I searched around and wasn't able to find a definitive answer to this question, so I'll ask; Can I use any reputable shop for a 4 wheel alignment on my 2009 CLK350 with the Sport Package?

The reason I ask is that my previous MBZ, was an E500 4Matic Wagon, and that vehicle could only be aligned at the dealership. Completely different suspension vs. the CLK, but I just wanted ask if I must take the CLK to the dealer for the alignment?

The difference in price at the tire shop ($89.95) vs. the dealership ($110) isn't a big deal; just want the alignment done properly.

BTW, the local MBZ dealer has some great offers on tires until 11/30/17. Maybe this is a regional special due to the approaching winter here in the Northeast, but if you're looking for tires, try your local dealer for comparison.,

Thank you!
BD1

 

Alignments on these are very easy as the only adjustment is for toe. If camber is out, then there is a special bolt for the front to adjust it, though most shops will not know about that or have it in stock. But, if front camber is out, it's usually because of worn parts, so you really should replace the control arms before doing a camber adjustments. So, to answer the question, any shop should be able to do a basic toe alignment.

 

+1! My wife's W205 was just in for service and the SA called me to say her rears were down to 4/32". My first thought was that that gives me plenty of time to get them from TireRack before winter but I did a little comparison shopping...

I couldn't find the same Conti in 94H on TireRack but similar Contis weren't gonna be much cheaper after shipping and mounting. Sullivan Tire (reputable local chain) wasn't any better at $1081.96 + tax [[url]https://www.sullivantire.com/tire/continental/contiprocontact-runflat/22550r17/22653]. Factor in that my wife is very busy, and getting everything handled at the dealership works best for her and her under-warranty car, so I told him to put a set on while it's there. Even better, the invoice shows the 4 tires at $254 each, or $1016, plus $159.95 for mounting and balancing, plus $20 for 8 wheel weights (I know, right?), for a total of $1195.95 before tax and promo; $1195.95 minus the $150 promo is $1045.95 - even less than the quoted $1065.80!!

 

In all my years or automobile ownership, I have never gone to the dealer for tires! But this is a good deal, and it includes road hazard warranty, and installation, so I have an appointment on Friday to have the Continentals put on my car. I asked about an alignment and they agreed to meet the other stores prices, so it was a no-brainer! All done in the same shop in one day! Now I am reading the dealer emails instead of just deleting them.

 

At my dealer the $169.95 alignment was $139.95 with the 4 tire purchase....

 

I picked up new front SureContacts for $170 from an online reseller.
Mount/balanced + 4 wheel line up on a trick new Hunter rack for $125 in the city.

 

A couple sets of tires ago I was literally on my way to Discount Tire to get new Continentals, but stopped in a dealer that I pass on the way because they were having a tire sale. I had with me a printout of what the price would be at Discount tire, with the tire description and all. It was a model of Conti the dealer sold. So I asked. They looked. I was told in no uncertain terms that they are not made in my (rear) size. "Yes they are." "No they aren't." "I'm on my way to Discount Tire to get some." "Sorry, but they don't come in that size." I have never liked that dealer.

 

Not only did he lose a sale, from a customer who was in the 'purchasing phase', but his attitude left a long lasting impression that they don't want to help you!! I will never understand how some of these businesses stay alive when they treat people like that.

 

I stopped in a Sears Auto yesterday for a line up check on my Cab and whoever was in charge refused to touch the car claiming he did not have the proper tools to adjust toe in.

 

Yeah, I once had a guy at a local chain (Tire Engineers) tell me the same thing. I tried to argue with him that the toe adjustment is just the usual wrench adjustment, but he tried to tell me I was wrong. I decided I really did not want anyone who doesn't know what they are doing working on my car. Ironically, the C240 was in a minor parking lot accident that bent a lower control arm. The body shop took it ti Firestone for the work, and according to the paperwork, they actually used a camber adjustment bolt in their alignment.

 

Everything went well, except I needed brakes. I knew it was due for them soon, so I went with rotors and pads all the way around..
New tires, 4 wheel alignment, pads, rotors, sensors, and headlight alignment for a total of $1389.00.

I had them look at the headlight alignment as the passenger side seemed low. Turned out that the bulb was installed incorrectly.

Really enjoying this car, and this service certainly improved the driving experience!