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It's all stored in my car.
Newer cars don't come with service books any more ?
- Thread starter MassiveJim
- Start date
It's all stored in my car.
And how easy is that to show a buyer? Not as easy as opening a book I bet.
People expect to see paperwork presented to them. They don't want to have to phone people or open websites because it's hassle especially when looking at multiple cars.
Well they'll eventually have to change their expectations or just restrict themselves to 'paper manufacturers' who will become fewer and fewer in number as time goes on.
I'm not too bothered either way. History is history.
I work for an independent garage and we're signed up to BMW and VAG portals to record the service history.
I did a 1st service the other day on a BMW X2, used genuine parts, followed the manufacturers service schedule and updated the online history. Pretty simple process.
I work for an independent garage and we're signed up to BMW and VAG portals to record the service history.
I did a 1st service the other day on a BMW X2, used genuine parts, followed the manufacturers service schedule and updated the online history. Pretty simple process.
What about Ford's online database?
It would make more sense of it was a centralised database.
Menu, Vehicle, Service Requirements, Service History. Takes about 5 seconds. Quicker than reaching into the glovebox, opening the pack and thumbing through the history.
I sold my Dad's 520d last year. The buyer expected to see a completed digital service record. Which is exactly what he did see just before handing over a pile of cash.
Ideal.
Do they?
I don't know anyone who has preferred to see a pile of old MOT test printouts versus just popping the reg number into the MOT checker website, for example. Luddites who still think it's the 1990s and who would present a pile of tax discs with their car as if this proves something, perhaps.
The online MOT test database has made it much easier to weed out poorly-maintained cars and this can only help the situation and give the general public a better chance at not buying something that hasn't been looked after.
The only hard copy I'd like to see is the V5C.
It really would be so much easier with a centralised database.
We can do Ford too, used to be a Ford dealer but became independent about 18 months ago.
Soldato
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Some people really need to get with the times.
Normal thing on my last two cars. I know Audi used to plug in the key to some device, I don't if it is saved on the key somehow, but yes accessible via the dash, virtual cockpit or infotainment.
Normal thing on my last two cars. I know Audi used to plug in the key to some device, I don't if it is saved on the key somehow, but yes accessible via the dash, virtual cockpit or infotainment.
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ok good so its nothing to worry about then.
guess I'm just a luddite stuck in the past
, for me being able to see a pile of paperwork gives me a better idea of how the car has been maintained.
The service print outs did not state anything other than
service
mileage
date
I have no idea how to tell exactly what has been done.
Also no mention of the DSG service so specifically discussed that with the dealer and they would get that done prior to selling if I wanted. (which i obviously do)
guess I'm just a luddite stuck in the past
, for me being able to see a pile of paperwork gives me a better idea of how the car has been maintained.The service print outs did not state anything other than
service
mileage
date
I have no idea how to tell exactly what has been done.
Also no mention of the DSG service so specifically discussed that with the dealer and they would get that done prior to selling if I wanted. (which i obviously do)
Soldato
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if its all stored online
then its always at risk of being hacked
i still want my paper copy too lol
then its always at risk of being hacked
i still want my paper copy too lol
What happens if the ECU or key has to be replaced or reset?
You don't think they've thought of that?
Even on a 25 year old BMW crucial data is stored in multiple modules which update the others if one is replaced.
You don't know better than everyone else, Nasher.
Soldato
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For a sales demo its most likely just easier for them to get the records off the computer than go digging in a filing cabinet for paperwork and then have to remember to put it back again when you've seen it.
Ahh, I did think that but wasn't sure whether they would allow those who are outside of their network to access it.
This has been standard with Mercedes for over 10 years, i assumed that all cars built within the last decade would have long since dispensed with the service book. Hard to think that anybody would actually care whether they had one or not 
I am not even sure if my BMW has one, such is the irrelevance of whether it did or whether it just had the print outs/stack of receipts.
Most owners keep receipts anyway, that is how the SH of my cars is presented, by the wallet for them being stuffed with Mercedes/BMW paperwork.
I am not even sure if my BMW has one, such is the irrelevance of whether it did or whether it just had the print outs/stack of receipts.Most owners keep receipts anyway, that is how the SH of my cars is presented, by the wallet for them being stuffed with Mercedes/BMW paperwork.
I dunno, this is the sort of scenario that has been looked at in many industries (paper records versus digital records). House deeds are digital now for example rather than physical deeds (my physical deeds were destroyed without notifying me or asking for permission, I only found out when I paid off my mortgage and enquired about them!). You sometimes need to provide bank statements but that hasn't prevented them going digital either. Considering I am moderately conservative when it comes to this sort of thing (until about 1-2 years ago I tended to pay by cash rather than card in shops), I'm genuinely surprised how many people are batting an eyelid at the idea of a digital service record.
I think it is a good move, no risk of misplacing a service book, also as mentioned above presumably a lot easier in showrooms etc than having to faff about with dozens or hundreds of service books. I imagine the manufacturers may prefer it also if it encourages people to use approved servicing centres.
Do all dealers update the record on the car, I'm sure I've read of cases where this hasn't been done unless the car syncs up with the backend records?