W210 Alignment
 

My 99 E430 Sport has an unusual tire wear pattern. Both front tires show wear on the inside. Both rear tires show wear on the outside. The steering wheel is striaght when travel on the level highway. The car has completed 58k miles without alignment since its birth. Everything on the car is factory without any modification.

I am going to buy 4 OEM size tires next week. Do I need an alignment? If so, should I go to dealer or my local NTB? Is there any special tool at the dealer that will increase the accuracy and precision of the alignment?

Thanks
Car Nut
99 E430 Sport

I can only answer your questions in part.
If the car is 4 years old and you are having new tires installed, I would certainly get the alignment checked!
As for your tire wear, wait and see what they determine during alignment. If your toe in/out and camber settings are way off, that would explain the wear patterns you described. Hope this helps.

If the front caster OR camber is off then "special" bolt kits must be installed in the lower control arms to correct the mis-alignment.
NOT many alignment shops have that ability or parts!!

Were the tires ever rotated? 58k is a lot of miles for a tire in the same location on the car - you would be lucky not to expect some visibly uneven wear. If mild, the car may be fine - perhaps posting pics would be useful here. A side pic of the car too would help tell if the springs have sagged.

Steve

I would definitely take to a dealer, as M.B.DOC points out there may be need of "special" bolt kits must be installed in the lower control arms to correct the mis-alignment.

Keep us posted,

Haasman