...got a letter from MB today - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Fulcrum525 · #16 11-15-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dropnosky

how often does anyone ever actually use this service? Im very curious, I have always used AAA, even with the MB roadside service thing, just because I never wanted the car to go to any dealer where I would promptly be screwed, and AAA is always faster, and does just what you want.

Wasn't that part of the old terms? the car had to be towed to a local MB dealership? What old car owner wants that? I can't imagine any DIY person or tech allowing their old MB to be towed to a dealer under those terms, unless I misread that part of them. Usually, I want it towed somewhere of my choice where I can fix it at my leisure.

I've used it a few times over the years and always for a dead battery when no one was around to provide a jump start. I never needed a tow and my local dealer always sent out an ML....not a tow truck.

I can only imagine that one of the reasons for the change is that some people were abusing the system.

Skid Row Joe · #17 11-15-2010, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattc

I was under the impression the only reason they ever offered such a service was because they didn't want anybody to see one of THEIR cars broke down on the side of the road - that would be negative advertising. I imagine if someone sent them a picture of a car broke down on the side of the road, with a "PIECE OF JUNK" sign attached, they might rethink their decision - but probably not change their policy!

........an old wives tale............

LandYaghtLover · #18 11-15-2010, 09:44 PM

What did the Roadside service provide? I never used it and it looks like I never will. If they came to do a jump-start, for example, how much did it cost versus calling a small time towing company?

Not that it would help. The closest MB service center is 30 minutes away.

compu_85 · #19 11-15-2010, 10:03 PM

They would give you a jump start, a gallon of fuel, or change a flat tire for you. They could also bring spares from the dealership to your stranded car.

This really bums me out. What's next, having to order everything from the Classic Center

-Jason

LandYaghtLover · #20 11-15-2010, 10:08 PM

Where those basic services free?

Skid Row Joe · #21 11-15-2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by compu_85

They could also bring spares from the dealership to your stranded car.

For NO charge??

Skid Row Joe · #22 11-15-2010, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Where those basic services free?

Ther's no way all of them were free, that some think were free.

JiveTurkey · #23 11-15-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LandYaghtLover

Where those basic services free?

The old policy
Any mercedes of any age regardless of owner, mileage, or service history was entitled to FREE roadside assistance. I used them three times (once with my '97 C, twice with my '01 C) and they were free.

The best part of the old scheme was actually the free towing. Even though the tow truck had to go to the dealer if your car was badly broken on the weekend you could get your car towed for free to a locked yard where it would be safe. This was a big advantage when compared to either towing it to your (closed) indy's shop where it would sit unprotected outside the gates until business on monday, or even worse leaving the car on the side of the road.

This notice actually fills me with great sadness. Just the other day I was reading something in Mercedes Enthusiast about how the M-B corporate office is trying to "redefine" the brand to be "sexier" and "younger" and I thought, "Oh no, this is the beginning of the end (again.)" This, it seems is just another brick in the wall.

Skid Row Joe · #24 11-15-2010, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

I can only imagine that one of the reasons for the change is that some people were abusing the system.

Are you kidding? With all the cash-strapped folks that drive them? Like crazy, people abused the free stuff from them.

DieselPaul · #25 11-15-2010, 10:23 PM

I've been told that buying parts over $100 every 18 months covers it. I'll call my salesman friend tomorrow to confirm. I just spent $70 at the dealer so hopefully its not in one bill and I'm 70% to coverage.

DieselPaul · #26 11-15-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

Are you kidding? With all the cash-strapped folks that drive them? Like crazy, people abused the free stuff from them.

Very true, however most of those people are extremely ignorant and would never think to call the dealer, most people think the dealer has a magical money extracting machine that can even work through phone lines. My dad was a salesman in '93, and has owned 15 new benzes since then (started working for himself lol) and I've driven benzes for a few years now and became aware of the *lifetime* roadside assistance 3 weeks ago. It's not super common knowledge amongst non-forum non-savvy people.

pawoSD · #27 11-15-2010, 10:27 PM

I order probably $150 a year minimum in parts for each of our cars from the dealer.....plus every couple years I send them in for an alignment etc... my 300SD has lapsed....hasn't seen the dealer in almost 3 years now....it never breaks!

300E is still in the window, I had an alignment done in May at the dealer. $160.

In 7.5 years of driving MB's I've used the roadside assistance one time, and I could have prevented it if I had replaced my alternator (which I knew was questionable) prior to a 2,700 mile trip. Or, had I been alone on the trip, I'd have just parked and idled all night/slept in the car, and continued on in the morning.

tangofox007 · #28 11-15-2010, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

The old policy
Any mercedes of any age regardless of owner, mileage, or service history was entitled to FREE roadside assistance.

Not true. Only three services (known as "Sign & Drive) were free. Anything outside the free services wasn't free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiveTurkey

The best part of the old scheme was actually the free towing.

Show us that in writing.

compu_85 · #29 11-15-2010, 10:42 PM

Yes, all of that was free. They would tow the car, for free, to the closest 'benz dealership for repairs.

It really showed a commitment to the brand, and I feel made people owing older cars more likely to go buy a new one... after all you didn't buy the car new and look how well Mercedes would take care of you!

-Jason