FYI on Tele Aid, Pricing does not include installation
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From: Boston
2004 E320, 2006 Infiniti G35X, Yamaha VMAX 700 (Snowmobile)
FYI on Tele Aid, Pricing does not include installation
Due to a recent FCC ruling, analog wireless networks supporting some Tele Aid systems will convert to digital technology after December 31, 2007. For Mercedes-Benz, this change in general affects all Model Year 2000 to 2004 vehicles, Model Year 2005 M- and G-Class vehicles, and Model Year 2005 and 2006 Maybach and all SLR vehicles.
A Digital Tele Aid Upgrade program for these vehicles is available except for Model Year 2000 cars. Due to the hardware originally installed in Model Year 2000 cars, these vehicles can NOT be upgraded, and Tele Aid service will terminate December 31, 2007 at the latest.
Starting on November 1, for January 2007 renewals, Tele Aid renewal customers will be notified by the Tele Aid Response Center through a direct mail letter and brochure of the opportunity to upgrade to digital.
3 different service packages are available to the customer NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION TIME:
1. Lifetime Package—$1500 MSRP for existing customers and for pre-owned vehicles in inventory.
2. 2-year Package—$1148 MSRP for existing customers only.
3. 1-year package—$824 MSRP for existing customers only.
4. Maybach and SLR vehicles will be handled as a service campaign, with services provided for the balance of the original 4-year or 50,000 mile warranty.
A Digital Tele Aid Upgrade program for these vehicles is available except for Model Year 2000 cars. Due to the hardware originally installed in Model Year 2000 cars, these vehicles can NOT be upgraded, and Tele Aid service will terminate December 31, 2007 at the latest.
Starting on November 1, for January 2007 renewals, Tele Aid renewal customers will be notified by the Tele Aid Response Center through a direct mail letter and brochure of the opportunity to upgrade to digital.
3 different service packages are available to the customer NOT INCLUDING INSTALLATION TIME:
1. Lifetime Package—$1500 MSRP for existing customers and for pre-owned vehicles in inventory.
2. 2-year Package—$1148 MSRP for existing customers only.
3. 1-year package—$824 MSRP for existing customers only.
4. Maybach and SLR vehicles will be handled as a service campaign, with services provided for the balance of the original 4-year or 50,000 mile warranty.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Well put. Analog Tele Aid service has already effectively terminated in large areas of the country, as carriers let their analog networks deteriorate in anticipation of official permission to pull the plug on analog in 2008.
MB's prices for converting to digital Tele Aid - hardware and service only, installation not included - are enough to convince me that a cell phone, MB Roadside Assistance and an Auto Club membership ($70/year) will substitute for Tele Aid quite nicely, thank you.
MB's prices for converting to digital Tele Aid - hardware and service only, installation not included - are enough to convince me that a cell phone, MB Roadside Assistance and an Auto Club membership ($70/year) will substitute for Tele Aid quite nicely, thank you.
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Harley-Davidson
Originally Posted by DWP
. . . MB's prices for converting to digital Tele Aid - hardware and service only, installation not included - are enough to convince me that a cell phone, MB Roadside Assistance and an Auto Club membership ($70/year) will substitute for Tele Aid quite nicely, thank you.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Easy for you to say; you already have digital Tele Aid. 
I considered that angle and concluded that only a tiny percentage of accidents are one-car accidents on a road with no other traffic or bystanders. The vast majority of accidents are on busy urban and suburban roads, with multiple people calling 911. If I got into a one-car accident on some desolate road, it would probably be beyond Tele Aid coverage, analog or digital, anyway. It's like insurance; it doesn't make sense to voluntarily spend substantial money for coverage against extremely unlikely scenarios.
I considered that angle and concluded that only a tiny percentage of accidents are one-car accidents on a road with no other traffic or bystanders. The vast majority of accidents are on busy urban and suburban roads, with multiple people calling 911. If I got into a one-car accident on some desolate road, it would probably be beyond Tele Aid coverage, analog or digital, anyway. It's like insurance; it doesn't make sense to voluntarily spend substantial money for coverage against extremely unlikely scenarios.
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From: Canada
2004 E500 / 2001 C240
Easy for you to say; you already have digital Tele Aid.
I considered that angle and concluded that only a tiny percentage of accidents are one-car accidents on a road with no other traffic or bystanders. The vast majority of accidents are on busy urban and suburban roads, with multiple people calling 911. If I got into a one-car accident on some desolate road, it would probably be beyond Tele Aid coverage, analog or digital, anyway. It's like insurance; it doesn't make sense to voluntarily spend substantial money for coverage against extremely unlikely scenarios.
I considered that angle and concluded that only a tiny percentage of accidents are one-car accidents on a road with no other traffic or bystanders. The vast majority of accidents are on busy urban and suburban roads, with multiple people calling 911. If I got into a one-car accident on some desolate road, it would probably be beyond Tele Aid coverage, analog or digital, anyway. It's like insurance; it doesn't make sense to voluntarily spend substantial money for coverage against extremely unlikely scenarios.
Exactly..
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E500
people who retrofit their comands with the DVD/Mp3 capable version... do they utilize the GPS in Teleaid for the navigation system?
If the Teleaid is off, then the nav system wont have GPS...which means no turn by turn direction which means no...uh...
If the Teleaid is off, then the nav system wont have GPS...which means no turn by turn direction which means no...uh...
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From: Chicago Suburbs, USA
2014 E350 4Matic, 2012 Kia Soul+
I wish there was a tele-aid option for just door unlocks and call-me-if-my-air-bag-deploys. I don't mind paying a MB premium for service, but why should I pay $240 for OnStar. I'd pay $100 this kind of insurance, but $240 just makes me mad.
It's not the money, its the principal.
It's not the money, its the principal.
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From: San Francisco
2005 E-500
Tele-Aid Package
To Edspider:
Unfortunately MB packages the services in that fashion because they can. I to would pay $100.00 a year for a limited service. I have had my E for nearly two years and have never used Tele-Aid. (Probably like the vast majority of subscribers) On the 1st year anniversary, I called just to confirm it worked.
It is likely if such an option were allowed, revenue would decline by 50%. Think of it as an expensive insurance policy.
Very cold in San Francisco
Unfortunately MB packages the services in that fashion because they can. I to would pay $100.00 a year for a limited service. I have had my E for nearly two years and have never used Tele-Aid. (Probably like the vast majority of subscribers) On the 1st year anniversary, I called just to confirm it worked.
It is likely if such an option were allowed, revenue would decline by 50%. Think of it as an expensive insurance policy.
Very cold in San Francisco
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
So if I get this right, they will charge you $826 to convert you to digital & supply you with 1 year's digital service... After that, why wouldn't the annual charge be the same as everyone else with new cars that came digitally equipped? After you're converted, its digital. Right?
So they are charging about $600 for a digital phone installed including less than (about) an hour's labor.
So they are charging about $600 for a digital phone installed including less than (about) an hour's labor.
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2004 E Class
Not Happy with MBZ for this
Why are we having to pay to install a feature we already have. Come on, its not like its a surprise that cellular networks were going digital. I have a 2004 and now I have to pay 1500.00 more for a feature they used to make the original sale.
I think a class action suit is warranted. Why not, I got my car replaced when they couldn't retrofit my 2003 with the Nav system I ordered. Why is this any different? We paid for this already, we should not have to pay again.
Anybody else agree with this?
I think a class action suit is warranted. Why not, I got my car replaced when they couldn't retrofit my 2003 with the Nav system I ordered. Why is this any different? We paid for this already, we should not have to pay again.
Anybody else agree with this?
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From: Boston
2004 E320, 2006 Infiniti G35X, Yamaha VMAX 700 (Snowmobile)
Just got my note from MB stating before I renew for another year they will do the upgrade from analog to digital for a lifetime membership of $1500.00. If I choose to do just a 1 year they offer $100.00 of the install and a 2 year is $200.00 off. Either way your looking at a Min of $1000.00 to get switched over from the analog to the digital network.
MB knew about this back in 2004 when I got my car, not sure why they were so slow to impliment the change but I think if anything, they should offer us a better deal with regards to the upgrade. I'm not so sure I am willing to shell out another grand knowing I plan to order a 2008 in the fall.
MB knew about this back in 2004 when I got my car, not sure why they were so slow to impliment the change but I think if anything, they should offer us a better deal with regards to the upgrade. I'm not so sure I am willing to shell out another grand knowing I plan to order a 2008 in the fall.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Why are we having to pay to install a feature we already have. Come on, its not like its a surprise that cellular networks were going digital. I have a 2004 and now I have to pay 1500.00 more for a feature they used to make the original sale.
I think a class action suit is warranted. Why not, I got my car replaced when they couldn't retrofit my 2003 with the Nav system I ordered. Why is this any different? We paid for this already, we should not have to pay again.
Anybody else agree with this?
I think a class action suit is warranted. Why not, I got my car replaced when they couldn't retrofit my 2003 with the Nav system I ordered. Why is this any different? We paid for this already, we should not have to pay again.
Anybody else agree with this?
http://www.teleaid.com/terms.html
“This is a legal agreement between the subscriber named on the front of this agreement ("you"), Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC ("MBUSA"), and ATX Technologies, Inc. ("ATX"), governing the provision of Tele Aid Services to your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Whether or not you have signed this agreement, by activating and using the Tele Aid Services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.”
“Your Tele Aid system uses analog and/or digital cellular telephone signals. If the wireless carrier terminates or restricts analog and/or digital service, the Tele Aid Services will not be available. UNDER THIS CIRCUMSTANCE, SOME OR ALL OF THE TELE AID SERVICES MAY BE SUSPENDED OR TERMINATED WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE TO YOU AND WITHOUT ANY LIABILITY TO MBUSA,ATX,THE UNDERLYING WIRELESS CARRER OR ANY THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARY.
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2004 E Class
I'm not surprised.
Not surprising that they have protected themselves with a legal disclaimer of some sort. What gets me is that as much as I like the car, the electronics are years behind many other less expensive models. A friend of mine just bought a Honda Civic, $22,000 out the door. The Nav system blows ours away. Plus we have no Bluetooth, which many much cheaper cars come with standard, or at least its an option.
This is my 8th Mercedes. Obviously I love the product, I just think they need to upgrade the electronics into the 21'st century.
I will not pay to upgrade to a digital system. Not worth it as I will probably not keep the car more than another year or 2. I am on the fence as to whether I will replace it with another Benz. There is a lot of competition these days and I would certainly give some of the other makes a try.
I am curious if I am in the majority on this one. Maybe I will start a poll on this. I'd be curious how many are upgrading.
This is my 8th Mercedes. Obviously I love the product, I just think they need to upgrade the electronics into the 21'st century.
I will not pay to upgrade to a digital system. Not worth it as I will probably not keep the car more than another year or 2. I am on the fence as to whether I will replace it with another Benz. There is a lot of competition these days and I would certainly give some of the other makes a try.
I am curious if I am in the majority on this one. Maybe I will start a poll on this. I'd be curious how many are upgrading.
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Not surprising that they have protected themselves with a legal disclaimer of some sort. What gets me is that as much as I like the car, the electronics are years behind many other less expensive models. A friend of mine just bought a Honda Civic, $22,000 out the door. The Nav system blows ours away. Plus we have no Bluetooth, which many much cheaper cars come with standard, or at least its an option.
This is my 8th Mercedes. Obviously I love the product, I just think they need to upgrade the electronics into the 21'st century.
I will not pay to upgrade to a digital system. Not worth it as I will probably not keep the car more than another year or 2. I am on the fence as to whether I will replace it with another Benz. There is a lot of competition these days and I would certainly give some of the other makes a try.
I am curious if I am in the majority on this one. Maybe I will start a poll on this. I'd be curious how many are upgrading.
This is my 8th Mercedes. Obviously I love the product, I just think they need to upgrade the electronics into the 21'st century.
I will not pay to upgrade to a digital system. Not worth it as I will probably not keep the car more than another year or 2. I am on the fence as to whether I will replace it with another Benz. There is a lot of competition these days and I would certainly give some of the other makes a try.
I am curious if I am in the majority on this one. Maybe I will start a poll on this. I'd be curious how many are upgrading.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
MBUSA Bulletin P-I-82.95/536 NOV06 Digital Tele Aid Control Module Retrofit Model Year 2003-2005. Digital Tele Aid Control module part number: BQ 482 0124.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The FAQ on the Tele Aid page on the MBUSA web site says, with characteristic ambiguity:
Based on my experience with analog Tele Aid, I can suggest an ad hoc test to see if you have analog or dual-band gear on your car: try to connect to Tele Aid. If you hear lots of static crashing sounds, and it doesn't connect, you have analog. Warning: if it does connect, you will be charged for air time over and above the $240 per year.
How does the transition to the digital network affect me right now?
At this time, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to continue to use Tele Aid service with your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will operate with analog technology until 2008, although service may be degraded in some areas. Mercedes-Benz will introduce a program offering digital upgrades to existing equipment dependent on the vehicle Model Year. Tele Aid dual-mode (digital/analog) equipment is now available on all Model Year 2005 and 2006 models except the G-Class, SLR, and Maybach.
The last sentence ("now ... on") seems to say that all 2005 E-Class cars were built with dual-mode Tele Aid, but I suppose it could also mean that digital conver$ion kit$ are now "available" for 2005-2006 E-Class cars. I suspect that the former is the case, but you never know. At this time, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to continue to use Tele Aid service with your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will operate with analog technology until 2008, although service may be degraded in some areas. Mercedes-Benz will introduce a program offering digital upgrades to existing equipment dependent on the vehicle Model Year. Tele Aid dual-mode (digital/analog) equipment is now available on all Model Year 2005 and 2006 models except the G-Class, SLR, and Maybach.
Based on my experience with analog Tele Aid, I can suggest an ad hoc test to see if you have analog or dual-band gear on your car: try to connect to Tele Aid. If you hear lots of static crashing sounds, and it doesn't connect, you have analog. Warning: if it does connect, you will be charged for air time over and above the $240 per year.
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From: Ft. Lauderdale Area, USA
2015 ML 350
Dude! Are you saying that TeleAid which is paid for in advance on a yearly basis does not include any air time? (Bear in mind I had it in my '04 & outside of the intro call I made, I never used it, and I don't have any MB car riight now, as the '04 is sold & the '07 isnt here yet.
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From: Connecticut, USA
'05 E500 4-Matic Wagon
The FAQ on the Tele Aid page on the MBUSA web site says, with characteristic ambiguity:
Based on my experience with analog Tele Aid, I can suggest an ad hoc test to see if you have analog or dual-band gear on your car: try to connect to Tele Aid. If you hear lots of static crashing sounds, and it doesn't connect, you have analog. Warning: if it does connect, you will be charged for air time over and above the $240 per year.
How does the transition to the digital network affect me right now?
At this time, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to continue to use Tele Aid service with your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will operate with analog technology until 2008, although service may be degraded in some areas. Mercedes-Benz will introduce a program offering digital upgrades to existing equipment dependent on the vehicle Model Year. Tele Aid dual-mode (digital/analog) equipment is now available on all Model Year 2005 and 2006 models except the G-Class, SLR, and Maybach.
The last sentence ("now ... on") seems to say that all 2005 E-Class cars were built with dual-mode Tele Aid, but I suppose it could also mean that digital conver$ion kit$ are now "available" for 2005-2006 E-Class cars. I suspect that the former is the case, but you never know. At this time, you do not need to do anything. If you would like to continue to use Tele Aid service with your vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will operate with analog technology until 2008, although service may be degraded in some areas. Mercedes-Benz will introduce a program offering digital upgrades to existing equipment dependent on the vehicle Model Year. Tele Aid dual-mode (digital/analog) equipment is now available on all Model Year 2005 and 2006 models except the G-Class, SLR, and Maybach.
Based on my experience with analog Tele Aid, I can suggest an ad hoc test to see if you have analog or dual-band gear on your car: try to connect to Tele Aid. If you hear lots of static crashing sounds, and it doesn't connect, you have analog. Warning: if it does connect, you will be charged for air time over and above the $240 per year.
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Dude! Are you saying that TeleAid which is paid for in advance on a yearly basis does not include any air time? (Bear in mind I had it in my '04 & outside of the intro call I made, I never used it, and I don't have any MB car riight now, as the '04 is sold & the '07 isnt here yet.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
The way the bulletin reads analog 2003 through 2005 as underlined.
However, the MBUSA Tele Aid statement (DWP - post 21) states digital for 2005. Therefore, let us assume from the bulletin that early 05 models may have analog.
As previously suggested a call to Tele Aid (have your VIN handy) will confirm.
BTW, never had a need to use Tele Aid – not once, in my 03 e320 or 06 CLS!
However, the MBUSA Tele Aid statement (DWP - post 21) states digital for 2005. Therefore, let us assume from the bulletin that early 05 models may have analog.
As previously suggested a call to Tele Aid (have your VIN handy) will confirm.
BTW, never had a need to use Tele Aid – not once, in my 03 e320 or 06 CLS!
