C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

c230 Camber/Caster Kit for an Alignment ?? Ripoff ?

Old Dec 22, 2010 | 09:57 AM
  #1  
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From: Richmond, Va
02 c230k coupe
Angry c230 Camber/Caster Kit for an Alignment ?? Ripoff ?

So i took my car to a local shop here in Richmond for an alignment. After 30 minutes in they told me that they need to order a camber/caster kit in order to do an alignment for my car.

Supposedly, Mercedes never put them in for my 02 c230.

Then i went to the Mercedez dealership and talked to one of the tech sales people and they said that they can do an alignment and they'd make any adjustments if needed. I asked him if the car needed a camber/caster kit in order to do an allignment, He said he didnt know. He wasnt a mechanic though so i dont think he knew much.


So what the hell is going on ? Can someone confirm this please or was that shop just trying to screw me over.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 12:35 PM
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phister's Avatar
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From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
I think according to Glyn you can order some camber/caster bolts directly from MB for pretty cheap. It'll give you the ability to adjust your camber. I'm trying to search for the thread where he talks about it.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 01:58 PM
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02 c230k coupe
But does my car even need a camber kit ? Its a stock suspension, why would it need it ?
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 02:35 PM
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From: fort worth, tx
06 C230 SS 6spd
is it lowered or anything? if not I dont see why you would need to buy a camber kit. I would go to an indie shop and see what they say. Usually you only need a camber kit if your car is lowered quite a bit. My car is lowered pretty low and my alignment is pretty straight still. I think they're trying to get you to buy a kit. Is your tires wearing uneven?
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 02:38 PM
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Mercedes
The OEM procedure does not say a kit is needed.

I would guess it would depend on how far you are out, to what you would need to replace.

Have the alignment specs already been checked?
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 03:25 PM
  #6  
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From: Richmond, Va
02 c230k coupe
yeah they have been checked. The indie shop said i needed a caster kit.


However, i talked to benz tech guy and they said they have the bolts in order to do an alignment. So i just dropped my car off like 20 minutes ago at the dealership, so hopefully they can get everything straight.


However, they said its 130 dollars for the alignment even if they cant do an alignment due to something coming up like buying a caster kit.

Does this seem fair ? 130 dollars just for an alignment check

Last edited by Kurupt; Dec 22, 2010 at 03:31 PM.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 03:40 PM
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2003 c240
The front camber can be adjusted with the addition of the control arm fluted bolts. I can't imagine why you would need a rear camber kit if your car hasnt been lowered though.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 04:28 PM
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yeah that's what im saying. thanks for all the input guys
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 04:39 PM
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K - You need the 4 fluted 3 position bolts - which come as a kit with washers to adjust castor & camber on your car. Benz are cheap and only fit standard bolts at factory. The kits are cheap in the US. In SA they are US$150.

Without the kit all they can set is toe which is about as much use as **** on a bull.
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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 05:19 PM
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Originally Posted by fookoo303
The front camber can be adjusted with the addition of the control arm fluted bolts. I can't imagine why you would need a rear camber kit if your car hasnt been lowered though.

Check out these rear tire pics. They came off of a bone stock 2006 CLK 350. Stock wheels and suspension.



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Old Dec 22, 2010 | 05:55 PM
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02 c230k coupe
I just got it back from the dealer, they said they were able to do the alignment the best they could.


Although, the damage has been done on my tires from tire ware.
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Old Dec 23, 2010 | 06:50 AM
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by dynomite05
Check out these rear tire pics. They came off of a bone stock 2006 CLK 350. Stock wheels and suspension.



Then rear toe needs to be increased.
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Old Dec 23, 2010 | 07:02 AM
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04 CLK 320 > CLK32K
I will let the member know. Thanks.
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