After reading all the post for Mercedes-Benz road side assistance. I kind of have to say may be joining AAA as a back up is a good idea. My wife and I have a premium service with AAA which allows free toe services for the first 100 miles and faster response. When we purchased our 300-E we first learned about the program Mercedes-Benz offered. In my case I guess the the best defense was to join this forum and learn about my model first and read the post from others about their problems and how to solve them.
My point is to have a plan . Mechnical maintance , AAA and Mercedes-Benz road side assistance . Hopefully the two last will never have to be used or abused.
Bob Geco