To align or not to align ?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 3
From: Macungie, Pa
2005 SL55 2022 GLE350
To align or not to align ?
i have been getting mixed info on how to properly get my cars aligned. I am in process of getting 19' HRE rims and on my clk55 and my wife's e320 has 19' Lorinsers on hers.The problem is that i talk to one shop and they tell me get the car aligned on the stock rim and tire setup, and another shop tells me to get them aligned on the 19's.The e320 is dropped with eibach springs and the front inner tires are worn out. I would assume that the car should be aligned on the 19's? Maybe I'm wrong. Any input appreciated.Thanks
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Is one shop actually recommending that you align the car and then change wheels & tires? They can't be recommending that you align it twice. If a shop cannot align the car with the 19's, I'd do as Steve recommends and find another shop with the proper equipment.
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From: Atlanta
Current: AMG GT-C. Sold: 01 CLK55, 00 ML55, 01 ML55, 06 E55
call me crazy, but i'm pretty sure the car should be aligned with whatever current setup you're driving on. springs, shocks, wheels tires, spacers, etc. every little thing makes a difference.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 453
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From: Las Vegas
2005 SL600 by SPEEDRIVEN
My local MB shop also indicated they would not align the car with 19" rims. The car according to them must have the stock wheels, which they will provide at around $100 to swap out for the alignment. So, I have to put on my 17 rims, drive down there have the alignment done and then come home and put back on 4 19" wheels. Not excited.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 3
From: Macungie, Pa
2005 SL55 2022 GLE350
they told me i would be in better alignment specs with stock rims and tires, it just sounds really odd to me because i would think that if i will be driving on 19's , i should align it on 19's.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 439
Likes: 3
From: Macungie, Pa
2005 SL55 2022 GLE350
no, the one shop prefers stock tire rim alignment, and another thinks opposite.That's why i am like wtf!!!Don't know what to do..
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Bay Area
02 clk 55, 13 GL 450
Exactly! specs are specs but when you go to a larger diameter wheel you will be changing the distance from hub to road contact. The camber will be different to compensate for the different wheels. They want the 17's on so all the numbers jive on the print out but your tires will tell the true story after driving. Find a better shop
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300E a couple 1994 w124wagon E320 Wagon/,1971MGB Track/Rally, MG Midget Autocross ,2000 E320 wagon.
First
you don't want 19's
alignment specs won't change if you keep the same rolling diameter.if the car is lowered then a complete alignment will need to be performed.Camber bolts for the front and rear links for the rears.Your wifes car is severely out of camber and probably negative over 2.5 degrees ,her car will wear out tires faster than you can say bobs your uncle.
So will yours when you drop it.Any good alignment mb shop with the hunter machine will load and height align it with the tires you have installed.If you are not dropping it,alignment specs won't change.The ride quality will however,when you go to the 19's.
alignment specs won't change if you keep the same rolling diameter.if the car is lowered then a complete alignment will need to be performed.Camber bolts for the front and rear links for the rears.Your wifes car is severely out of camber and probably negative over 2.5 degrees ,her car will wear out tires faster than you can say bobs your uncle.
So will yours when you drop it.Any good alignment mb shop with the hunter machine will load and height align it with the tires you have installed.If you are not dropping it,alignment specs won't change.The ride quality will however,when you go to the 19's.
