Just replaced all four tires with new ones and alignment looks bad, so I need to do my first one. Any criteria on how to select a proper alignment shop (that doesn't charge an arm and a leg) for my '79 240D?

Another thing, when it comes to a W123, should I align just the front, or all four wheels? I recall reading somewhere that there's very little to align when it comes to rear wheels.

Anything else I should know about before walking into a local alignment shop? Your input is highly appreciated.

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1979 240D, W123, 105K miles, stick, white w/ tan interior.

I would do all 4 wheels.

Call them and ask them for a quote, then ask them to check their computer to make sure they have the specs for a W123, and ask them if they will be using a spreader bar like the FSM recommends.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

dealership

My dealer wanted $175

I got it done for $70, and they used the spreader bar.

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

$175 at the dealer? *mind boggling* My wife paid $85 and had espresso and the kid got to play in the cool kids room.

I took mine to NTW, they charged me $80 and I had to take it back 3 times.

I'd stick with the dealer or atleast get someone who knows MBZ. Spreader bar is the right tool for the job.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I have noticed quite a wide spread of dealership prices. One nearby (MB-Boerne) charged me $130 (tax incl.) for an alignment, but no spreader bar - only lasers - AND, I had to go back b/c it wasn't aligned the 1st time (that's an additional 60 miles RT for those keeping score).

I bought a new ignition cylinder at the closest dealership (MBSA) and it cost $130, while others have reported paying $80-$120.

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT

A 4-wheel alignment was $130 at my dealer, minus 30 from a coupon. I had to take it back twice for it to be done properly. They said the shop foreman had to do it himself to get it right. Oh well, free expressos.

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1980 240d
1999 SL500

I just ordered the cylinder from Stahl Motors of Monterey, and it was $63.38.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

I just paid $175 at the dealer (Buckhead, Atlanta) and am satisfied so far. I'll also be buying tires there. My reasoning is, if anything ever goes wrong with the alignment, balance, etc....it will be their fault! No more blaming the other guy.

I rebuilt the entire front and rear suspension a few years ago.


Last year though...horror story...Mercedes of South Atlanta aligned it with so much toe out, it ruined the front tires (I didn't catch it until it was too late). I won't be going back there.

The MB dealer here in Corpus Christi send his work out. I can get a 4 wheel computer alignment for $60 at that shop.

Go into an alignment shop and read the wall posters. There are often ones that show you all the various alignment maladies and tire wear patterns that result. A look at this might tell you what you are in for.

$150 at my dealer and a $50 coupon always shows up in the mail from them.. plus I think MBCA discounts also apply. I usually schedule any work like that so I can get a loaner car... My dealership gives loaner cars out even if you didn't buy a car from them...

$65 @ indy Eurocar shop and he is a former MB mech. No spreader bar and rear wheels are not adjustable on my car and were slightly out ,maybe something bent or worn back there but not enough to worry about tire wear.

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1981 240D 143k 4 spd manual -SOLD

2004 VW Jetta TDI 5 speed 300k -still driven daily

I bring mine to my local Ford dealer who has a laser alignment machine and the specs for my MBs. $55. Always gets it done right.... but I always insist that the "old-timer" alignment mechanic does the work - no one else.

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the sooner you start... the sooner you'll get done If it ain't broke, don't fix it.. Its always simpler to tell the truth...
2007 Honda Accord EX
2007 Honda Accord SE V6
96 C220
97 Explorer - Found Another Home
2000 Honda Accord V6 - Found Another Home
85 300D - Found Another Home
84 300D - Found Another Home
80 300TD - Found Another Home
Previous cars:
96 Caravan
87 Camry
84 Cressida
82 Vanagon
80 Fiesta
78 Nova
Ford Cortina
Opel Kadet
68 Kombi
Contessa

I got one done at a local shop on a Hunter(USA) laser machine. $69.95, out the door. no issues. I called the local dealerships(3) and it was about $125, further to drive, and NONE of them used the magic "spreader bar", they all use laser machines. Hunters.

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1984 123.193 372,xxx miles, room for Seven.

1999 Dodge Durango Cummins 4BTAA 47RE 5k lb 4x4 getting 25+mpgs, room for Seven.

Its been 3.5 years since I've had an alignment done on my car and it still drives 95% straight. Our dealer charges about $130-140 to do it....

I'm not doing another one until right before I get some new tires (and maybe wheels! ) But thats a couple years away still.

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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)