Does anyone know how exactly Tele-Aid system works? Because after reprogrammed to mbrace, I kept getting Verizon service is activated please contact your service provider when pressing the I button or the Wrench Button. But when pressing the SOS button it will still connect to the MB SOS response team. So for those people who are familiar with Tele-Aid system. I know the system is preactivated when you drive the car off the lot new, but who is suppose responsible for connecting the line? Because dealer doesn't know what else to do besides program the tele-aid to mbrace, while mbrace doesn't know what else can be wrong or how to activate the verizon line..I am hoping someone can give me an idea how the system work. Because the SOS button still works but the I or wrench buttons gives out the verizon error message..

 

call 800.for.merc

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/#/know...ew/mbracefaqs/

 

OK... now you've confused me. What IS MBrace? In my car (2007) I have Digital TeleAid... is that different from MBrace? I have never heard of it. What's it for?

 

Tele-Aid is being phased out by Mercedes, and mbrace is the replacement of Tele-Aid system. Dealer needs to reflash the firmware from Teleaid system to mbrace.

Here is the link: http://mbrace.mbusa.com/login.htm

It's pretty much the same as Tele-Aid, except all the newer cars are preprogrammed with mbrace now and it just launched their service last month.

Also from what I heard, they are offering a lifetime subscription for $299 until the end of year. so if any of you are thinking about keep your W211, it's probably a good idea to join.

 

Here's the official word:
"Service is available on any vehicle equipped with a digital Telematics Control Unit (in general, vehicles produced since Model Year 2005, and earlier models that received an analog-to-digital upgrade), EXCEPT vehicles retailed from November 16, 2008, through November 15, 2009. Mercedes-Benz mbrace service will be available for those vehicles beginning November 16, 2010."

However the big problem is for people with a one year contract (free from MB when you buy the car) who purchased their vehicle between Nov 2008 and Nov 2009. You will not be able to convert to Mbrace until Nov 2010.

This has nothing to do with firmware, etc.. It's a contractual agreement between MBUSA and TeleAid. So, owners are out of luck and will have no service between the time their TeleAid expires and Nov 2010 (when they can get mBrace.)

Also those folks cannot take advantage of the Mbrace $299 lifetime deal. Because they can't get Mbrace until Nov 2010.

If you talk to either TeleAid or Mbrace, they are upset that nobody saw ahead to get the contract sorted out to the consumer's benefit. Another MBUSA short sighted blunder.

 

So? Should I switch to Mbrace? It requires a software update to the car... my guess is that its a new 800 phone number for the car to dial when one of the buttons are pushed instead of tele-aid.

 

Ahh..that's the reason why they ask me when I purchased my car. But I am still getting the dreaded verizon message which seems no one can fix. Dealer keeps blaming mbrace while mbrace says dealer has to program for the phone to work. Don't know who is right or wrong..

 

It all comes down to do you use the service, and how long you are planning to keep your car. I though $299 was a good deal, so I opted with their offer. But so far it's been a frustrating experience.

 

I've signed up because I'm keeping this car at least 4 more years, and the fee they are charging (if subscribed to before Dec 31 2009) cant be beat. I'm less than impressed with TeleAid's performance, so a new provider will be at least the same if not much much better.

The car has to go in for a software update which gives the vehicle a new cell phone number to dial out on with a new 800 number so it can call out to MBrace instead of TeleAid. This update is at no charge to the car owner. (Plus it gives the dealer a chance to look the car over & drum up some business, LOL.)

So I've signed up since MB isn't going forward with TeleAid as a service provider, and the cost for all the years I will own the car will be about the same as 1 year of TeleAid which will be up for renewal Feb 28th anyway.

Thanks for the Info Guys.

 

Cool, I think their service isn't too bad.. at least they were more than happy to get my issued worked out with the dealer. and btw, if you use iphone there is an app for the mbrace which allows you to unlock your car and track where your car is (within one mile of your iphone) in case we forget where we parked our car.. LOL

 

There is a blackberry app too......

 

I like that. I'll have to setup an appointment for the upgrade.

 

The $299 lifetime for this vehicle offer expires 12/31. Software upgrade can be done later, but they have to set up the acct & have your money now. also, I was told if I buy a new car before 12/31/2010, they will transfer the acct one time at no charge to my new car.

BTW, the dealer svc department SAs have been made woefully uninformed about Embrace and the retrofitting of it. My guy broke out the MB DSB and read it in front of me then had to call in the head of Parts and Service Back-End manager to explain it to him. He was ready wo write up the contract, but couldn't answer a single question about the service, what it could perform in my '07 or the software procedure involved. He also knew nothing about the $299 forever deal.

My car goes in Wed after New Years weekend (so everyone has had enough time to sober up).

 

Did anybody ever solve your reprogramming issues?

 

Barry check your PM.

 

Teleaid isnt going any where they are still providing service to the current and any new customers that want to go with them. There is just a new provider like having verizon and switching to att. Mostly the same services except that mbrace offers the lifetime but that great if you arent trading in your car evey 3-4 years as far as I know its only good for the veh you have and not good on any trade ins. I am keeping teleaid plus now I get directions and info sent right to my navi at no extra cost

 

You've revived an over 6 month old thread and most people here have figured out the telematics game. There have been many additional threads.

And yes, bottom line is that both providers are a viable choice. Pick your poison.