Just curious...I had a 4-wheel alignment done on my 1998 E430 recently. This car has the AMG sport suspension, not the stock suspension.

The alignment was done at an independent shop, but they do Mercedes often and they've aligned my cars in the past, so I trust in their competence.

However, I've noticed a couple of things since the alignment. The camber on the rear tires seems excessive. Instead of close to __|____|__ , the rear tires are more like __/___\___. Is this normal for a Benz? Front tires are more or less __|___|__.

I've also got a bit of a shimmy at around 80-100Km/h. Slight shaking/shimmering in the wheel. I'm guessing it may be my tires. The PO has two worn Pirelli winter tires on the back and two new Bridgestone performance tires up front.

What I am wondering is - since my car is lower and has different suspension components, does this factor in to how the car is aligned? Are there difference specs or measurements depending on the type of suspension? Is it possible the alignment shop used stock measurements and that this has adversely affected my alignment?

Thanks!

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

Just read this from Steve Brotherton -

"Alignment specs are designed to allow stationary measurements that result in the proper position during loading. By altering the suspension factory specs no longer apply; but won't be changed when the tires go on."

So it seems that the different suspension will affect the alignment?

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

The type of suspension does factor into your alignment, as you lower the car your camber will change because the components that hold your spindle are still the same length as they were when it was at factory ride height. There are camber kits that you can buy that will straighten out your wheels, these kits generally consist of shims and/or spacers.

__________________
Thanks, Nels
_________________________
86 300E
93 W250 4X4 Cummins Power
72 F250 Highboy
89 S-10 408ci BBC
custom V Four Chopper
77 Peterbilt 352
83 Jeep CJ-5

I'm wondering if they would have upgraded the associated suspension parts as well? The suspension was installed at a Mercedes dealership and is the AMG sport suspension.

Looks like I need to get it on a hoist and checked out...

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon