorities.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at https://www.mbcac.net/go/Customer/Cu...IN.aspx?id=... please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: ........................................)
Yours sincerely
Mark Devine
Customer Service UK"
Hello Palfers.
Firstly, what a super machine, and all credit to you for researching it's history.
The Dvla should be able to supply you with all your cars previous registration numbers, and, if you haven't done it already, your local Mercedes dealer will give you a print out of the build specification of your car if you provide them with the VIN.
From memory, I don't recollect a specific w124 E36 press car, as they were made in such tiny numbers and only on special order. The car used in contemporary road tests, as I remember, was a coupe. The edition of Brooklands Books road tests covering early AMG's is a must-have for any owner, and contains this particular test.
You'll love the museum; it will hopefully evidence that the company does care about heritage.
Have you registered for the AMG Private Lounge on line? Again you'll need the vin to verify you own a genuine car, but it's a global forum and contains some useful information.
MV
Firstly, what a super machine, and all credit to you for researching it's history.
The Dvla should be able to supply you with all your cars previous registration numbers, and, if you haven't done it already, your local Mercedes dealer will give you a print out of the build specification of your car if you provide them with the VIN.
From memory, I don't recollect a specific w124 E36 press car, as they were made in such tiny numbers and only on special order. The car used in contemporary road tests, as I remember, was a coupe. The edition of Brooklands Books road tests covering early AMG's is a must-have for any owner, and contains this particular test.
You'll love the museum; it will hopefully evidence that the company does care about heritage.
Have you registered for the AMG Private Lounge on line? Again you'll need the vin to verify you own a genuine car, but it's a global forum and contains some useful information.
MV
55palfers said:
Just had a further response to my enquiry from Mercedes Customer Service.
However, they have inadvertently given me its previous (maybe first) Reg. No. M5 MAE!
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
We are sorry that you find our response unhelpful, though due to Data Protection laws and internal process' Mercedes-Benz adhere to we are neither able to confirm nor deny any of these details to you.
We would never divulge any details of a previous owner to another entity or person(s).
You may be able to obtain the relevant information you are seeking via the National Vehicle Registry authorities.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at https://www.mbcac.net/go/Customer/Cu...IN.aspx?id=... please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: ........................................)
Yours sincerely
Mark Devine
Customer Service UK"
What part of the Data Protection Act do they believe will be breached by them answering your question? However, they have inadvertently given me its previous (maybe first) Reg. No. M5 MAE!
"Thank you for contacting Mercedes-Benz Customer Service.
We are sorry that you find our response unhelpful, though due to Data Protection laws and internal process' Mercedes-Benz adhere to we are neither able to confirm nor deny any of these details to you.
We would never divulge any details of a previous owner to another entity or person(s).
You may be able to obtain the relevant information you are seeking via the National Vehicle Registry authorities.
Should you have any further requirements please do not hesitate to contact me or any of my colleagues.
So we can be as responsive as possible, be so kind as to approve your contact details at https://www.mbcac.net/go/Customer/Cu...IN.aspx?id=... please let us know how we’re doing so we can continue to improve how we serve you: www.dccac.net/qm/ukencsw (reference number: ........................................)
Yours sincerely
Mark Devine
Customer Service UK"
Another approach would be to contact Autocar / Performance Car / Car Magazine, etc and ask for a reprint / photocopy of the contemporary road tests. This would show if the press cars were UK registered and if so, what the reg was. Given the rarity of the car they were probably all from Germany.
Good luck and what a magnificent car. I've always rather fancied an E36 estate.
mickyveloce said:
Hello Palfers.
Firstly, what a super machine, and all credit to you for researching it's history.
The Dvla should be able to supply you with all your cars previous registration numbers, and, if you haven't done it already, your local Mercedes dealer will give you a print out of the build specification of your car if you provide them with the VIN.
From memory, I don't recollect a specific w124 E36 press car, as they were made in such tiny numbers and only on special order. The car used in contemporary road tests, as I remember, was a coupe. The edition of Brooklands Books road tests covering early AMG's is a must-have for any owner, and contains this particular test.
You'll love the museum; it will hopefully evidence that the company does care about heritage.
Have you registered for the AMG Private Lounge on line? Again you'll need the vin to verify you own a genuine car, but it's a global forum and contains some useful information.
MV
Thanks Micky. I like the car a lot and have had it for 5 years now.Firstly, what a super machine, and all credit to you for researching it's history.
The Dvla should be able to supply you with all your cars previous registration numbers, and, if you haven't done it already, your local Mercedes dealer will give you a print out of the build specification of your car if you provide them with the VIN.
From memory, I don't recollect a specific w124 E36 press car, as they were made in such tiny numbers and only on special order. The car used in contemporary road tests, as I remember, was a coupe. The edition of Brooklands Books road tests covering early AMG's is a must-have for any owner, and contains this particular test.
You'll love the museum; it will hopefully evidence that the company does care about heritage.
Have you registered for the AMG Private Lounge on line? Again you'll need the vin to verify you own a genuine car, but it's a global forum and contains some useful information.
MV
It passed its MOT earlier this week with no advisories. Yay!
I am on AMG Lounge - forgot about that. Might post there too.
DVLA will be getting my request any day now.
Really looking forward to the museum and have never been to Stuttgart so it will be a good weekend.
Self indulgent photo-opportunity!
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