I recently repaired the front end of my baby (1983 300SD). After replacing all the parts, the difference is very noticeable. My problem is, however, that I cannot find a local shop that can do a wheel alignment. My local shops do not have the specifications. Does anyone know this information?

Cisco...

Tell me the model # of the car (ex. 124.034) and I'll get the specs for you off my machine. Reply BEFORE 6pm central time though, as I leave here for the weekend at 6.

PEter

Your local shops should have the information. I would recommend that someone that is familiar with Mercedes Benz alignments perform this task. I am speaking from experience. The shops that didn't know Mercedes didn't do it to my satisfaction.

Thank you both for your reply. Peter. I'm sorry for not getting the information soon enough. I hope the weekend went well. My car is a 1983 300SD Turbo Diesel (126 Chasis). If you can get the specs for me I'll appreciated. In the event that it doesn't work, I'll bring my car to the MB dealer.

If you have a trusted independent Tech, ask him/her who they use for alignments on the Benz's they do front end work on. My local Tech uses a small alignment shop here in town who has a alignment tech versed in the older Benz's.

Being at home I can't give it exactly by the book. The point is though I would definitely not take it to anyone who doesn't have specs. Any modern piece of equiptment will have the specs on it. Mine goes back to about 1970. If they don't have the specs what the H kinda alignment shop is it.

From memory the specs are caster 9-10 degrees, camber -o.1 deg plus or minus 0.1 deg no more than 0.5 deg difference side to side, and toe-in of 2-4mm. I usually make the left side half deg lower in caster and half a degree more positive in camber but I always base any alignment on the way the cars drives prior to measuring.

Cisco,
I had the front end bushings on my wife's 1983 300SD replaced a couple of years ago. I then took the car to Midas Muffler for allignment. They have the proper equipment and all the specs. They charge $39.95 here in Lexington,Ky. I have used them to allign dozens of MBs. I can remember when they charged $29.95.
Bill Lewallen Lexington,Ky.

The Book
 

Cisco, every Benz owner should not leave home without one.
TECHNICAL DATA BOOK your model.
Contact M/B at 1-800-for-merc.
Every specification for your Benz is in this little bible.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston!!!
Donald, El Cheapo