Alignment
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 737
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From: Fort Worth, TX
2019 CLS450/ 2002 CLK55
Alignment
So what is everyone doing to align these w208s (2002 CLK55)? I am not lowered and my camber and caster are both technically out.
I know that there are camber bolts that can be bought, but are they really not align-able?
Front left: -1.0 camber and 4.7 caster.
Front right: -1.0 camber and 4.9 caster.
For all I know this could be perfectly fine for these cars though "out" per the book. I have read on the internet that -0.3 to -1.0 is pretty typical for camber and that +4.0 to +5.0 is also pretty typical for caster.
-John
I know that there are camber bolts that can be bought, but are they really not align-able?
Front left: -1.0 camber and 4.7 caster.
Front right: -1.0 camber and 4.9 caster.
For all I know this could be perfectly fine for these cars though "out" per the book. I have read on the internet that -0.3 to -1.0 is pretty typical for camber and that +4.0 to +5.0 is also pretty typical for caster.
-John
Last edited by unlukky; Apr 22, 2025 at 12:11 AM.
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Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 191
Likes: 57
E320
Hey John—good question, and you're right to dig into this since the W208 chassis (especially the CLK55) has its quirks when it comes to alignment specs.
Your current numbers—-1.0° camber and ~4.7–4.9° caster—are actually well within what’s considered normal for this platform, even if they're technically outside the Mercedes book specs. The OEM tolerances were a bit narrow back then, but in the real world, especially for the CLK55 with its stiffer suspension geometry, that setup is pretty typical. Many owners (and even factory alignments back in the day) showed -0.5 to -1.0° front camber and 4.5–5.2° caster with no uneven tire wear or stability issues.
That said, you're also correct that the W208 doesn’t have built-in camber/caster adjustment from the factory—it’s static unless you add aftermarket solutions, like:
Camber bolts (eccentric bolts for the lower strut mounting holes)
Offset control arm bushings
Or, if it were lowered, adjustable control arms would be the route.
If you're not experiencing any odd tire wear, pull, or instability—I'd leave it. But if you're trying to get everything "in the green" for peace of mind or performance alignment, the camber bolts will give you up to ~±1.75° correction depending on brand and orientation. Moog and SPC both make solid ones.
Your current numbers—-1.0° camber and ~4.7–4.9° caster—are actually well within what’s considered normal for this platform, even if they're technically outside the Mercedes book specs. The OEM tolerances were a bit narrow back then, but in the real world, especially for the CLK55 with its stiffer suspension geometry, that setup is pretty typical. Many owners (and even factory alignments back in the day) showed -0.5 to -1.0° front camber and 4.5–5.2° caster with no uneven tire wear or stability issues.
That said, you're also correct that the W208 doesn’t have built-in camber/caster adjustment from the factory—it’s static unless you add aftermarket solutions, like:
Camber bolts (eccentric bolts for the lower strut mounting holes)
Offset control arm bushings
Or, if it were lowered, adjustable control arms would be the route.
If you're not experiencing any odd tire wear, pull, or instability—I'd leave it. But if you're trying to get everything "in the green" for peace of mind or performance alignment, the camber bolts will give you up to ~±1.75° correction depending on brand and orientation. Moog and SPC both make solid ones.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 737
Likes: 38
From: Fort Worth, TX
2019 CLS450/ 2002 CLK55
Hey John—good question, and you're right to dig into this since the W208 chassis (especially the CLK55) has its quirks when it comes to alignment specs.
Your current numbers—-1.0° camber and ~4.7–4.9° caster—are actually well within what’s considered normal for this platform, even if they're technically outside the Mercedes book specs. The OEM tolerances were a bit narrow back then, but in the real world, especially for the CLK55 with its stiffer suspension geometry, that setup is pretty typical. Many owners (and even factory alignments back in the day) showed -0.5 to -1.0° front camber and 4.5–5.2° caster with no uneven tire wear or stability issues.
That said, you're also correct that the W208 doesn’t have built-in camber/caster adjustment from the factory—it’s static unless you add aftermarket solutions, like:
Camber bolts (eccentric bolts for the lower strut mounting holes)
Offset control arm bushings
Or, if it were lowered, adjustable control arms would be the route.
If you're not experiencing any odd tire wear, pull, or instability—I'd leave it. But if you're trying to get everything "in the green" for peace of mind or performance alignment, the camber bolts will give you up to ~±1.75° correction depending on brand and orientation. Moog and SPC both make solid ones.
Your current numbers—-1.0° camber and ~4.7–4.9° caster—are actually well within what’s considered normal for this platform, even if they're technically outside the Mercedes book specs. The OEM tolerances were a bit narrow back then, but in the real world, especially for the CLK55 with its stiffer suspension geometry, that setup is pretty typical. Many owners (and even factory alignments back in the day) showed -0.5 to -1.0° front camber and 4.5–5.2° caster with no uneven tire wear or stability issues.
That said, you're also correct that the W208 doesn’t have built-in camber/caster adjustment from the factory—it’s static unless you add aftermarket solutions, like:
Camber bolts (eccentric bolts for the lower strut mounting holes)
Offset control arm bushings
Or, if it were lowered, adjustable control arms would be the route.
If you're not experiencing any odd tire wear, pull, or instability—I'd leave it. But if you're trying to get everything "in the green" for peace of mind or performance alignment, the camber bolts will give you up to ~±1.75° correction depending on brand and orientation. Moog and SPC both make solid ones.
Now THATS an answer. Thank you, Sir.
John
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
From the 90’s - Cost cutting and ever increasing speed of new car assembly lines. Yes Front and Rear Camber adjustment has been deleted !
Yet essential allowing to “adjust tire contact angles” spread load more evenly.
Allowing to compensate for excess passenger side edge wear through high cambered roads. Excess inner edge wear both sides through lowering or load carrying. Outer excess edge wear through spirited driving. Or just having ongoing adjustment capability for curb knock damage !
Yes can fit OEM offset bolts (front only) but are inaccurate one offset position. Only allowing miniscule 1/8” Camber change.
We saw the need therefore to FIX IT RIGHT THE 1st. TIME !
K-MAC FRONT KIT PROVIDES SERIOUS ADJUSTMENT - more than 4 times the adjustment range of the offset bolt and is precise easily accessible “single wrench” adjustable.
ULTIMATE - direct on alignment rack UNDER LOAD. Similar design for rear.
BOTH KITS no special tools to install and fit without need for control arm removal !
Also manufacture Rear upper camber arms - not soft extruded aluminum but hi-strength chromoly tube. But more difficult to fit (and to adjust). Only recommend if wanting to increase negative Camber / not reduce. Example stance look - Extra wide profile tires / leaning in top of tire.
SEE SPOILER
AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings (and Costs) Since 1964 !
Yet essential allowing to “adjust tire contact angles” spread load more evenly.
Allowing to compensate for excess passenger side edge wear through high cambered roads. Excess inner edge wear both sides through lowering or load carrying. Outer excess edge wear through spirited driving. Or just having ongoing adjustment capability for curb knock damage !
Yes can fit OEM offset bolts (front only) but are inaccurate one offset position. Only allowing miniscule 1/8” Camber change.
We saw the need therefore to FIX IT RIGHT THE 1st. TIME !
K-MAC FRONT KIT PROVIDES SERIOUS ADJUSTMENT - more than 4 times the adjustment range of the offset bolt and is precise easily accessible “single wrench” adjustable.
ULTIMATE - direct on alignment rack UNDER LOAD. Similar design for rear.
BOTH KITS no special tools to install and fit without need for control arm removal !
Also manufacture Rear upper camber arms - not soft extruded aluminum but hi-strength chromoly tube. But more difficult to fit (and to adjust). Only recommend if wanting to increase negative Camber / not reduce. Example stance look - Extra wide profile tires / leaning in top of tire.
SEE SPOILER
Spoiler
AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings (and Costs) Since 1964 !
