Im putting on new wheels for my e320, moving up from 16x8 to 18x8...so im assuming i will need an alignment, the dealer quoted me $250, should i look for service shops that specialize in mercedes or can i just go to a Firestone or NTB?? What do you guys recommend? Thanks

 

Dealer.

 

I dont think you need an alignment..

 

I agree. Unless you have an alignment issue it is not necessary to get an alignment in your case. However, if you are lowering your car, then an alignment is a must. By the way, my MB dealer charged me about $100 for my recent alignment. Your dealer's quote of $250 is way out of line Go to a specialist, not to a Firestone, Goodyear type of shop.

 

I agree with Flash Gordon; should cost around $100.

 

You dont need an alignment, but it should cost around $100. Be careful in choosing your shop, make sure you get an electric printout of the before/after specs. I've had the best luck with my local dealership, Fletcher Jones. Which is surprising considering their inability to do almost anything else.

 

If your tire wear has been even & symmetrical, you shouldn't need an alignment.

I had our E320 CDI aligned yesterday and was charged $99, although this was represented as being a "Sale" price. I had the alignment done because the Goodyear tires I installed are cupped and very noisy after only ~ 10K miles. The car was very close to being entirely within spec, so it appears the tires are at fault.

I'd choose the dealer, who presumably has done E class Benzes before.

 

What do you guys recommend, I istall the wheels/tires and then see how she handles? If theres no change then I wont need an alignment but if i feel it pulling then I should get an alignment? I got a quote from another dealer for $100, should I just get an alignment either way?

 

Get the rims/tires bolted on first then observe your car. If it has a tendency to pull to the right or left, then take it in for alignment. On my daily driver, I had some pretty old tires and thought I needed an alignment since it had a slight pull. Got new tires all around and that corrected my alignment problem. BTW, $100 for an alignment is an awesome deal...especially since the dealership will be doing it. Stay away from shops like Firestone or the like.

 

Hey Flash... do you deal with contemporary motors in Central New Jersey? I had just purchased my second e class form contemporary motors the other day!

 

I have been through 2 sets of tires in the last 30,000 miles both brands cupping on our E500. Alignment has been confirmed by dealer and independant so I am convinced it is the tires. My dealer said it is a common problem unless you stay with Conti's or Michelins. So next month I will have the dealer install new tires then we will know for sure tires or alignment.

Besides with cupping noise who needs a radio.

 

Unfortunately i am familiar with this problem too.I got to stay away from Yokahomas and Pirrellis....but Dunlops are pretty safe too.

 

I am definately going with the Continentals, i got a quote from discount tire for 4 245/40/18 for $1k.. not a bad deal considering it comes with 40,000 mile warranty.

 

Just wondering if your Goodyears cupped and you replaced them,, what did you use and are they cupping. This would great data for decision making. I can live with a 25000 mile tire, but cupping and noise is untolerable.

 

I have Bridgestone Potenzas..They are OK , pretty round around around the edges..But as a brand ,i would not recomend it at all.When they are cold..or the temperature is under 15C..they are very hard and noisy..(I only got them 'cause they were cheap and i though they would be good just to drive around)

 

I ran on the UT1 technology by B/stone also. Noisy and mine cupped on the front and the tire pressure was 26.

I found that even on cupped tires increase air pressure to 36 reduced cupping on the edges. I know the reco. is 26 but 36 is still under max rated and does lift the edges a bit on the tires. It would be interesting if anyone has "good wearing quiet tires" to reply with brand for the E500.

245x45x17 factory set up.

I am undecided between Michelin or Conts'.

More info on performance on these tires would be helpful. Also what are the 06,07, E500 models running and how do they perform.

There is an apparently a major tire wear/cupping issue with some tires. That I did not experience on the first factory set.

Jim

 

No, I bought mine from Millenium, its service department is the worst including the manager. I won't go back to Millenium again for anything. I bring my car to Ray Catena for service for the past one year.