I own a 2000 ML 320, and I think it drifting to the rights. That is if I have it on a very flat and stright road. If I let got of the wheel the ML will drift to the right. And if I keep my hands on the wheel I will not notice anything. I am thinking it could be the banking on the road. most roads are bank to the right, so I am really not sure.

I spoke to the dealer and they said they will look at. But I am concern that they will put marks on my rims when they put the equipment on the rims to inspect the alignment. Because that have been my experience with my other shops, big O tires. And if they have to balance the tire again they will certainly put marks on the rims.

Is it reasonable for me to expect or (demand nicely) that they keep the rims mark free when they do it, at least when they check the alignment.

And the drifting that I have described is that some what normal.

Drifting to the right could be caused by:

1. uneven tyre pressure on the front wheels;
2. faulty alignment; or
3. uneven road.

My hunch would be to check your front tyre pressures, and if ok, to do an alignment for the front tyres. Balancing is not necessary unless it wobbles.

If its uneven road, I suggest you buy over the rights to repave it and charge other users a toll fee. :D

If it is only a very mild drift right, I think it is probably the drain grade (crown) of the road. Try it again in an empty parking lot (flat) some early morning and see if it still drifts right.

I experienced the same thing in the wife's ML. The road that passes my subdivision banks to the left. Guess which way the truck wanted to go? The road banks pretty hard to the left too, causing me to think that the truck was WAY out of alignment. Nope! Everything is fine. Notice how in the ML, the steering wheel doesn't return to center very quickly when coming out of a turn like a car does. I think there is almost no caster in the front suspension setup.

Same w/ Dunlop Tires
 

Have you purchased new tires by any chance?

My '91 190E was treated to new set of Dunlop tires and it immediately pulled to the right. Long story short, after alignments, re-alignments, balance, re-balance, etc. the tires were replaced with Michelins.

No kidding, no matter what was done (swapping tires from side to side or front to back), it still pulled. It was the tires. But no one was able to figure it out!

No, I did not get new tires. It is a new car. However they are dunlops. I am taking it in it could be the tires. Thanks.

ben

Try driving on the wrong side of the road and see if it drifts to the left. If so you will know it is the road. Most have a very subtle slant for drainage.