Alignment
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
Alignment
For the past few years, I have been paying MB dealership for alignment every 1-2 years. MB charges $200 CAN for this.
My friend recommended an independent garage which charges $60 (another $20 if camber adjustments required). He drives a very capable BMW-135i. So, I figured if this shop is good enough for his car, it' s good enough for my car. (2004 CLK320).
I went and it was not a fancy store. Since it did have a waiting area, I just hanged around the car and watched him work. He punched in my year/model and outcomed the alignment specs. The front-right and rear-left were out-of-specs and he adjusted them accordingly. He said the camber settings were OK so I paid $60.
With the machine, this is a simple enough process. Why would a MB dealership charges more than 3 times the price... Did my guy miss certain step or something?
My friend recommended an independent garage which charges $60 (another $20 if camber adjustments required). He drives a very capable BMW-135i. So, I figured if this shop is good enough for his car, it' s good enough for my car. (2004 CLK320).
I went and it was not a fancy store. Since it did have a waiting area, I just hanged around the car and watched him work. He punched in my year/model and outcomed the alignment specs. The front-right and rear-left were out-of-specs and he adjusted them accordingly. He said the camber settings were OK so I paid $60.
With the machine, this is a simple enough process. Why would a MB dealership charges more than 3 times the price... Did my guy miss certain step or something?
Last edited by mis3; Jul 16, 2011 at 02:07 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 3
From: SF
2003 CLK 320
lol well if you look at what they do for service A, its a bunch of checks and a brake inspection, then oil change. they charged me around 150-180 i forgot how much service A is.
so i check everything here and there. do the oil change myself for about 60. they gotta pay those techs who have to go through extra training =P
so i check everything here and there. do the oil change myself for about 60. they gotta pay those techs who have to go through extra training =P
