jroach

I received my letter today with a coupon to replace my Tele Aid with Mbrace as part of a class action lawsuit. It doesn't include labor to install. I think that is kind of strange. Does anybody know how much labor is needed to take out the tele aid and install the MBrace?

Sportstick

I'm sorry I cannot answer your question, but could you please add some background about the class action? I have not received a letter regarding my 08 E350, but still have 2 years remaining on the original 5 year TeleAid subscription. Your comments would be very interesting. Thanks!

jroach

Sure, for MB owners of Analog Tele Aid systems there was a class action lawsuit. It replaces the Tele Aid with (I think) MBrace. This action provides:

"Please note that this certificate entitles you to the Upgrade unit and the "flash" of the new unit needed for activation of mBrace service"

I'm not certain if your 2008 has digital or analog service but I would think the change to digital happened sooner than 08..

It was kind of annoying that they sold a car with a feature that could no longer be used after a few years.

Sportstick

Thanks, that is helpful! Does it say anything about what happens if you have leftover subscription time from TeleAid?

BWager

It wasn't just Mercedes-Benz that was using an Analog system in 2004. There was an Analog OnStar system in a 2003 GMC Envoy I used to have, but my 2005 Envoy had a Digital System. This is not necessarily due to some short sightedness on the manufacturers part, but the state of Cellular Phone networks over the years. Digital Networks were just being deployed in the early 2000's and even in 2004 most of the Interstate and definitely the Rural roads in America would be dark to your Digitally Equipped Tele-Aid system. I've been building towers and installing cell sites since 1998.

JeffyPooh

There may be a similar issue coming with Sirius satellite radio in a few years.

STisma

Uhm...this settlement is for MB vehicles bought 2002-2006 with TeleAid subscription. It is not for other MY.
www.teleaidsettlement.com

Sportstick

Thank you...this is helpful. It appears that the issue was the migration from analog TeleAid to digital TeleAid in 2007. MBrace was not an issue in this litigation. My 2008 E350 is not involved as it apparently has functional digital TeleAid, which continues to operate. TeleAid was not rendered obsolete when MBraced debuted, so there is no relief for current digital TeleAid owners/lessors.

Sportstick

Are you sure they are offering MBrace? The below is the language from the settlement, which all centers on discounts on future vehicle purchases.


The Settlement covers three different groups of Class Members. These are as follows:

Group 1. Class Members who paid for an upgrade of the analog Tele Aid system in their Qualifying Vehicle so that it could operate on digital signals (referred to as an upgrade) will automatically receive a Dual Use Certificate which may be used either as a $650 check or a $1,300 New Vehicle Certificate good toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer. Group 1 Class Members are not required to submit a Claim Form.

Group 2. Class Members who did not pay for an upgrade and still own their Qualifying Vehicle may file a claim to receive an Upgrade Certificate (a $650 value) or a $750 New Vehicle Certificate good toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Group 3. Class Members who did not pay for an upgrade and no longer own their Qualifying Vehicle may file a claim to receive a $750 New Vehicle Certificate good toward the purchase or lease of a new Mercedes-Benz vehicle from an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Mike_W

Here's a link to the Settlement Administrator's FAQ:

http://www.teleaidsettlement.com/con...px?c=4607&sh=1

konigstiger

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...digital-q.html

http://www.teleaidsettlement.com/doc.../MBT_NOT_2.PDF

Hank ML350

I was quoted $400-$500 by the dealer in Arlington VA.

jroach

Hank,

Thanks for the answer. More than I want to spend...I don't think I'll get that money back when I sell the car (likely will sell it this year). I am going to try asking the dealer for the kit and then attempt a DIY. I bought the break out box and software earlier this year to fix a problem with the car so now I ahve a chance to use it again

Sportstick,

I was Group 2 (I think).

This was verbatim from the settlement I received:

"Please note that this certificate entitles you to the Upgrade unit and the "flash" of the new unit needed for activation of mBrace service"

I don't know if I actually get mBrace or not. I'll stop by the dealer and report back.

boschk

I was quoted about 1,900...

Hank ML350

It pays to check around. After a previous quote of $400-$500 for installation labor, I got a firm quote of $172 from another dealer. Waiting for some more quotes.

Miguk_Saram

Hank,

Which dealer was that? EuroMotorcars Germantown, MD quoted me $280 (not bad, really), and is not willing to order the parts for a DIY - they claim that the dealer has to do the install since the system will have to be flashed for MBrace.

Has anyone had any luck procuring the parts for a DIY or indie install on this one?

06e320cdi

This is confusing. I have a 2006 E320CDI and it has worked for 2 years with Teleaid. I guess I am not part of the suit, as I have not received any information. I have been happy with the service, and use it quite often.