So... when'd we lose our lifetime free roadside? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 05-10-2015, 08:41 PM

Blew out a tire today, had my spare on 10 minutes later. It's flat. Called the 1800-for-merc number and tried to get someone to come out with air, but apparently coverage has been cut back to only the original owner or if you've had it serviced at a dealership recently. So when'd that change? I think I last used it a little over a year ago when I locked my keys in the car, and it was still free.

85 DSEL · #2 05-10-2015, 09:01 PM

It seems to me it's been a couple years ago that I received notice of this change. As it stands now, I wouldn't be eligible since I've not had any service done by dealership, but I've sure spent a few dollars at the parts counter

Skid Row Joe · #3 05-10-2015, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Blew out a tire today, had my spare on 10 minutes later. It's flat. Called the 1800-for-merc number and tried to get someone to come out with air, but apparently coverage has been cut back to only the original owner or if you've had it serviced at a dealership recently. So when'd that change? I think I last used it a little over a year ago when I locked my keys in the car, and it was still free.

It happened several years ago.

anziani · #4 05-11-2015, 12:15 PM

I have AAA extended service. Can get towed a couple hundred miles.
Don't leave home without it!
Anziani

lorainfurniture · #5 05-11-2015, 11:18 PM

Take your car in for a detail service once a year, and a tire rotation.

Skid Row Joe · #6 05-12-2015, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anziani

I have AAA extended service. Can get towed a couple hundred miles.
Don't leave home without it!
Anziani

AAA has too many limitations to make it worthwhile.

300SD81 · #7 05-12-2015, 02:04 AM

I ended up having American Express roadside get someone to come out and pump up the tire, just thought that Mercedes would do it. Amex has 4 services a year if you have platinum, and I had used one just a few weeks ago to have the car towed back from the shop after the 722.6 swap (only had them do the bolt-up).

anziani · #8 05-12-2015, 11:40 AM

Skid row,
I've had AAA for over 20 years. Admittedly all I have ever used them for are tows, maps and start ups with dead batteries. Not sure what else you are referring to.
Anziani

pawoSD · #9 05-12-2015, 12:04 PM

That change was made at least 5-6 years ago....and for good reason, with tons of older MB's lingering around in terrible condition/unmaintained by their owners, the system was likely being abused by these individuals as they encountered problems. They will still help you if you have spent $100 or more at the parts counter of a dealer, or had service there in the last year. Very reasonable. Even a basic maintenance visit will earn you another year of the service.

Skid Row Joe · #10 05-12-2015, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

I ended up having American Express roadside get someone to come out and pump up the tire, just thought that Mercedes would do it. Amex has 4 services a year if you have platinum, and I had used one just a few weeks ago to have the car towed back from the shop after the 722.6 swap (only had them do the bolt-up).

So, you can use American Express roadside assistance policy, for cartage service that is totally not an actual vehicle breakdown, but in need of delivery service? Retrieving a car from the shop back to your garage?

Skid Row Joe · #11 05-12-2015, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anziani

Skid row,
I've had AAA for over 20 years. Admittedly all I have ever used them for are tows, maps and start ups with dead batteries. Not sure what else you are referring to.
Anziani

Policy limits and limitations. Know them, and you're good to go.

300SD81 · #12 05-12-2015, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

That change was made at least 5-6 years ago....and for good reason, with tons of older MB's lingering around in terrible condition/unmaintained by their owners, the system was likely being abused by these individuals as they encountered problems. They will still help you if you have spent $100 or more at the parts counter of a dealer, or had service there in the last year. Very reasonable. Even a basic maintenance visit will earn you another year of the service.

Might schedule an oil change after I'm done with all the engine mods... wonder how the techs would respond to a twin turbo M117

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skid Row Joe

So, you can use American Express roadside assistance policy, for cartage service that is totally not an actual vehicle breakdown, but in need of delivery service? Retrieving a car from the shop back to your garage?

Probably not actually in the terms. I called my concierge and said I needed a tow truck to come to x address and take my car home, and she said they'd cover it under roadside. I do have a pretty good relationship with how often I call in and book things through them.

Skid Row Joe · #13 05-12-2015, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Probably not actually in the terms. I called my concierge and said I needed a tow truck to come to x address and take my car home, and she said they'd cover it under roadside. I do have a pretty good relationship with how often I call in and book things through them.

This is good information. I'm going to pass it along to one of my Brothers that now owns my old 99 E300. It's in need of delivery or cartage to his indie for some work involving a possible trans fluid leak situation. He's a high roller in the world of credit cards, and I'm certain he's got the Amex card that he prolly charges well into the 10s of thousands a year on for business. Which one, I don't know, but I'll pass the info on to him.

Thanks for the tip here!