BlackC230Coupe

I just brought my CLS500 in on Friday for its first service A at 14k miles. While I it's there I am having new tires put on and an alignment. I get a call late today saying the car is ready and the bill was just over $700?!?!? Everything seems normal, but the alignment was $130 and on top of that they charged me $105 for alignment bolts?? Why would I need to pay for alignment bolts? shouldn't this be included in the alignment? I still didn't get the car yet, they called to late, so I will try to pick it up tomorrow. Just wanted to know if this is normal regarding alignment bolts?

adam76

had alignment done on my CLS couple weeks ago. looking at service recipet right now, and only charges are $190.40, nothing mentioned about any hardware needed, or "bolts". BTW - dealer will rape you silly on tires, never buy tires from the dealer. hope that helps!

whoover

The bolts indicate that the car couldn't be brought within spec and the tech needed more adjustment. This would be normal if you've lowered the car or have done other suspension mods. If not, I'd argue that the inability to dial in the correct front-end geometry is a warranty issue.

adam76

my CLS is lowered with a lowering module, and still did not require this...

BlackC230Coupe

Oh yeah, i know the dealer kills you on the tires. I actually brought my own, 2 in the back seat and 1 in the trunk. I only needed 3 since one was just replaced a month ago when i had a blowout.

BlackC230Coupe

Yes, that is what I thought the bolts would be needed for. My CLS500 is (unfortunately) 100% stock. It was actually the first time the car had to go to the dealer. It was my first service A at 14,000 miles. I cannot see how the cars alignment could have been so far off since the last place it was touched was the factory since the car was brand new and its never been to the dealer before.
I questioned my service advisor on it, and she just really didn't know much and said that if they used them then the car obviously needed them. (very big help! ) I was in such a rush I just paid the bill and left. I think I am going to call back next week and question how the hell I need to pay for bolts when if something was off it was off by the factory, and like you said should have been covered under warranty.

Dogshine

sounds a little steep.......

whoover

I'd recommend posting on this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/wheels-tires-suspension-brakes-forum/45449-camber-caster-toe-w203-anyone-know.html

A member there (Mercedes Tuner) is a very knowledgeable and helpful Mercedes front-end technician.