Alignment: long time coming -> short answer.

After too many inde shops and too many failed attempts, I prepared my checkbook and made an appointment with the local MB dealer.

$75 and my e320 Wagon is driving true. Although it's at the edge of some specs, the cause was frozen ball joint and control arm bushing. Admittedly, the tech was initially inclined to replace the offenders, but maybe the surfer girl decals, the VietNam Veteran license plate or his desire, encouraged him work with the existing parts and bring my wagon into compliance.

Some of the credit goes to whoever suggested going to the man who has to align the 911 series Porsche. To paraphrase Mr. Midddlecamp of Knopf MB, Porsche, Audi - "once your get the front aligned, the rear end is where the action is."

Bob