W210 Alignment Woes
 

I've shared this background before: My 96 E320 has 87k on the odometer, 37k of them mine. In that period I've gone through two sets of tires even though I've had two alignments.

Exasperated with the weird tire wear, not to mention the cost, I took the car to the local dealer this morning for an MB alignment.

They installed camber bolts on each side in front and have assured me the weird wear problems are now a thing of the past (Alignment: $120 + two camber bolts: 130 + tax = $270).

Now I'll put a new set of tires on the car tomorrow.

My questions are why would a well manufactured vehicle (I presumed when I bought it) require that these camber bolts be installed (at any cost) by the dealer in order to effect a proper alignment? And are these camber bolts really going to work?

All thoughts appreciated.

RonC.

They build the chassis to such tight specs that they don't use the normal eccentric bolts to set the alignment. Instead they have these "slotted" bolts that allow a certain amount of movement, only moves the adustment a few degrees one way or another. I guess they feel if this isn't enough movement that the car needs to visit the body shop to have the chassis tweaked back in to alignment.
Gilly

"I guess they feel if this isn't enough movement that the car needs to visit the body shop to have the chassis tweaked back in to alignment."

Now I'm even more perplexed: Why would a vehicle, especially an MB, that's never been in a collision need to go to a body shop (frame shop?) to have it's chassis "tweaked back into alignment"?

Perhaps I invested in an illusion of quality.

RonC.

I'm suggesting that if the alignment bolts won't fix it, that the car HAS been in an accident..........
Gilly

I was told by the dealer service tech that the car was never supposed to need its camber adjusted. Real world driving proved them wrong and thus the appearance of the camber bolts. As Gilly says, those bolts only change the camber a very small amount.

Were your previous alignments done at the dealer? The dealer is the only place I trust to get a good alignment. Just had one done this week as a matter of fact. Cost was also $120. No camber bolts needed - they did that the last time.

Len

Were your previous alignments done at the dealer? The dealer is the only place I trust to get a good alignment. Just had one done this week as a matter of fact. Cost was also $120. No camber bolts needed - they did that the last time.

No, the two priors were done at recommended reputable local shops. But they, obviously, weren't privy to the camber bolt information. They allegedly aligned to 'factory specs'.

I had a new set of tires installed this morning, and required that they put the car on a lift, rather than using floor jacks. The floor jacks may not affect the alignment in any adverse way; but I didn't want to take any risks.

When I drove away from the tire dealer, the car did feel more lithe, more responsive. (Maybe from 35# all around. I'll adjust back to 30/34 Frt/Rr.)

So I'm optimistic as I prepare to leave tomorrow, bright and early, destined for a holiday exploring maritime Canada.

Thanks for your and Gilly's responses.

To Gilly: Here in NC collision accidents have to be disclosed during title transfer. Both the lease and subsequent sale of my E320 were by the local MB dealer.

RonC.

And I'd bet about 10 percent of the accidents actually get disclosed. I get a big kick out of sellers claiming their car is accident free just because CarFax doesn't show any accidents.

Are you suggesting an MB dealer would be less than forthright in disclosing the true condition of a vehicle? I'm....I'm...at a loss for words...(lol)

K-mac
 

I've had the same problem with my W210 E55, went through tires like crazy. Camber was way out. I heard about these alignment bolts and went to the local dealer to buy them. While I was there, I visited the alignment rack at the shop. Tech was installing these very same bolts in a new CLK. "I hate to do alignments", he said, "it's still pulls, but it's better than it was-best I can do".

OK, that ruled out this dealer for alignments. I researched and found http://K-MAC.com , a company that makes eccentric alignment bolts. Bought them, had them installed and the car aligned by very good local shop. Now the alignment is dead-on-balls-accurate!

Cost you ask? Caster/Cabmer kit shipped $400. Install & align (6 hours) $600.
I think this was the most expensive alignment in the history of the planet, but if you like you car to be perfect, why play games with half way solutions?

Good luck!
Gary