I have signed the papers for a '98 E320 at a dealership. I complained
about the steering so they put on new front tires(Michelin MXV4) and claimed that they
aligned the car. The car still floats to the right slightly, and the
steering wheel appears to be turned slightly off center when going in a
straight line. I expect a car to hold a straight line for a good while
when you let go of the wheel. Is this not true for the E320? The
salesman claims the road is not level. I took my old car over the same
roads and it holds pretty straight. I still haven't given them the check
or taken possession of the car. They want me to take the car, and have
it looked at under the Starmark warranty next time I get it serviced. Am
I being too picky? I want to get the car, but figure my only leverage is
right now, before I pay them. Any advice or comments would be welcomed.
Thanks, GouxMan

I think this was/is an inherent problem with the W210 chassis.

I had the same problem with my '96 E320. The car tended to drift right. After several alignments, the car was fine. I eventually sold it (for different reasons).

In October, I took delivery of my '00 E430. I immediately noticed that the steering wheel was slightly off-centered toward the right, but the car was tracking fine. After three alignments, the steering wheel more on-center but I can still see it ever so slightly to the right. BTW, after the third alignment, I also noticed that they left two small chips on both sides of the front rims.

I would insist that the dealer correct the problem before you finalize the deal. Good luck.

Eric

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__________
'00 E430 w/ Solaris H-7's
'99 SLK230 Sport

This problem IS correctable. On rare occasions, I have had to put the driver in the car and hold the wheel to what he thinks is straight and then set the final adjustments.... Just a thought especially if the driver is a heavy person. (over 200lbs)

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Gouxman, Try not to double post. This is what I posted to your same topic in the "Wheels & Tires" Forum:

I have previously posted the same problem. My 98 E430 has been aligned six times in 15k miles. I am tired of taking it in for alignments. It always floats to the right, never tracks straight on smooth level roads and the steering wheel is never on center. One mechanic at the dealer told me that all W210 tend to pull right and they have to "play" with the specifications to get it right. The toe-in is not correct and the tires outside edge is highly worn. I can tell that the front tires are toed-in just by looking at them from the front.

Finally, after a couple of alignments and wheel balances, I was able to get the service manager at Beshoff Motorcars in San Jose to correct the off-center steering wheel. It was so irritating and now driving my car is enjoyable again!

The service required 1-hour tech time for $140. The car does need to go up on the rack. They put something on the steering wheel to center it with a level and make the adjustment from underneath.

Also had the recall campaigns for the harmonic balancer and door seal performed at no charge.

My 98 E320 tracks perfectly. I don't believe that you are being too picky in fact I would take it to another shop for an evaluation since the salesman's job is to get you to sign the papers.

I noticed after I changed my engine mounts that the steering wheel is not centered. I figured that since I had to take off the steering linkage to access the engine mounts that I did not put it on exact. The next time I am under the car I will correct this.

If they can't fix the car to your satisifaction then look for another car that meets your requirements. Chances the Starmark warranty won't cover the repairs since they may be considered normal wear and tear.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles