How long should an alignment take? 1987 300D
 

About 6 months ago I picked up a nice 1987 300D that needed a little attention. Since then, I've been working to bring it back up to where it should be. Sorted out some vacuum issues, (mostly) fixed an issue with running hot, got rid of some electrical gremlins, and so on. Next up on my list - getting the car aligned. I prefer to do most things myself, but took it to a shop for this job.

So, after they've had it up on the rack for about half an hour, the SA tells me that I'll need to come back later in the week. They were getting close to closing time, and he said that the tech would need 2-3 hours to do the alignment (after he had already been working on it for half an hour!). Apparently the tech said something about a bunch of things needing to be removed to get to the adjustment points.

I'm confused. Since the underbody cladding only has about 4 simple bolts for the engine section, what on earth could he be talking about?! I'm a little worried about taking it back to them. How long should an alignment take? What could the tech need to remove to do the adjustment?

Is he aligning the front and the rear ?

Yes, should be a 4-wheel alignment. The original estimate was about 45 minutes. I'm just confused about what's different about a W124 that it would take so much longer than a "normal" car.

"Normal" cars don't have camber and caster adjustments on all 4 wheels... many normal cars don't have anything but toe in adjustment. ..

Odds are good the tech needs to read how to perform the alignment

At my shop that alignment would bill for an hour and probably take 30-45 mins depending on what all needed adjustment. If a shop is estimating 3 hrs to align a 124 and nothing else you need to find another shop.

After removing the under engine cladding (unusual for it still to be there!) the front anti-roll bar needs to be disconnected so that the front suspension can be adjusted.

This isn't a big deal (assuming the bolts and nuts are in good condition).

Once the suspension has been adjusted it is possible that putting the anti-roll bar back in place cocks thinks up a bit so you might need to go back and adjust again.

If the mechanic isn't used to adjusting the suspension on these cars then I can believe that 3 hours plus could be spent on "a learning curve".

If I were you I'd take the car to someone who has done the job frequently and recently...

Apparently the tech said about 2 hours, the SA changed it to 2-3 hours to be safe. Vstech and Stretch, thanks! That's the exact sort of answer I was looking for. The tech seems to have some idea what he was doing, but he was shaking through the SA who doesn't seem to know much at all.

Unfortunately, my options for shops are limited around here.W124s aren't very common, even the dealership seems to know less about them than I do. I have an indy I trust, but he doesn't have an alignment rack.

Oh, the whole car is surprisingly complete! Everything is either original or OEM, I even have the cards that came with the car that explain how to operate the climate control! Sadly, it's missing the first aid kit and original tool kit. But it's an Arizona transplant to the Midwest, so it's refreshingly clean and rust-free.

Everyone is at a disadvantage with respect to alignments of these old cars... So it sounds like you have a good shop... even if they are having to learn as they go.. .if they are willing to do that... so much more than most places available these days.
I hope you have installed new components in sufficient numbers that this alignment, once done, will last a long time.

If you wish it to remain as complete... Mention the difficulty of replacing lost screws to the mechanic... They are not easy to find!

Oh, I am aware! Finding parts in general is kind of hit-or-miss. All the more reason to keep this thing in as good of condition as possible.