Wheel alignment
 

Rears on the C250 wore out at 30k (45k warranty on the tires). 30k off of performance tires (Michelin Pilot Sports V rated) seems reasonable...I think? The car is the sport model so the wheels are staggered and cannot be rotated. When I run my hand over the tread it is smooth with no bumps on the tread blocks. Wore evenly on both sides. The car has a bit over 60k on it and has not had a alignment since I got it in '15 with about 15k.

I have called 3 places. One place specializes in MB/BMW and Porsche. They want $220/$250 for an alignment. Seems pricy since there is not all that much involved.

Second place wants $80. Why is it so cheap? I know there is not much involved but I always question things when things a re cheaper than I expect. I assume most places are digital these days and I can observe the screen as they are doing the alignment.

The dealer wants $250

I am inclined to go with the $80 place. Just not sure if I need it. since the tires seemed to have worn equally.

Anyone know if the car is set up to have negative camber?

Thanks

80.

Went to talk to the shop manager at MB. I have known him for close to 20 yrs. We talked for a while and said he would not get tires for about another 5k-10k miles. Then bring it to him. He said, many times, people go to a cheaper location and end up bringing it to him to fix the other folks mistakes. The car is 7 yrs old, I know I have not had it aligned, I doubt MB did when they sold it. $250 seems reasonable for 7 yrs. I figure next year some time when I change the tires out I'll let him have it.

Let MB dealer do it.

When I get new tires, I'm going to.

I have known the shop manager for over 20 yrs and he has always been honest with me and helped me out any way he could. When I had my 190-16, he was invaluable. He knew tips and tricks the young techs did not.

Last time I needed a wheel alignment on my '72 107, I checked around town. Most shops had the modern electronic rigs. But, there systems did not include my older car. I went to the dealer. They said it would cost C$150 for just toe-in. Plus a 'few' extra $$ for camber. So I agreed, because their system was programmed for my car.

When I went to get my car - a day and 1/2 late, the service 'advisor' presented me with a bill for over $500! Well, I refused to pay. I know the family who own and run teh dealership. We agreed that I would pay 1/2.

On top of this, the alignment report said they were not able to complete the alignment because teh car needed new idler arm bushings. As it turns out, these had just been replaced and were new. They said the car had memory steer. All this means, is that the new bushings are still tight and don't allow the steering to self-centre.

I decided to check and complete teh alignment myself. It is not at all hard to do. Look on line - many you tube videos and other sites that explain how. Car now tracks straight and feels great.

Never going back to dealer for alignment. May be OK for newer cars, but otherwise stay away.

So if you don’t want to DIY - generally the difference between the 80 and the 250 places is that the 80 places will do camber and toe generally, but if the car is really out of whack, like after a full suspension job they won’t reset the entire suspension (center all of the bolts/adjustments/steering).

A specialized shop for 250 will generally really set up the suspension, and do it right.

A dealer will be a toss-up. They may do a really good job for 250, or they may do the 80 dollar job and charge you 250.

Recommend finding a good shop and having them do it, unless you want to DIY, which is what I do now because I was sick of the wait times.

Im going to go to MB when I get tires. I have a good relationship with the shop manager and he has always done right by me on the occasions I have used the dealer.

I think that the best thing is that someone do it for you

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