If you require emergency aid, Roadside Assistance, or information while you're traveling in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle equipped with Tele Aid, the Tele Aid system can put subscribers in touch with the right people, exactly when they are needed. Help is just the push of a button away.*
Tele Aid is our way of using wireless technology to provide Mercedes-Benz owners with location-specific security, information, and conveniences.
One push of the SOS button on your vehicle's overhead console connects you to a Tele Aid Response Specialist who can notify emergency service providers of your precise location, pinpointed by satellite. The specialist will stay on the line with you until help arrives. Also, deployment of any air bag or Emergency Tensioning Device (ETD) will automatically transmit an emergency call to the Tele Aid Response Center.
The Wrench button connects you to a Roadside Assistance Specialist who will know your location and what model vehicle you're driving — even before you say a word.
The i-button connects you to a Tele Aid Response Specialist, available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have.
Tele Aid uses satellites, wireless telecommunications technology, and trained specialists to respond to your in-vehicle security needs and other requests around the clock. When a subscriber presses any Tele Aid button, the call is answered by a trained professional who automatically identifies their location, responds to their request, or puts them in touch with the appropriate response personnel. New Mercedes-Benz vehicles are available with Tele Aid either as standard or optional equipment, depending on the model. All you need is a few minutes to activate your service so that Tele Aid is there for you whenever you need it.
Connecting Mercedes-Benz owners to emergency aid, Roadside Assistance, and information is just the beginning. Depending on your service package, your vehicle's Tele Aid system offers several added benefits, including Remote Door Unlock, Anti-Theft Alarm Notification, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, and more. Call your Preferred Mercedes-Benz Dealer or our Client Assistance Center at 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372) for more details.
Tele Aid Digital Transition FAQs
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ANALOG TELE AID
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled in November 2002 that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network as of January 2008. Regulations permit wireless carriers to begin degrading or eliminating analog service in anticipation of this date. Wireless carriers in Canada have also begun the shift from analog to digital technology. Thus the Tele Aid service will only be available for systems employing dual-mode (digital/analog) technology after January 1, 2008.
Tele Aid utilizes cellular telephone networks and satellite technologies as well as emergency service providers to provide in-vehicle information, Roadside Assistance, and emergency services. The initial deployment of Tele Aid in 1999 used the analog cellular network to ensure the broadest geographic coverage in the U.S. and Canada at that time. However, U.S. and Canadian wireless carriers have begun to shift from analog to digital networks and so will Tele Aid.
In general, this transition affects analog Tele Aid equipment installed in Mercedes-Benz Model Year 2000 to 2004 vehicles, Model Year 2005 M-Class vehicles, G-Class and Maybach vehicles up to Model Year 2006, and all SLR vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is currently contacting affected subscribers with more information.
Why do early Tele Aid systems utilize analog equipment?
When Mercedes-Benz introduced Tele Aid service in 1999 (Model Year 2000), analog was the most well-established wireless service available and provided the widest coverage in the nation. As technology changed, Mercedes-Benz moved to implement digital/analog dual-mode Tele Aid units as quickly as possible.
Why did Mercedes-Benz use analog units in some Model Year 2005 and 2006 vehicles?
Mercedes-Benz did its utmost to develop a digital solution as soon as the analog phase-out was communicated. However, some model lines required extensive changes and therefore even though the development and incorporation was done as promptly as possible, it took as late as Model Year 2006 for some limited production models.
Will my analog Tele Aid still provide service after January 1, 2008?
No. The unit will function but no longer have a network to support it. Beginning January 1, 2008, Tele Aid will be accessible only through equipment that has the ability to operate on a digital cellular network (i.e. dual-mode equipment).
Is it possible to get a Tele Aid subscription after the analog-to-digital transition date?
Yes. It will be possible to subscribe to Tele Aid service if your vehicle is outfitted with equipment that has the ability to operate on a digital cellular network (i.e. dual-mode equipment). Mercedes-Benz began installing this on most Model Year 2005 and later vehicles. If your vehicle is equipped with analog Tele Aid and is newer than Model Year 2001, Mercedes-Benz is offering a retrofit equipment upgrade that will allow your Tele Aid to access the digital network and continue service beyond the transition (see below). In general Model Year 2000 vehicles will not be upgradeable; however, there are limited exceptions so please see your Mercedes-Benz Dealer to find out if your vehicle can be upgraded.
Will Mercedes-Benz offer any special programs for affected subscribers with analog-only Tele Aid systems?
Yes! As a result of this industry-wide changeover, Mercedes-Benz has developed the industry's most comprehensive analog-to-digital transition, offered well in advance of 2008 to provide our analog customers with uninterrupted Tele Aid service. If your vehicle is Model Year 2001 or newer, and equipped with analog Tele Aid hardware, Mercedes-Benz is offering an analog-to-digital equipment upgrade that will allow your Tele Aid to access the digital network. You can purchase the upgrade and have it installed in your vehicle at your Preferred Mercedes-Benz Dealer. In general, Model Year 2000 vehicles will not be upgradeable; however, there are limited exceptions so please see your Mercedes-Benz Dealer to find out if your vehicle can be upgraded.
What does an analog-to-digital upgrade cost?
You should contact your preferred, authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealer for information about packages and pricing. Prices differ by vehicle model and Model Year and may vary by dealer. Installation charges are in addition to the prices for equipment and service packages.
Why is this upgrade not covered under warranty?
The upgrade is not covered under warranty because the Tele Aid unit is not defective. It works properly with an analog signal, which was still the most prevalent wireless signal available at the time of the vehicle's design. The phase- out of the signal is not an issue that is within the control or the responsibility of Mercedes-Benz.
How does the transition to the digital network affect me right now?
Analog-based Tele Aid service will only be supported through December 31, 2007. Some wireless carriers have already begun degrading their analog coverage in favor of the digital network, and analog Tele Aid coverage will be similarly reduced. Therefore as of November 1, 2006 we are no longer accepting NEW analog Tele Aid subscriptions. We are strongly urging eligible analog subscribers to upgrade as soon as possible. Options available to the various Tele Aid customers are:
- Customers purchasing a NEW Tele Aid-equipped vehicle: Your vehicle is already equipped with a digital Tele Aid.
- Customers purchasing a PRE-OWNED vehicle: Purchasers of Pre-Owned vehicles equipped with analog Tele Aid must have the digital upgrade unit installed in order to receive Tele Aid service.
- CURRENT analog Tele Aid Subscribers: Current analog subscribers are being contacted as their renewal date draws near and will be able to extend their analog subscription only until December 31, 2007. Additionally, current subscribers must renew their analog subscriptions by June 30, 2007. After that date, analog renewals will no longer be accepted.
What are the different types of equipment on Tele Aid-equipped vehicles?
Tele Aid-equipped vehicles will have one of three types of equipment:
- Analog only:
- All Model Year 2000 through Model Year 2004 vehicles and some Model Year 2005 and 2006 vehicles are equipped with analog-only equipment. The U.S. analog wireless carriers are obligated to provide service up until January 1, 2008, but some degradation in service in anticipation of the transition date can be expected. Canadian wireless carriers have indicated that they will follow the U.S. transition plan. As of January 1, 2008, Tele Aid-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment will no longer have Tele Aid service.
- Digital/Analog (dual mode):
- Most Model Year 2005 and 2006, and all Model Year 2007 Tele Aid-equipped vehicles feature dual-mode (digital/analog) equipment, which will be unaffected by the digital transition.
- Analog-to-digital upgrade:
- If your vehicle is Model Year 2001 or newer and equipped with analog Tele Aid hardware, Mercedes-Benz is offering for purchase an analog-to-digital equipment upgrade that will allow your Tele Aid system to access the digital network and continue to provide this important service.
Unfortunately, Model Year 2000 Tele Aid-equipped vehicles cannot be upgraded.
How will I know what kind of equipment is in my vehicle?
If you are an active Tele Aid subscriber, Mercedes-Benz will contact you and inform you about your personal options. Additionally, you can contact your Preferred Mercedes-Benz Dealer or call the Mercedes-Benz USA Customer Assistance Center at, 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES (1-800-367-6372).
Where can I get information about the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling?
You will find all the information about the FCC ruling (02-229) on fcc.gov.
What is the FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency that regulates interstate and international communication by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.
* Tele Aid service operates only where cellular and Global Positioning Satellite systems are available and functioning. Tele Aid packages and individual service features vary by Model Year (MY). For Analog-to-Digital Upgrades, prices differ by model and model year of vehicle, may vary by dealer and installation charges are in addition to the prices for equipment and equipment/service packages. Upgrades not available for certain model year 2000 vehicles. Please see your dealer for details and subscription pricing. Completed Tele Aid Subscriber Agreement and Acquaintance Call required for service to be active. Roadside Assistance repairs may involve charges for parts, service and towing. Vehicle must be accessible from main roads. Depending on the circumstance, these services may be provided from an outside service, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance. For full details of Sign and Drive services, as well as the Roadside Assistance Program, please see your dealer. Password required to activate Remote Door Unlock and feature is not available on all vehicles. To initiate Stolen Vehicle Recovery, owner must file stolen vehicle police report and authorize Stolen Vehicle Recovery by calling the Tele Aid Response Agent. Anti-Theft Alarm Notification is an opt-in feature available at no additional cost. If you choose to receive this service, you will be notified every time we receive an alarm activation signal from your vehicle.