Research conducted by the German automobile club ADAC shows that the mileage reading of modern cars can often be adjusted relatively easily. Despite European regulations introduced in 2017 requiring car manufacturers to take measures against odometer fraud, manipulation still appears to be possible in practice. According to ADAC, adjusting a mileage reading can often be carried out within a matter of minutes, and such services are already being offered from approximately €50.
The scale of the problem is considerable. Based on studies and police data, it is estimated that the mileage reading of approximately one in three used cars sold in Germany has been manipulated. By rolling back the odometer, the resale value of a car increases by an average of around €3,000. Ultimately, it is buyers of used cars and leasing companies who pay the price.
As a result, the total economic damage is substantial. In Germany, it is estimated at approximately €6 billion per year. This makes odometer fraud not only a problem for individual car buyers, but also for the automotive market as a whole.
What makes this type of fraud particularly difficult is that professionally carried out manipulation is often hardly detectable. Even many garages and vehicle experts are unable to identify a technically well-executed odometer correction. Most commonly used OBD diagnostic tools and dongles also provide insufficient capabilities for this purpose. Reading data from a car therefore does not always provide certainty about the actual mileage.
For buyers of used cars, this means that additional checks are necessary. Do not rely solely on the current mileage reading, but also investigate the vehicle’s maintenance history. Service records often contain both a date and mileage reading, making it possible to identify a logical progression over time. In addition, check invoices, inspection reports, and other documents that provide insight into the vehicle’s usage.
A Digital Service Record (DSR) can also provide valuable information in this regard. Maintenance carried out by authorised brand dealerships is recorded here, often including mileage readings. Although access to this information is not always straightforward, it can help identify discrepancies or illogical jumps in the mileage history.
The conclusion is clear: a low mileage reading alone is no guarantee of a good car. By comparing multiple sources of information, buyers can better protect themselves against odometer fraud and prevent unpleasant surprises after purchase.
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BMW Digital Service History Explained
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