Went in for $175 alignment and came out with $3200 bill
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'10 C63
Where did you take the car? Is it lowered at all? Have you hit anything? Was the car tracking poorly prior to bringing it into the shop?
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
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From: USA
C63
I took it to the dealer. Car suspension is stock and is not lowered.
Where did you take the car? Is it lowered at all? Have you hit anything? Was the car tracking poorly prior to bringing it into the shop?
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
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12 C63BS Magno Alanite Grey, 25 X5 Msport, 08 BMW E93, Ducati Hyper 698
Where did you take the car? Is it lowered at all? Have you hit anything? Was the car tracking poorly prior to bringing it into the shop?
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
If nothing was really out of whack, then I would say get a second opinion. It's pretty difficult to bend the suspension stuff. If you didn't bend a wheel, you probably didn't bend the suspension. As far as the bolts, they can help a little if you are lowered.
Also, "something is bent but they don't know what it is" tells me the shop is trying to get you to spend money. They should be able to tell you what is bent if there is something bent.
Good advice and they should be able to tell which component is the likely cause if something is bent. Also, the rear stuff is not too bad a price, if you have some basic skills, I would DIY, it is like 250 in parts for the 2 control arms and carrier if you go OE, even OEM is not a more and not terribly hard to do, seems like they have almost 2 grand of labor for a few hours work.
I would get a second opinion for sure at a reputable indy or just live with it if it isn't causing an issue.
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Hello guys, I need your professional unlicensed advice. I went in for an alignment. When it was finished the rep told me that I need a new left wheel carrier and "arms" (didn't say which ones). He said something is bent back there but they don't know what it is. He also said the car needs 2 bolt kits for the front camber and caster. I have attached the alignment report below. I just noticed they put the car even more out of spec for all the reds 
They quoted $3,200 for parts / labor and said this is the first step, if this doesn't fix it then they will have to look into doing work on the sub frame which will be more. I decided not to have them do any work.
My question is, what do you think is the best course of action? Do the bolts kits myself and replace the wheel carrier with the control arms? Or try something else? Car runs fine, no issues with tire wear other than slightly more wear on the inside but from what I've seen compared to others, it seems normal. The last option would be just to leave it. I don't want to shell out 3k with no guarantee it will not fix anything.
They quoted $3,200 for parts / labor and said this is the first step, if this doesn't fix it then they will have to look into doing work on the sub frame which will be more. I decided not to have them do any work.
My question is, what do you think is the best course of action? Do the bolts kits myself and replace the wheel carrier with the control arms? Or try something else? Car runs fine, no issues with tire wear other than slightly more wear on the inside but from what I've seen compared to others, it seems normal. The last option would be just to leave it. I don't want to shell out 3k with no guarantee it will not fix anything.
The bolts are one time use items.
In other MB cars I have done the odd stupid thing that did not break a wheel but did bent a control arm so I would disagree you have to have a wheel issue before you bend something.
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2012 C63 P31 sedan
Then you went in for a $175 alignment and came out with a quote, not a bill. I went in for an inspection once too and came out $8K in suggested work (brakes, filter changes, etc), is that a bill?
Take the car to another shop and see what they say.
Take the car to another shop and see what they say.
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12 C63BS Magno Alanite Grey, 25 X5 Msport, 08 BMW E93, Ducati Hyper 698
But certainly a second opinion would be on my list also.
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From: Cape Town
2014 Mercedes C63 AMG 507 Edition
Have you ever hit anything? How does something just bend?
Also, looking at the picture in your profile, it looks like you have a 507 edition.
Surely you still have warranty.
Also, looking at the picture in your profile, it looks like you have a 507 edition.
Surely you still have warranty.
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
wow...seems someone probably tried doing donuts and hit a curb. did you buy this car used or new?
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From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 coupe
But you didn't really answer the question. Did you buy the car used? If so, the previous owner may have smacked a curb. It would take a large impact to do that kind of suspension damage.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
The necessity of having to replace control arms, wheel carriers is all to do with no suspension adjustment OEM.
Since the early 1990’s only adjustment now – front and rear, is Toe. No front Camber and Caster, or rear Camber to change tire contact angles to compensate for curb knock damage, high cambered roads, fitting wide profile tires, altered height through load carrying, lowering or suspension sag.
We saw the need therefore to design, manufacture both front and rear bush kits (8) that not only replace the highest wearing bushes but at the same time provide “precise” single wrench ongoing adjustment capability (accurately on car – under load direct on alignment rack).
Providing 3 times the adjustment range of the inaccurate (one only offset position) crash bolts – which are available for the “front only” allowing therefore to fix it right the 1st time. The K-MAC front bushing design also noticeably improves brake and steering response.
Also manufactured (for coil spring models) are front replacement top strut mounts. Providing even more Camber and Caster adjustment for Track days. Available in Stage 2 (Street/Race) or Stage 3 (Full Race).
Along with uprated performance bushings for the rear suspension - 6 multi link arms. These 12 bushings provide significant improvement to rear end stability. Less flex/twitch, increased traction, especially when applying power lane changing/overtaking.
W204 incl AMG
Front Camber and Caster Bush kit #502616K $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) Bush kit #502226K $480
Front adjustable top strut mounts
Stage 2 (Street/Race) #503016-2 $545
Stage 3 (Full Race) #503016-3 $545
Rear 12 multi link bushes #502628K $480
Delivery one kit $40 or front and rear kits $50. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
Since the early 1990’s only adjustment now – front and rear, is Toe. No front Camber and Caster, or rear Camber to change tire contact angles to compensate for curb knock damage, high cambered roads, fitting wide profile tires, altered height through load carrying, lowering or suspension sag.
We saw the need therefore to design, manufacture both front and rear bush kits (8) that not only replace the highest wearing bushes but at the same time provide “precise” single wrench ongoing adjustment capability (accurately on car – under load direct on alignment rack).
Providing 3 times the adjustment range of the inaccurate (one only offset position) crash bolts – which are available for the “front only” allowing therefore to fix it right the 1st time. The K-MAC front bushing design also noticeably improves brake and steering response.
Also manufactured (for coil spring models) are front replacement top strut mounts. Providing even more Camber and Caster adjustment for Track days. Available in Stage 2 (Street/Race) or Stage 3 (Full Race).
Along with uprated performance bushings for the rear suspension - 6 multi link arms. These 12 bushings provide significant improvement to rear end stability. Less flex/twitch, increased traction, especially when applying power lane changing/overtaking.
W204 incl AMG
Front Camber and Caster Bush kit #502616K $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) Bush kit #502226K $480
Front adjustable top strut mounts
Stage 2 (Street/Race) #503016-2 $545
Stage 3 (Full Race) #503016-3 $545
Rear 12 multi link bushes #502628K $480
Delivery one kit $40 or front and rear kits $50. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
The necessity of having to replace control arms, wheel carriers is all to do with no suspension adjustment OEM.
Since the early 1990’s only adjustment now – front and rear, is Toe. No front Camber and Caster, or rear Camber to change tire contact angles to compensate for curb knock damage, high cambered roads, fitting wide profile tires, altered height through load carrying, lowering or suspension sag.
We saw the need therefore to design, manufacture both front and rear bush kits (8) that not only replace the highest wearing bushes but at the same time provide “precise” single wrench ongoing adjustment capability (accurately on car – under load direct on alignment rack).
Providing 3 times the adjustment range of the inaccurate (one only offset position) crash bolts – which are available for the “front only” allowing therefore to fix it right the 1st time. The K-MAC front bushing design also noticeably improves brake and steering response.
Also manufactured (for coil spring models) are front replacement top strut mounts. Providing even more Camber and Caster adjustment for Track days. Available in Stage 2 (Street/Race) or Stage 3 (Full Race).
Along with uprated performance bushings for the rear suspension - 6 multi link arms. These 12 bushings provide significant improvement to rear end stability. Less flex/twitch, increased traction, especially when applying power lane changing/overtaking.
W204 incl AMG
Front Camber and Caster Bush kit #502616K $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) Bush kit #502226K $480
Front adjustable top strut mounts
Stage 2 (Street/Race) #503016-2 $545
Stage 3 (Full Race) #503016-3 $545
Rear 12 multi link bushes #502628K $480
Delivery one kit $40 or front and rear kits $50. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
Attachment 357679 Attachment 357680 Attachment 357681 Attachment 357682
Since the early 1990’s only adjustment now – front and rear, is Toe. No front Camber and Caster, or rear Camber to change tire contact angles to compensate for curb knock damage, high cambered roads, fitting wide profile tires, altered height through load carrying, lowering or suspension sag.
We saw the need therefore to design, manufacture both front and rear bush kits (8) that not only replace the highest wearing bushes but at the same time provide “precise” single wrench ongoing adjustment capability (accurately on car – under load direct on alignment rack).
Providing 3 times the adjustment range of the inaccurate (one only offset position) crash bolts – which are available for the “front only” allowing therefore to fix it right the 1st time. The K-MAC front bushing design also noticeably improves brake and steering response.
Also manufactured (for coil spring models) are front replacement top strut mounts. Providing even more Camber and Caster adjustment for Track days. Available in Stage 2 (Street/Race) or Stage 3 (Full Race).
Along with uprated performance bushings for the rear suspension - 6 multi link arms. These 12 bushings provide significant improvement to rear end stability. Less flex/twitch, increased traction, especially when applying power lane changing/overtaking.
W204 incl AMG
Front Camber and Caster Bush kit #502616K $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) Bush kit #502226K $480
Front adjustable top strut mounts
Stage 2 (Street/Race) #503016-2 $545
Stage 3 (Full Race) #503016-3 $545
Rear 12 multi link bushes #502628K $480
Delivery one kit $40 or front and rear kits $50. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.
Attachment 357679 Attachment 357680 Attachment 357681 Attachment 357682
When it comes to the C63 AMG this is good stuff for roses but not true.
You have the full gamit of adjustments on these cars - well at least a 2013 - including rear adjustments including thrust angle.
I can supply a report sheet to anyone who is interested from the full alignment that I had done as part of my own demands to have it all checked after getting my car in September 2016.
These comments apply only to the basic cars in most classes but not their AMG counterparts.
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Pre alignment the Front Camber was -2.00 L and -2.29 Right X camber 0.29 and after -1.85 L -2.08 R and X C 0.23
Caster 10.97 L and 11.01 R before and 11.11L and 10.65 R X caster was -0.04 before and 0.50 after.
Toe was 0.11 and 0.15 before and 0.13 and 0.16 respectively after.
The rear Camber was -2.34 L and -2.30 R coming to -2.29L and -2.36R after alignment. The thrust angle was out of spec at 0.13 which cam into spec at 0.02 after.
Rear Toe 0.05L and 0,09 R but total Toe was out at .014. After the numbers were 0.08L 0.11 r and the thrust angle now in spec at -0.02.
I also clearly remember conversation with my SM re waiting for bolts and they were going to make further adjustments on the rack to improve the situation. They were working on a Saturday to catch up and my car was the last for the day and they took the time.
So you tell me? How did all these improvements get done if they cannot make adjustments? Why did they spend upwards of 3 hr getting these numbers to where they are if there was nothing that can be adjusted?
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
On a C63 all the alignment specs such as rear camber, toe and thrust are measured or calculated during an alignment but only toe is adjustable. Same for the front camber, caster and toe are all measured and recorded but only toe is adjustable. On the front there are bolts that can be installed for camber and caster adjustment but they allow only a fixed plus or minus change and are not really adjustable.
Why your shop took 3 hours to do an alignment that involves only checking values and adjusting front and rear toe is a good question.
Why your shop took 3 hours to do an alignment that involves only checking values and adjusting front and rear toe is a good question.
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05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
**** that shop dude. Run from there.
Go to a small local mercedes business and ask them where they get their alignment done.
If you cant tell me what you are charging me for then you must be assuming im stupid and an easy target. I need physical proof
Go to a small local mercedes business and ask them where they get their alignment done.
If you cant tell me what you are charging me for then you must be assuming im stupid and an easy target. I need physical proof
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Alignment
Mort you could be right so I asked my SM to clarify.
I should have been clearer on the time. That was over two days while they waited for bolts to come from Vancouver
I should have been clearer on the time. That was over two days while they waited for bolts to come from Vancouver
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
On a C63 all the alignment specs such as rear camber, toe and thrust are measured or calculated during an alignment but only toe is adjustable. Same for the front camber, caster and toe are all measured and recorded but only toe is adjustable. On the front there are bolts that can be installed for camber and caster adjustment but they allow only a fixed plus or minus change and are not really adjustable.
Why your shop took 3 hours to do an alignment that involves only checking values and adjusting front and rear toe is a good question.
Why your shop took 3 hours to do an alignment that involves only checking values and adjusting front and rear toe is a good question.
The part number is 000 333 10 71 and they allow for adjustment of camber and caster depending upon which location you install them in.
If you want to adjust both camber and castor you need 2 bolts.
There is about 45 minutes of labour per bolt R/R looking at my invoice.
Last edited by Alex.currie44; Jun 27, 2017 at 11:58 PM.
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
Alex, yes I do know about the alignment bolts. See the second line of my post that you quoted. They are not really adjustable in the sense that they are installed to either add or subtract a fixed amount from either the camber or caster and cannot be adjusted further. Also they will change both camber and caster as one setting is affected by a change to the other especially caster change as an effect of a camber change.
Installing the alignment bolts does help to explain the 3 hours they took to do the alignment. I do hope they did a good job and your car is handling well and you are enjoying it.
Installing the alignment bolts does help to explain the 3 hours they took to do the alignment. I do hope they did a good job and your car is handling well and you are enjoying it.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,506
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From: Sidney, BC
2009 SLK55 AMG. & 2022 GLA250 4Matic
Alex, yes I do know about the alignment bolts. See the second line of my post that you quoted. They are not really adjustable in the sense that they are installed to either add or subtract a fixed amount from either the camber or caster and cannot be adjusted further. Also they will change both camber and caster as one setting is affected by a change to the other especially caster change as an effect of a camber change.
Installing the alignment bolts does help to explain the 3 hours they took to do the alignment. I do hope they did a good job and your car is handling well and you are enjoying it.
Installing the alignment bolts does help to explain the 3 hours they took to do the alignment. I do hope they did a good job and your car is handling well and you are enjoying it.
The car runs great, handles well and runs straight as an arrow..
