Roadside Assistance Replaced My Battery - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

al76slc · #1 06-29-2006, 06:45 AM

Cost $130. Local Interstate distributor wanted $121 for battery only (MTP-93), including tax. MB dealer wanted $130 + $110 labor + appt, but suggested that I call RA that my battery needed a jump, and then ask for replacement instead. It's not a real complicated install, but I'm glad I had RA do it, at least the first time. Plus didn't have to leave my house, no lifting, MB warranty.... Seems like a deal to me.

BTW, mine was original in a 99 ML430, so lasted almost 7 years. I'm told 4-5 is average.

roberthelfrick · #2 06-29-2006, 08:28 AM

In LI NY roadside is $182.50 total, same as dealer. I just replaced mine at dealer as precaution. Six years old.

al76slc · #3 06-29-2006, 01:48 PM

Gee. I'm in Westchester. Next time you need a battery, go over the bridge and call RA. Save you $50.

Hatterasguy · #4 06-29-2006, 08:08 PM

Interstate dealers pay about $80 for the MTP93. I should know I am one, $121 is a bit high!

Jim B. · #5 06-29-2006, 08:55 PM

Yes, I used the roadside assistance and had them bring a new Mercedes battery, it cost about $130, but it was worth it, because they changed it out, saved a trip to the dealer (or a shop) and did the job right there on the spot, IN THE RAIN.

The convenience of it made it really worth it!! The old battery was kind of old too. It worked for me...

Peter Guenther · #6 07-26-2006, 08:11 AM

Roadside charges the same amount as "over the counter" battery at your dealership, they come out at all hours and most of the time they have the radio code. My service advisor told me if it comes into the shop they charge labor to change a battery. I think my last one was $120 or so, I think your LI NY ripped you off, unless they overcharge on all their parts

Snibble · #7 07-26-2006, 12:42 PM

So Road Side will come to your residence, and do the install for free... just charge you what the battery costs?

Peter Guenther · #8 07-26-2006, 03:49 PM

I have done it numerous times, the service Ml shows up, has about 10 batteries, plus a tool box. They change the battery, recode the radio, resync the windows, take the old one, and usually are there in less than an hour. When I called my service manager about coming in for a battery, he told me im crazy becuse then they have to charge labor.
The roadside service program is great, it is a lifetime of your vehicle program, they do charge for things they install. I had a flat and could not get the rim off, they will put on your spare no charge, I dont know about fuel, they tried to replace my fan belt once but the tensioner was bad, so they called a towing company and had it hauled to the dealer.
As I said $180 from Long Island, was a litle high, it is typically in the low 100s, yes you can go buy a battery and do it yourself or go to Sears or Pep Boys some people are just bargain hunters

al76slc · #9 07-26-2006, 05:37 PM

Yup, I was very pleasantly surprised by RA, which is why I started this thread.

My RA guy told me he frequently changed the window switches. Not a difficult DIY, but I'm happy to let someone else do it if the cost's the same as my buying the part and my supplying the labor.

What other jobs have people had them do?

blau · #10 07-26-2006, 07:27 PM

Is this right $130 is what road side assistance charges (assumming it is out of warrentee) to exchange for a new mercedes orginal battary. Or is it location based?

If so that could be a good deal. Because you could use the old one until it dies so you don't have to wast money changing before it goes.

This could be better than goes to sears and change the battary before you need to.

kenyee · #11 07-26-2006, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blau

Because you could use the old one until it dies so you don't have to wast money changing before it goes.

I've always wondered if RA will replace the battery even if it's not dead...e.g., 6 yrs, you haven't replaced it and think it's about time...

al76slc · #12 07-26-2006, 09:55 PM

I don't know if it's $130 everywhere. Earlier post said his would have been $182.

My battery wasn't dead when I had RA change it. When he showed up I told him I didn't want it jumped, I wanted it replaced.

The best part was no effort on my part - buying the battery, returning the core etc. I had it done in my driveway, and I scheduled the time.

blueeagle289 · #13 07-27-2006, 07:22 AM

Most Sears stores have a battery check and swap area; you drive the car in and all is done right there in a few minutes. These are very good batteries from my experience and the International model that fits the ML is about $115 --- I am not really too sold on Interstate batteries; they have a network, but I think a Sears Diehard is a better item and it fits perfectly. There is no extra charge for installing a new battery if it is needed either.
Check it out when you need to replace one!?

blau · #14 07-27-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenyee

I've always wondered if RA will replace the battery even if it's not dead...e.g., 6 yrs, you haven't replaced it and think it's about time...

It is not 6 years until October. I was thinking about it last year, but I have no sign of trouble.

How long have people gotton their ML battery to last.

Based on my experience the orginal seem to last longer then the replacements. Maybe I just got cheap replacements.

Gilly · #15 07-27-2006, 09:30 PM

Man, I could start a thread on some of the things I had to do on RA, you wouldn't believe some of it. MB pays the tech pretty well to come and replace the battery.
Gilly