Im getting new tires and I also need an alignment(the car on worn tires vibrates alot between 50-65). Is it ok if I put the tires on, get them balanced and then do the alignment ...? Do I have to get the tires balanced again? Or should the alignment come first? Does it even matter?

My mercedes is my bank account now...I seem to be putting more money in it then into my savings....

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***SAMI*****
1986 300E 240K
1999 Mitsubishi Spyder GS 60K

First, I belive that evenly worn tires should not vibrate no matter how low the tread is. Check for uneven tire wear. Perhaps some suspension components are worn out. I would also recommend that you get an alignment done at a shop that is familiar with Mercedes. It takes some skill and right equipment to perform the alignment correctly. I went to the dealer to get the alignment done. I went through this stuff with our 95 W124 few weeks ago. The toe setting was off and the tires were getting cupped, hence vibration at 60mph or so. This is why it is important to have an alignment done right. Furthermore the previous owner installed new pirellis, and due to crappy alignment the tires were very cupped, vibrated really badly. In the records that he provided it shows a $40 alignment at some shop after the new tires, i bet those guys messed it up and thats the reason for the cupping.

Speaking of balance etc...I would just mount new tires, perform balance and head for an alignment, just make sure its done correctly.

When you do an alignment its much more important to insure that your tires are properly inflated, rather than whether or not your tires are properly balanced.

I also agree with E300D. Make sure that whoever does your wheel alignment knows what he is doing, and takes the time to do it properly,


Phil

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'95 E300 Diesel, 264,000 Miles. [Sold it]

Thanks guys. I called up the mercedes dealer in Somerville (im in boston for the winter) for a quote on alignment for the an 86 300e. He asked for $200 plus. Anyone know a decent alignment place in the Boston area that wont charge so much? I have had quotes for $60 or so but like you guys recommended I would like to go to a place with good experience.

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***SAMI*****
1986 300E 240K
1999 Mitsubishi Spyder GS 60K

The alignment in MA at dealers costs about $100 ~ $200. Chamber and Flagship ask $200. Foreign Motors West, Natick, asks $100.

A dealer in Rhode Island asks $160.

Sears asks about $80 ~ 90. They did not mess things up, but did not do a very good job either.

I would go to dealer for MB alignment. It seems that the tech needs some experience with W124 and have correct spreader bar to load the wheels for correct front toe alignment.

I personally had bad experience with Chamber (not about alignment job). A service advisor there was really bad.

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1992 300D 2.5 turbo diesel. 319 k miles.
124.128 chassis, 602.962 engine, 722.418 tranny.