I just realized that my front tires are worn to the steel belts on the inside edge. (1977 240D) Can anyone tell me what this indicates? Not only is there camber wear, but it looks like a bit of feathering as well. Are there any common suspension component failures that cause this type of wear?

The car actually drives pretty well, maybe a little floaty at time on the highway. It also pulls to the right slightly.

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

My rear tire looked like that and was caused by excessive toe-in. I had over ONE INCH of rear toe. On a dry road, couldn't tell anything was wrong. On a slippery surface the car was doing random darting steering and felt like it wanted to do donuts. White knuckle territory.

One obvious problem is you need an alignment. But ask them to check for worn suspension and steering parts. Get new tires, replace all the parts they identify as worn, get the alignment, and enjoy the increased fuel economy. But it might take a while for fuel savings to regain the cost of this job. However, you need it done. I think you have severe toe-in issue. Both sides too much. Suspension is all inter-related so this could be because of something else, like worn springs.

I have a w124 so I can't talk to your setup specifically. But I just did tie rods, center link, steering damper, and all wheel bearings. The bushings and ball joints were OK, and shocks are fine, and ride height is ok (springs). It's a amazing how finicky the toe-in adjustment is to get on-center steering and no pulls. One tenth of an inch out on one side and I notice it. I am actually having great success doing my own toe-in adjustment using string method that is heavily documented in places like youtube.

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Cheers!
Scott McPhee

1987 300D

On the W123 chassis, worn upper control arm bushings will cause negative camber and the associated inner edge tire wear.

Excessive toe in would cause outer edge tire wear. And a toe issue would affect both front tires in a nearly identical manner.

I echo tangofox007. I had the very same wear pattern (though somewhat less severe!) caused by worn bushings on the upper control arm.

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05 E320 CDI - 175K miles
82 300D - 200K miles (sold)

jack up and check the tie rods. they might need to be replaced, replace in pairs, then get an alignment.

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1985 300TD Turbo Diesel Wagon
273,000 miles

Also check the front shock/strut condition. They will contribute to that type of wear.

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92 300D 2.5L OM602 OBK #59

It is possible for control arm bushings to effect tire wear, but it is due to it's effect on toe. The negative camber unless REALLY severe will not cause this.

You need to set the toe on ZERO with the suspension settled.

A W123 is not so equipped.

LCA bushings will also cause this... ask me how i know

Does it look like it's riding too low up front?

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Going to have it aligned and new tires installed tomorrow. I'll let you guys know what they say!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles

Wow, those tires are shot! Good thing it is getting an alignment. My W124 was wearing the outside edge of the front tires, but I got it aligned/parts replaced in time to keep the tires a while yet....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

you want to rotate tires every 5-10k, align it every year if you drive it regularly. this costs less than new tires in the long run.

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1984 300TD "MAX" 303K+ still going...
fast '70 Chevelle 200k+
home built Shovelhead chopper

Align it every YEAR! Your profile must be wrong. Are you sure you don't live in Oklahoma or Louisiana? That's the only places I know where the roads are that rough!

Unless there are some SERIOUSLY worn parts, simply setting the toe will correct the problem seen in the photograph. Setting toe is simple and can be done at home. There's no need to donate $50 or $60 on an annual basis.

can toe truly be set simply given the inherent play in the steering box of w123 type cars?

Something with a tigher steering design perhaps, but on a 123?

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)