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