Used roadside assistance today.. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-25-2002, 07:21 PM

I was traveling back from an interview, in a hurry to get home I thought I could make it home with the reserve light being on for about 60 miles.. I guess not.

I ran out of diesel on I-78 at milepost 34. From the time I called roadside assistance, to the time the ML320 showed up was about 35 minutes.. not half bad.

The guy showed up in a white Mercedes lettered ML320 with 2.5 gallons of diesel. Free of charge.

Nice to know you have this type of coverage wherever you are.. Great service from a company that makes great cars.

Holson Adi · #2 06-25-2002, 07:24 PM

Do you get this part of a starmark plan or something? or would they even help my aging diesel if something breaks?

If they do could you give me their number?

Thanks!
-Holson-

#3 06-25-2002, 07:26 PM

If you own a benz, you're covered. Many people don't know this, but if you run out of fuel, need a jump or need your flat tire changed, they will come for free and do this.

Also, if you break down anywhere, they will send a towtruck out for free and tow you to the nearest mercedes dealer.

The number is inside your glovebox door.

84300DT · #4 06-25-2002, 08:03 PM

john,
too bad you had to test it but glad it turned out ok for you!
do you know if the tow is for free as well? if they can't get
you going roadside.

this will be something to tell the wifey just to make her feel more
confident driving (that is if i ever let her touch my benz..

)

Bob

Wasuchi · #5 06-25-2002, 09:05 PM

Really, if you think about it, it's good advertising. You never see a Benz broken down beside the road like you do other cars, makes them seem a little more dependable than they are already.

Gilly · #6 06-25-2002, 10:32 PM

Actually, a free tow is only for cars still under warranty. Not sure if this includes Starmark warranty or just the factory 48/50,000.
But the "sign and drive" (flat tire, dead battery, out of fuel) doesn't expire, good for all Mercedes from the first owner to the last, regardless of mileage.
They may be able to help you out with other problems as well, but it's not cheap. It's up to the tech to decide in a case like this if he can help out on the spot, or to call a tow truck.
Also be aware there are mileage limitations as far as getting a dealer guy with the ML, even cars under warranty. Although the Roadside dispatcher does have the option, in an "out of range" situation to contact a closer service provider, such as a AAA service provider, not sure who exactly they deal with in this case.
Also for warranty situations, MB roadside assistance can help get you into a motel or a rental car free of charge (trip interuption service). Anyone with a car presently under warranty should have a brochure on roadside assistance in the owners packet.
Gilly

#7 06-25-2002, 10:46 PM

My "Tank" holds 23.8 gallons of fuel, with a reserve of 3.3 gallons included. This is a quote from the owners manual. My reserve light came on and the car was full after 19.4 gallons. This means I had about 4.4 gallons left...Just thought that was kinda strange.

lrg · #8 06-25-2002, 11:21 PM

Don't count on being able to use all those 4.4 gallons. There are usually a few quarts that fill the nooks and crannies of the tank bottom and if you go up or down a hill you'll have even less that can be pulled out without getting some air.

#9 06-26-2002, 09:28 AM

This would have been great to know a couple of years ago! My wife was out of town, driving her 300D. The gauge was clearly showing empty, but since the light did not come on, she assumed the gauge was faulty instead of the light being burned out! Anyway, she was stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, and I had to leave work, buy a 5 gal can, fill it with fuel, and drive about 40 miles to find her.

Instead of waiting over an hour for me, she could have called for assistance from MB and been on the road in minutes. She was less than 10 miles from a MB dealer!

I always thought this type of assistance was only for vehicles that were IN warranty. Live and learn.......

JPL · #10 06-26-2002, 09:48 AM

These guys really stand behind thier cars. When I tell folks about the roadside service available on my 20+ year old car, they look at me with great disbelief. Its almost like free AAA.

John,
How'd the interview go?

James

ck42 · #11 06-26-2002, 10:17 AM

Excellent news!

Definitely gonna make me up a little sticker if it's not already there and inform the wife (primary driver) of this!!!

Thanks for the info!

Looks like the 800-for mercedes is:

800-367-6372 right?

P.E.Haiges · #12 06-26-2002, 10:26 AM

Tank,

My '80 300SD wouldn't run properly when the fuel level in the tank was low. I found out that the filter (screen) inside the fuel tank was partially plugged (mostly at the bottom) and this impeded the flow of fuel when the fuel level was low.

To clean the filter (not necessary to replace) run the fuel level as low as possible. Then disconnect the hose from the tank to the fuel line where this hose is attached to the fuel line to drain the tank. Then screw out the filter but be prepared to catch some fuel that still may be in the tank.

Clean the filter in gasoline or some other solvent and replace. Refill tank and you are ready to go.

I know the manual says the 300SD hold 23.8 gallons but mine has accepted 25 gallons when empty and gone 750 on one tank of fuel.

P E H

DeltaDave · #13 06-26-2002, 12:42 PM

Mercedes will also do trip routing for you, kind of like AAA but not as fancy. But hey it's free.

#14 06-26-2002, 07:05 PM

Interview went good, but there are alot more applicants so we'll see. I sent out a thank you letter today, maybe that will earn me some brownie points.

The number listed inside my glovebox is 1-800-222-0100.

190D22 · #15 06-26-2002, 07:34 PM

Well I've talked to them (roadside) and they said they charge for towing. When my tumbler farted on me they were going to charge to tow me to them. Luckily I figured out how to work the tumbler and got the car to them for them to replace the tumbler. Though that's really cool that they will bring u 2 and a half gallons of diesel for free!