How much does an alignment cost at the dealer? - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

toomany MBZ · #16 05-13-2007, 03:09 PM

Check my thread 126 front end alignment "weighted" post #5.

TheDon · #17 05-13-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrameow

There must be a better shop somewhere. The Dealer is a RIPOFF, and I dont think they are any better than a good independent alignment shop. Dont think all dealer mechnaics are wunderkids--some of them are no better hacks than you find at a gas station.

I was going to get my w123 done at the local place. I asked about a speader bar and they said they compensate their adjustments. So I said forget it Ill spend 120$(they were 50$) and have it done right. It's better to have it done right the first time. Plus they(local guys) didn't let me play with the new cars on the lot or let me borrow a car to run to the bank (just a c230...)

300SD81 · #18 05-13-2007, 04:19 PM

I'm only 16, so I don't think they'd let me test drive new cars anyway.. Need to get my hands on $105 somehow.. blah Guess I could always go a few weeks without eating again..

Carrameow · #19 05-13-2007, 04:21 PM

I am not sure if you really need that; others may disagree. Finally let me tell you the truth--the 85 300D is not seen by the dealer a lot anymore---and many of their mechanics dont have much experience on them.
The techs are highly specialized and trained on various equipment subsets and the "all around" generalist that fixed these cars is no longer at the dealer.

Just because the mechanics have a Mercedes uniform on does not mean they will automatically know about the 300D. If you dont belive me, ask them questions about the vacuum locking system or ip timing on your car. Unless the tech is 55 or 50, they will be cluless.

Most of the cars the dealer now sees are the models between 1997 and 2007. I will bet you that they dont use the spreader bar either!! They probably are using the same laser machine the indy is.

Please become knowlegeable abou the dealers skill set and read up about front end alignment procedures on the 300D. In that way you will find a decent Indy who will charge you, say $85 vice $125.

#20 05-14-2007, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

I'm only 16, so I don't think they'd let me test drive new cars anyway.. Need to get my hands on $105 somehow.. blah Guess I could always go a few weeks without eating again..

I see that you are in Atlanta, so you are a lucky man.

Get your car to Gran Turismo East in Chamblee, stat!! Without a doubt the best alignment shop I've ever set foot in, in any part of the country. There is a guy working there (his name escapes me) who has been lining up MBs for 20+ years.

I think the alignment is about $60, give or take. They also set cars up for Road Atlanta racing so you may get lucky and get to drool over a Ferrari that's in there while they line up your MB.

They are absolutely the BEST in the business.

P.E.Haiges · #21 05-14-2007, 09:03 AM

300SD81,

Stealer charged me $50 + tax to tell me he couldn't align my 300SD because the adjustment bolts were rusted tight in the rubber bushing sleeves, but that was stealer's hourly rate about 10 years ago.

So yes, they will charge U for not being able to align your car.

Stealer wanted $700 + to replace the rubber bushings. I told them no way Jose and did it my self for about $100 (parts and spring compressor). Then I took it back and had the alignment done for another $50+.

Alignment is one of the few jobs I can't do myself. But I now take it to an independent garage for alignments. Last time it was $40 + tax.

P E H

300SD81 · #22 05-14-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrhills0146

I see that you are in Atlanta, so you are a lucky man.

Get your car to Gran Turismo East in Chamblee, stat!! Without a doubt the best alignment shop I've ever set foot in, in any part of the country. There is a guy working there (his name escapes me) who has been lining up MBs for 20+ years.

I think the alignment is about $60, give or take. They also set cars up for Road Atlanta racing so you may get lucky and get to drool over a Ferrari that's in there while they line up your MB.

They are absolutely the BEST in the business.

I've seen several good references for this place, I'll be going there whenever I finally get $60.. Way better price than the dealer

300SD81 · #23 05-19-2007, 06:26 PM

Went to Gran Turismo the other day. Very friendly service, they even let you watch them do the alignment and mess with your car.. $65, cheaper than most other places too.

VickeryMarine · #24 05-19-2007, 08:27 PM

Just replaced both tie rods, upper control arms, lower ball joints, and now it is time for an alignment on the 83 300D turbo. The dealer I called here in Houston wants $125. Meineke muffler says they can do it for $40....maybe I will give em a shot at it.

1983/300CD · #25 05-19-2007, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Went to Gran Turismo the other day. Very friendly service, they even let you watch them do the alignment and mess with your car.. $65, cheaper than most other places too.

Every place I go to scoffs at the bar that is supposed to be put between the wheels while doing the alignment. Four places now have put the laser equipment on the wheels and assured me that it is dead on. Both of my cars drift to the right.

It would almost be worth driving to Atlanta to get the damned thing aligned if they can do it right!

(BTW, I'm pretty sure you already know, but remember to try making your new tie rods the same length as the old before installation.)

300SD81 · #26 05-19-2007, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1983/300CD

Every place I go to scoffs at the bar that is supposed to be put between the wheels while doing the alignment. Four places now have put the laser equipment on the wheels and assured me that it is dead on. Both of my cars drift to the right.

It would almost be worth driving to Atlanta to get the damned thing aligned if they can do it right!

(BTW, I'm pretty sure you already know, but remember to try making your new tie rods the same length as the old before installation.)

They didn't use the bar either, but I can let go my wheel and drive like half a mile on a straight road now..

rudolfgreen · #27 05-20-2007, 03:32 AM

[QUOTE=TheDon;1504940] it was worth it as I got to watch him do it as well as test drive an 07 S65 AMG V-12 Biturbo...
QUOTE]

that must have been remotely entertaining.. (despite not being diesel)

sokoloff · #28 05-20-2007, 10:19 AM

I still contend that if the alignment shop doesn't use the spreader bar and the tool to lock the steering box that Mercedes dictates, that your alignment will not be as accurate. Might be close enough, but I prefer to cough up the extra fifty bucks every three or four years and have it done right.

#29 05-21-2007, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Went to Gran Turismo the other day. Very friendly service, they even let you watch them do the alignment and mess with your car.. $65, cheaper than most other places too.

Yep - those are good fellows over there. Last time I was there, they had a Ferrari F355

parked out front that they were setting up for a day of racing at Road Atlanta.

They know suspension geometry inside and out, and I would not let anyone else line up any of my MBs - not even the dealer. No way.