After a recent CPO GLE350 purchase - We have been getting letters from MB saying - Our records indicate you have not activated your mbrace account yet. To activate the system you must press the i-Button in your vehicle.

Did this - nothing happens.

I'm pretty sure this is just spam to try to get us to sign up for a subscription - but wanted to verify.... thoughts? It seems like you do not get all the services for one charge - each one is an individual charge - Connect, Secure, Entertain, Me - Total = $$$$$$

unless you received a free trial, mbrace is a subscription. you do have to set up an account for activation. i only use the safety stuff. ron

thinking about it, you probably did get a "taste" (free trial ). ron

There is also a free-tier of mbrace that will let you do remote action through the Mercedes-ME app. For example, it'll let you start your engine remotely, unlock/lock remotely, set a geo-fence, start a driving log (for valet), and ect. You still have to call MBUSA to get the free tier set up too though. When they ask which pricing model you want, tell them basic, and this should be the free tier I speak of.

I too recently purchased a CPO 2017 GLE 350. I activated the mbrace solely to get the remote start. Two days ago I had a question and pressed the i-button. She informed my that she could not answer my question until a purchased the subscription. After all I have read on this site about mbrace, I decided to declined.

Funny about the remote start though, Since getting the app, I have read countless articles about the right-or-wrong of pre-warming engines. I have not used the remote start since. Boy I'm confused

Free tier mbrace for 5 years was included in the 2016-2019 model years. I’m not sure if all model years received the free tier mbrace. I have it on my 2017, I am the second owner. Mine expires one year from now. I use remote start often during cold weather.

I use the remote start frequently here in the Northeast. The car shuts off after 10 minutes, so I try to time warming it up before heading out.

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MID CITY ENGINEERING

I went online and set up an account. Afterwards I downloaded the mbrace app and was able to get the remote start set up. Works great. mbrace has been trying to get me to upgrade since. I agree then that apparently my 2017 model gets something for free. I also believe mine will expire in approximately 15 months when my "cerfitied" warranty expires. I probably need to do some research to determine all their available programs and costs. They seem to keep pushing the safety and the car tracking systems.

I'm like you, the remote is really cool. First one I owned that can start the car from just about anywhere in the country. I lived in an apartment recently between houses and the remote start for my other cars did not work because they go not get around the building. This would have fixed that. Finally, my comment about the warming referred to the experts stating that allowing an engine to set at idle to warm the car is harmful to an engine.