I had recently sent my 2013 Mercedes C200 for a major service to Global Star, an authorised Mercedes Benz dealership. While my car was there, they told me about an offer- a little device called the ‘Mercedes Me Adapter’ is being offered for free.
I had agreed for the installation, but due to a sudden change of plan, my car wasn’t available on the planned date of appointment. When I told them the same, they were kind enough to reschedule my appointment. They further went ahead and offered me doorstep installation!
Now this obviously sounds like a reason to be thrilled, but on the contrary, it began ringing some bells in my mind.
1. Why are Mercedes-Benz offering a device worth 6-7k for free?
2. Why is the dealer going the extra mile by offering doorstep installation?
Here’s a bit of info on what exactly the Mercedes Me adapter is (info received from the dealer):
The *Mercedes me Adapter* is a device which is inserted into the diagnostic socket of the vehicle and subsequently connects to the smartphone by Bluetooth®️. In this way, it is possible to read out information from the vehicle. A range of safety, service and mobility functions can be used via the Mercedes me Adapter app.
Information about the current vehicle status: fuel level, mileage, parking location and time.
▪️ *Vehicle health*
The vehicle health section displays all vehicle data and context-sensitive feed in order to provide you the most relevant features viz. oil level, coolant temperature etc. at fingertips. It also reflects overall condition of the vehicle, malfunctions, if any in the vehicle with a short description within the app.
▪️ *Driver score*
The app records driving behaviour of driver and generates an automated driver score depending on braking and acceleration behaviour. The higher the score the better the driving behaviour!
▪️ *Preferred dealer*
Choose and set your preferred service dealer partner. Connect with them via email or call directly via the app.
▪️ *App based*
Connected car features available on the Adapter app. convenient user interface with seamless integration on Android and iOS operating systems.
▪️ *Emergency call system*
Emergency number is available in the app. Depending on the smartphone settings, Customer and vehicle details are transferred to the call centre for quick assistance
▪️ *Roadside breakdown management*
Roadside assistance numbers are available in the app and the you can now connect directly with the Roadside assistance call centre for quicker response.
▪️ *Multiple vehicle management*
You can connect with multiple cars through single Adapter app on their smartphone.
▪️ *Parked vehicle locator*
The vehicle locator is automatically activated at the end of each journey and the app detects and saves this as the parking location. The location on the map as well as address is indicated on the app.
▪️ *Service reminder*
You can receives timely reminders for scheduled services in app and from his preferred dealer for a seamless workshop experience.
▪️ *Dealer locator*
You can locate the nearest dealer no. matter where he is in India.
▪️ *Online appointment booking*
Booking a service appointment has never been this easy! Book a service appointment directly via the app.
Now, being totally honest, I don’t see too much utility in there. At best, it is an interesting toy to fiddle around with. At first, it seems as if it’s a no brainier- it is being offered free, they'll come to your house and install it for free and you also get a fun toy. No reason not to go for it, then. But wait!
I remember a line that my marketing professor had once quoted, “
Everything is free when YOU are the product.”
What this basically means is that a business organisation wouldn’t give you too many freebies unless they get something in return. As an example, we are able to use social media for free because we give them something that is very, very valuable nowadays-personal data.
With the Mercedes Me adapter being offered free, I can’t help but think about the possible ways it can benefit the company. The overly suspicious and naive part of me is scared that this adapter, plugged into my OBD scanner can be used to remotely wreck havoc in my cars electrical systems. The very thought of an MNC doing this to its customers worldwide is ridiculous, but is something that is theoretically doable nonetheless.
The more rational part of me believes that obviously, Merc is getting some data out of it. Reading their terms and conditions, I couldn’t find anything that would raise an alarm, but I am being suspicious nevertheless.
My questions to the experts are:
1. Are my suspicions reasonable?
2. Should I get this thing installed? It comes for free but I don’t see any utility in it.