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

WANT '71 280SEL · #1 04-11-2003, 09:43 AM

I just read a thread that even 20 year old Mercedes still have the road-side assistance. What are the quirks, terms, etc. for this program?
I have heard before that all old mercedes still have it but I didn't really believe it. Please enlighten me.
Thanks
David

need2speed · #2 04-11-2003, 10:33 AM

Roadside Assistance is included in your car purchase for the period of the warranty. Thereafter, it is available on a yearly subscription. Compared with AAA, it offers towing to the nearest Mercedes dealer instead of any garage. Also, the trip interruption and replacement car rental terms are better.

Michael K · #3 04-11-2003, 10:34 AM

Howdy. My wife used it a few weeks ago for her 1994 wagon and said she was pleased.

She was parking, nicked a sharp storm drain edge, and blew the sidewall on one of her tires. She called the number on her sun visor and explained what happened.

Thirty minutes later Roadside Assistance showed up and put on the spare for her. There was no charge. The local dealership mailed me a statement of work. I'm very pleased with the service.

Here's the marketing material from MBUSA's site:

Throughout the life of your Mercedes-Benz, a Roadside Assistance expert is just a toll-free call away. Call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for assistance any time you're on the road, day or night, if you have a problem related to your Mercedes-Benz.

If you ever need assistance while traveling in your Mercedes-Benz, just call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for our 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. Our Roadside Assistance Experts know Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and they're well prepared to handle unforeseen roadside complications. And here's a reassuring fact: Every Mercedes-Benz in the U.S. - no matter how old, how many miles it's logged or how many owners it's had - qualifies for Roadside Assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Roadside Assistance repairs could involve charges for services and parts. Depending on the circumstances, an outside service may provide Roadside Assistance repairs at the discretion of Mercedes-Benz USA LLC.

Sign and Drive "What should I do if I run out of gas? If I get a flat tire? If my battery dies?"

When you own a Mercedes-Benz, the answer is simple: don't worry. Our Roadside Assistance Program includes a free service called Sign and Drive, providing prompt relief for the three biggest headaches of the highways. We'll jump-start your run-down battery, bring you a few gallons of fuel to get you back on your way or change a flat tire using your spare, all free of charge.

Capt Kirk · #4 04-11-2003, 10:39 AM

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/care/clientcare/roadsideassistance/index.jsp&menu=2_3

not very informative, there's also a brochure at the dealer with some old guy in a 300SL Roadster driving down the road and "ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE" in big letters printed on it. It gave a lot more detail.

From what I know they'll change a tire, give you some gas, or jump your car for free. Everything else has a small fee.

Rick Miley · #5 04-11-2003, 11:03 AM

Just to clarify, need2speed is referring to roadside assistance in Canada, which has a different policy than the U.S. All Mercedes are indeed covered in the U.S. regardless of age or mileage.

Be sure that you have realistic expectations of this service, though. Tire change, battery jump, or a couple gallons of gas (which does you no good in a Diesel) may be free, but much more than that and you will pay. If you have a serious problem requiring the car to be towed, they are going to tow it to the nearest authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer, not your house or your friendly independent's shop.

I once called for assistance when my keys were locked in my 190E. They patched me through to the local dealer who offered to come out and unlock the car for a fee of $110. A few minutes with the phone book found me a locksmith who did it for $25.

Just some more information for you to ponder.

need2speed · #6 04-11-2003, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rick Miley
Just to clarify, need2speed is referring to roadside assistance in Canada, which has a different policy than the U.S. All Mercedes are indeed covered in the U.S. regardless of age or mileage.

I did not know that! You guys get all the breaks...MB Canada won't honor the FSS lawsuit settlement in Canada either.

Jim Anderson · #7 04-11-2003, 06:42 PM

Last summer I was driving back from the beach a stopped at a fruit stand. While I was in there I kept hearing a car trying to start but didn't think much of it. When I came out I saw it was a cute girl in a C230 just cranking away with no engine start. With my wifes permission (she still wanted to shop) I went over to help. It was her friends car she was driving back after she had just gotten married and they were on their honeymoon. She had stopped at the stand and the car wouldn't start. I opened her hood and just looked around for something loose but didn't see anything. Then I mentioned the road side assistance. She found the number in the car and thanked me and said she'd call. I assume they helped cause I came by there last weekend and she was gone.

I was surprised she didn't get an excessive amount of help though cause of her cuteness. I saw the same thing happen at a Peugeot dealer once. A cute girl came in to have something looked at and then couldn't get the car started and nobody came out to help. All those mechanics and nobody did anthing, not even a salesman trying to sell her a new car or at least car parts. I finally went over and noticed her battery was dry. I asked when was the last time she put water in her battery and she didn't know batteries needed water. Shortly after the manager came over, probably just to get her and her car out of the way and gave her some water. I guess cuteness can be a handycap.

WANT '71 280SEL · #8 04-11-2003, 07:17 PM

So would I have t subscribe to this? How much does it cost? Mercedes Road Side Assistance doesn't carry diesel? That is definitely strange for a company who has sold so many diesel cars.
Thanks
David

#9 04-11-2003, 07:58 PM

They carry diesel. I ran out last summer, they came out with 3 gallons of diesel in 30-45 minutes.. free of charge.

WANT '71 280SEL · #10 04-11-2003, 11:04 PM

So how much does this marvelous program cost might I ask?
Thanks
David

edge · #11 04-12-2003, 12:38 AM

MInor stuff is FREE!

MikeTangas · #12 04-12-2003, 01:52 AM

The tow to the dealer is free too, IF the dealer does the repair, or so I've read in the manual.

Kyle Blackmore · #13 04-12-2003, 11:00 AM

I was told by my local dealer that Roadside Assistance in Canada will change a flat , jumpstart , or bring you fuel for free , other repairs or adjustments for a fee. I'm going there today for a service so I'll confirm this and let you know.

Rick Miley · #14 04-12-2003, 06:03 PM

David, it seems too good to be true, but you do not have to subscribe and yes indeedy minor stuff is free. Just the fact that the car is a Mercedes is enough. That's why I put in my earlier post. Nothing is totally free in this life, and I believe the minor stuff is subsidized by the major stuff.