Mercedes Road Side Assistance Still? - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

buddyligon · #31 11-02-2010, 04:45 PM

I posted my reply to demonstrate that the Roadside Assistance worked on older benzes in regards to battery replacement (or other simple services). The AZ battery might have had a few dollars left on the warranty but for simple phone call I had a mercedes technician out to the house to install a Mercedes battery in my driveway. I thought it would be an interesting diversion from sitting on call and save me a trip to the store that may or may not have the battery in stock. He mentioned he didn't see too many of these older cars even in the shop where he usually works at mercedes but when the say it is lifetime they mean it. Granted they probably would not have a 70s or earlier battery on the truck but they did have my 85! I guess if we compare to other manufacturers lifetime call out services then maybe we'll see how remarkable the service is.

As to the temp kicking the battery well maybe there is another reason for it. Worked fine for four to five years, started three times the day before the freeze night (no lights left on just the clock) and then it could barely turn a few cranks after glow plug light went out. And after jumping and driving to the airport it wouldn't crank but once. Jumps easily enough but then again after a cold day and replaced battery it cranked right up.

biopete · #32 12-02-2010, 09:43 PM

I'm getting mb roadside assistance now. Faster than triple A. Just need a jump. It's an 1987 300d. 245009 miles. Person on phone was real nice.

vstech · #33 12-03-2010, 08:26 AM

interesting... it's been posted here that MB is cutting back their assistance to those that have had dealer service in the last year only...

tangofox007 · #34 12-03-2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

interesting... it's been posted here that MB is cutting back their assistance to those that have had dealer service in the last year only...

One critical detail: the changes are not effective until next year. And the service period is 18 months, not one year.

edge · #35 12-03-2010, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

One critical detail: the changes are not effective until next year.

That sucks, the tried and true things are going by the wayside.

vstech · #36 12-03-2010, 08:41 AM

heh, looks like I'm going to have my vehicle into the dealer each year for... tire pressure check...

ILUVMILS · #37 12-03-2010, 12:26 PM

The Roadside Assistance changes are effective as of 1/1/11. If your car is still under warranty, or if you're the original owner, you're qualified for free Roadside Assistance. If you're not the original owner and the car is out of warranty, you can still get free help as long as you've spent at least $100 at an authorized MB dealer within the last eighteen months. The operators in Montvale, N.J. will be able to access this information by VIN. Whether or not there will be a charge for assistance will be decided before the roadside tech gets the call. They'll also be responsible for obtaining credit card information prior to dispatching a tech. It looks like the free ride is over, for now.

Kurt Smith · #38 12-03-2010, 12:56 PM

There are always those parts that only the dealer has. I am pretty sure I will continue to spend $100 there in 18 months.

vstech · #39 12-03-2010, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt Smith

There are always those parts that only the dealer has. I am pretty sure I will continue to spend $100 there in 18 months.

is it just 100.00 at the dealer, or 100.00 on SERVICE at the dealer?
if it's just 100 at the dealer, I'm covered... no problem...

Marvelicious · #40 12-03-2010, 01:03 PM

I can imagine what happened. They never intended these old diesels to last as long as they have. Having to help the occasional old rig on the roadside is one thing, but there's a LOT of these 20-40 year old diesels chugging along. Can you imagine from a dealer's perspective - you go out on a service call, only to pull up to some burned out old hippie who has clogged up his engine with unfiltered vegetable oil and thinks he's saving the planet. "Hey man, could you just tow me over to my brother's place?" Then he tries to tip you with weed.

Hard to blame them.

Fulcrum525 · #41 12-03-2010, 01:06 PM

Alright it looks like they updated the page a bit in order to clarify any confusion. If I may quote direct from a representative in Montvale....

"While it is correct that you have to qualify for complimentary service by the criteria that was mentioned, a huge benefit is that towing to an authorized dealership is now included. This is for any eligible vehicle, including those out of warranty. No other automobile manufacturer offers any assistance (including towing) to vehicles that are outside of the manufacturer's warranty. We have an all-new website that explains the Roadside Assistance program. The address is: http://www.MercedesRoadside.com"

I think someone here asked about towing earlier and well....there you go

tangofox007 · #42 12-03-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvelicious

I can imagine what happened. They never intended these old diesels to last as long as they have. Having to help the occasional old rig on the roadside is one thing, but there's a LOT of these 20-40 year old diesels chugging along. Can you imagine from a dealer's perspective - you go out on a service call, only to pull up to some burned out old hippie who has clogged up his engine with unfiltered vegetable oil and thinks he's saving the planet. "Hey man, could you just tow me over to my brother's place?" Then he tries to tip you with weed.

Hard to blame them.

Just one problem with that theory. The current roadside assistance program doesn't guarantee free towing. And the dealer's perspective is of little relevance; the dealer gets reimbursed by MBUSA.

pawoSD · #43 12-03-2010, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvelicious

I can imagine what happened. They never intended these old diesels to last as long as they have. Having to help the occasional old rig on the roadside is one thing, but there's a LOT of these 20-40 year old diesels chugging along. Can you imagine from a dealer's perspective - you go out on a service call, only to pull up to some burned out old hippie who has clogged up his engine with unfiltered vegetable oil and thinks he's saving the planet. "Hey man, could you just tow me over to my brother's place?" Then he tries to tip you with weed.

Hard to blame them.

So true.

All old MB drivers I have met seem to be one extreme or the other. If the car is in nice shape, they are a normal person who cares for the car normally to a high level. If the car is a piece....they probably have weed in the back and hippie stickers stained with Veg oil on the bumper.

Seems all too often the hippie-destroyed ones are wagons.

Marvelicious · #44 12-03-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Just one problem with that theory. The current roadside assistance program doesn't guarantee free towing. And the dealer's perspective is of little relevance; the dealer gets reimbursed by MBUSA.

OK, so thats going to stop the burned out hippie from being a pain in the ass? Reimbursement or not, who do you think they complain to? Some customers aren't worth the trouble even if you make money off them - and the worst of them usually show up when someone else is footing the bill!

panZZer · #45 12-03-2010, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvelicious

I can imagine what happened. They never intended these old diesels to last as long as they have. Having to help the occasional old rig on the roadside is one thing, but there's a LOT of these 20-40 year old diesels chugging along. Can you imagine from a dealer's perspective - you go out on a service call, only to pull up to some burned out old hippie who has clogged up his engine with unfiltered vegetable oil and thinks he's saving the planet. "Hey man, could you just tow me over to my brother's place?" Then he tries to tip you with weed.

Hard to blame them.

FAROUT ..............Maaaaan