Roadside Assistance and Battery Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 10-25-2006, 09:21 AM

I thought Mercedes' policy was that, with their roadside assistance program, they would replace your battery and only charge you for the battery itself....i.e. no labor charge. Well, I called today and the roadside rep wanted to charge me $219 ($155 of which was for the battery).

The battery has lasted over 8 years, so I'm happy to get another OEM battery. But at those prices, I might as well just go to Autozone.

Does anyone know anything about MB's policies on this? Have they changed?

vstech · #2 10-25-2006, 09:39 AM

http://www.mbusa.com/care/client-care/roadside-assistance.do
prettymuch says free jumpstart, but parts and services could be charged for other services needed.

redassag00 · #3 10-25-2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

I thought Mercedes' policy was that, with their roadside assistance program, they would replace your battery and only charge you for the battery itself....i.e. no labor charge. Well, I called today and the roadside rep wanted to charge me $219 ($155 of which was for the battery).

The battery has lasted over 8 years, so I'm happy to get another OEM battery. But at those prices, I might as well just go to Autozone.

Does anyone know anything about MB's policies on this? Have they changed?

Mercedes benz has "Sign and Drive" which is three services
1. Jumpstart your Dead Battery
2. Bring you 2-3 gallons of fuel
3. Change your flat tire with your spare.

Everything else is 'a la carte' so they will come out, but they'll charge you for services.

$219 when youre stuck in the middle of no where and stranded with no help in sight is a bargain IMHO. If it were my wife or mother stranded, and I couldn't get to them, $219 is a bargain to have a MB Rep come out and handle the situation.

On another note, I bought an #49 OE Battery from the dealer for my 300SDL the other day for $87.00.

http://www.mbusa.com/care/client-care/roadside-assistance.do

Quote:

Throughout the life of your Mercedes-Benz, a Roadside Assistance expert is just a toll-free call away. Call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for assistance any time you're on the road, day or night, if you have a problem related to your Mercedes-Benz.

If you ever need assistance while traveling in your Mercedes-Benz, just call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. Our Roadside Assistance Experts know Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and they're well prepared to handle unforeseen roadside complications. And here's a reassuring fact: Every Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. - no matter how old, how many miles it's logged or how many owners it's had - qualifies for Roadside Assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Roadside Assistance repairs could involve charges for services and parts. Depending on the circumstances, an outside service may provide Roadside Assistance repairs at the discretion of Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.
Sign and Drive

"What should I do if I run out of gas? If I get a flat tire? If my battery dies?"

When you own a Mercedes-Benz, the answer is simple: don't worry. Our Roadside Assistance Program includes a free service called Sign and Drive, providing prompt relief for the three biggest headaches of the highways. We'll jump-start your run-down battery, bring you a few gallons of fuel to get you back on your way or change a flat tire using your spare, all free of charge.

pawoSD · #4 10-25-2006, 10:03 AM

Depending on how far away you are from their nearest service center to you, they may actually be losing money driving their M-Class Service vehicle to you for $219. Say you're 70 miles away, thats 140 miles in their suv with a paid service guy making probably $16+ an hour, total time he'll spend is about 3 hours, so $48 in wages, and probably over $20 in gas, aka, over $70 cost to do it. Battery...there is probably about $50-60 of profit built in, but they are excellent batteries, and its being delivered/installed for you. Overal profit is low to nill, they're just covering their expenses.

I work at lowes and they charge $65 to deliver something locally within a 20 mile radius, more if you're farther away. Onsite stuff is always expen$ive. Just be glad the service is actually there when needed!

Ken300D · #5 10-25-2006, 10:23 AM

Who makes the OEM Mercedes battery for them? Johnson Controls?

Surely not _E_X_I_D_E_.......

Ken300D

BobK · #6 10-25-2006, 10:38 AM

I believe all US MB batteries are Interstate batteries-which may well be JC. Darn good batteries. I buy all my batteries (cars, truck, RV) at the local Interstate wholsaler. Usually pay about $100 for MB battery there.

pawoSD · #7 10-25-2006, 04:56 PM

I use a dieHard battery from Sears, 100Amp 1200CCA, its the "International" truck battery, a real beast.

$99 with a several year warranty...I'm on my second year with it and its been fine.