Here is a decent explanation of the "chalk" method:

http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/printpage.asp?article_id=60130

http://mercedes-diy-alignment.blogspot.com/

I don't think you can get as accurate as a good pro alignment at home, but you probably can be much more accurate than a bad pro alignment, if you are somewhat careful. Your choice.....

The two shops I had been going to that have been in business for years basically do this......

Rick

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

I ask since tires take on the characteristics of the previous misalignment. - I am sure you are quite aware of the phenomenon.

IF it was done correctly, maybe it just needs a hundred miles or so to wear down the high spots?

ps - I know on the W123 toe always looks like it wants to pull the car apart when referenced from the body. I thought the camber was out, could be an angular illusion looking at it again.

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The drivers side camber seems to me to be negative, but could be on uneven ground . . .

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82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

The top of the tire looks to be tilting out so it's positive camber per

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Yes, it is positively negative! Sorry!

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82 240D Manual 277K and still rolling!
02 Volvo S60 AWD For Sale

Caster, camber and toe adjustments are a juggling act on these cars.

One could DIY toe and camber easy enough. Caster looks to be tough.

I did a four wheel alignment on a Porsche once using strings. You have to find the suspension pivot points, drop a plumb line and then find the center of the chassis. Then you can set up the left and right strings and measure from there. It takes a while but it was very close when measured at a shop.

Brian, I think we could get it closer than the dealer did by using your pictures.
Definately looks like positive camber on the drivers side.

Is it pulling or just wandering?

I didn't check the camber. The toe out on both wheels............visible to a casual observer............sealed the deal.

They're going to fix it...........or I'll take it to a dedicated alignment shop that I know.

What's that hump on the left mirror?

Blind spot mirror...........it's fantastic. I can't seem to find another set for the SDL.

More rare than W123 TD crossbars.

Although, blindspots are not something I'd complain about in these cars. I get in the wifes Jetta TDI and I feel like I'm looking thru a peep hole and can't see much at all backing up.

Then you haven't done a proper check of the mirror's range. A vehicle can easily hide in the blind spot. Either you crane your neck before moving............or you use the blind spot mirrors.............your choice.

The BMW is absolutely miserable for blind spots. I swear that you could hide a dump truck in them.

Brian, did you get it aligned properly?

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Yes, finally.

He forgot to tighten the left side LCA...........and the problem worsened as I drove it.

In the final 20 miles to the dealership, it began to feather the treads...........on the brand new Michelins. I wasn't happy...........but, since it's a government job, I couldn't do much about it.

It sounded like something had to be loose.

Brian, Your eyes are more accurate than some 'star wars' toy at the local shop. Maybe placing the car on a flat concrete area and placing a square against the tire would show how much negative camber there is on the left wheel. My old 300d went to an alignment place 3 times in the first 50,000 miles. 3 strikes & that was it! The next 750,000miles we did alignments our self. I was told that some of the laser aligners are very susceptible to temperature change. If calibrated on a cold morning, its way out once the shop warms up during the day. I always lift the front of the car by hand when checking as it better imitates how the car rides on the road at speed.

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Grumpy Old Diesel Owners Club group

I no longer question authority, I annoy authority. More effect, less effort....

1967 230-6 auto parts car. rust bucket.
1980 300D now parts car 800k miles
1984 300D 500k miles
1987 250td 160k miles English import
2001 jeep turbo diesel 130k miles
1998 jeep tdi ~ followed me home. Needs a turbo.
1968 Ford F750 truck. 6-354 diesel conversion.
Other toys ~J.D.,Cat & GM ~ mainly earth moving