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Old 04-26-2007, 09:59 AM
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Zeus Zeus is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Canada
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Does suspension type affect alignment?

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!
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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


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