Dealer Alignment W124 $300 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bobodaclown · #1 09-19-2009, 12:18 PM

WOW!!! What a surprise that was. I was in Orlando Florida and stopped into the dealer to see the cost of an alignment. With out batting an eye the service advisor said $270 plus taxes and shop fees. I laughed. That's all I could do.
She went on to say Labor Rate is $135 an hour, but they do include new adjustment bolts.

Geeze I got 2 tires (2P195/65R-15 Kumho Solus KH16) for $130. Came out to $180 with mounting/balancing/road hazard package.

pelon · #2 09-19-2009, 12:23 PM

why, why, why, would you go to a dealer for anything?

280EZRider · #3 09-19-2009, 12:39 PM

The 124 must have MAGIC bolts! But I wouldn't write off the dealer completely. Occasionally - ever so rarely - I have found a part that is cheaper from the dealer than an online store. So at least check the dealer price before the other guys.

pmari · #4 09-19-2009, 12:46 PM

I had a INDY do a complete front end for 250 cash with motor mounts, I supplied the parts but still.....stay away from stealerships or at least get a price before you ok the work

You must have been LOL and shaking your head the whole way out the door

Bio300TDTdriver · #5 09-19-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelon

why, why, why, would you go to a dealer for anything?

Because they have the spreader bar to properly load the front end on the 124.

I had mine done at the local dealer some time this year. It was right around $100. They must be using some really special bolts that they have shipped over night from Germany.

europower · #6 09-19-2009, 11:15 PM

Here the dealer charges similar prices but they just take your car and drive it across the street to the local Mark Morris tire shop and there they pay 60 dollars to have it done i discovered, so now i just go there.
Recently the guy who does the Mercedes alignments and who is very knowledgeable quit,so the trainee isnt even close , it doesnt hurt to ask the shop if someone there knows how to do a Mercedes.
You'll know if they are lying i bet.

TheDon · #7 09-19-2009, 12:47 PM

I have a coupon for 4 wheel alignment at Fields BMW/Mercedes for $200...

When I had my w123 I paid the dealership $120 to do a front wheel alignment

jbach36 · #8 09-19-2009, 02:12 PM

We have a place here in Atlanta, their main business, is alignments. That's what they specialize in. They charge
$55 for 4 wheel alignment, and have a great business going.

You can find many qualified people who do alignments in lower rent districts. Just ask if they have ever done Mercedes. It's not magic. If they do a lot of alignments on foreign cars, they can do it for about $75.

a2t · #9 09-20-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbach36

We have a place here in Atlanta, their main business, is alignments. That's what they specialize in. They charge
$55 for 4 wheel alignment, and have a great business going.

You can find many qualified people who do alignments in lower rent districts. Just ask if they have ever done Mercedes. It's not magic. If they do a lot of alignments on foreign cars, they can do it for about $75.

Whats that place?

Best Ive found is Lee Tire down on hwy 85 south before riverdale. Its a team of Chineese guys all chain smoking and speaking broken redneck. Those guys do all my alignment work but Ive seen 850IL's on the lift RR tranny and engine. Dirt cheap too, I think they did 4 wheel alignment for $100 same day. $80 for RR broken front spring (I supplied spring). They had 4 guys holding LCA when they took it off. I think they were a bit pissed at me for that 1, service manager said those guys earned their pay on that 1!

Yeah your dealer is smoking crack as usual. But if you somehow get them to set you up with wholesale account (wasnt hard for me, I just called and they offered). Ive found alot of parts cheaper thru MB now then online. IE, $7 oil filters, glows, the whole tensioner assy was $65. Couldnt be happier with parts dept (now), but for service...sheesh hell no!

jbach36 · #10 09-19-2009, 02:13 PM

By the way, not sure you want to go to a Firestone where some young guys are experimenting on your car, but I think they have lifetime warranties for $100 there. Not sure if they can do MB, but ask to see if they have the right equipment for it.

Though they might experiment, if it's not right, or 2 months from now when you hit a big bump, you can take it back for free.

jeff

Jeremy5848 · #11 09-19-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobodaclown

WOW!!! What a surprise that was. I was in Orlando Florida and stopped into the dealer to see the cost of an alignment. With out batting an eye the service advisor said $270 plus taxes and shop fees. . . .

Do you know whether she was quoting a 4-wheel alignment, which is standard for a 124? Some cars only get alignment on the front; shops quote a lower price and then later "remember" that you need the expensive version.

babymog · #12 09-19-2009, 06:03 PM

A Firestone shop with a lifetime-warranty on the alignment?

There are expensive parts that can be damaged by someone who doesn't know what they're doing, a guy fresh out of adult-education mechanics training might or might not know the difference between a pipe-wrench and proper tie-rod tools.

Second, a good set of tires costs what? And the wasted fuel from pushing them around mis-aligned? So they'll re-align, but you're paying for the tires and fuel.

Jeremy5848 · #13 09-19-2009, 08:37 PM

My last Oldsmobile ('89 88) had a lifetime Firestone alignment. Didn't get to use it much because I sold the car soon after paying for it so it was a waste of money. Nonetheless, they do honor the terms and it can be valuable providing they know how to align your car--and as Jeff implies, their mechanics might not necessarily know how to align a Benz.

muleears · #14 09-19-2009, 08:46 PM

There is a place in Hampton VA called Davis Alignment (no affiliation) that I take my 210 to. Last bill was $48. He does only alignments, no mech. work whatsoever. He may be doing a terrible job but the car drives straight and no odd tire wear.

pawoSD · #15 09-20-2009, 01:47 AM

I only paid $135 at my dealer not all that long ago for an alignment. $300 is crazy....as is a $135 an hour shop rate....