Wheel alignment needed with tire change?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
2014 E350 Sport
Wheel alignment needed with tire change?
Hi,
I brought my car (2014 E350 sport) to the dealership last month to get an issue with the battery checked out, and they said all the tires were low on tread and one was almost completely bald. They quoted $295 per tire, so i went to Discount Tire instead and got 4 Barum Bravuris with 40K mile warranty for $406 installed.
My question is.....do i need to get a wheel alignment done? The dealer had recommended it along with tire replacement, but it is really necessary? The car drives fine, steering does not pull or anything like that. Just want to make sure it's not needed for proper tire wear, or anything like that.
Any help will be appreciated.
G
I brought my car (2014 E350 sport) to the dealership last month to get an issue with the battery checked out, and they said all the tires were low on tread and one was almost completely bald. They quoted $295 per tire, so i went to Discount Tire instead and got 4 Barum Bravuris with 40K mile warranty for $406 installed.
My question is.....do i need to get a wheel alignment done? The dealer had recommended it along with tire replacement, but it is really necessary? The car drives fine, steering does not pull or anything like that. Just want to make sure it's not needed for proper tire wear, or anything like that.
Any help will be appreciated.
G
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 118
Likes: 32
2011 E350
Your discretion but I Would say YES. New tires new wear patterns, good to have a base alignment to also see if any other suspension components, are going, bushings, Tie Rod Ends, Control Arms, etc...….If you spent all the money on Tires I would strongly recommend YES. Especially if you have no recent history of a four wheel alignment. NTB is or at least was offering a Nationwide Five year Four wheel alignment for around $150. Well worth it and they allowed a ONE TIME NO FEE Transfer to another vehicle. I had it on my Taurus SHO and with two years left I was able to transfer the package to my 2011 E350. My plan is every time I get tires rotated and balanced I will get the alignment checked too. At least until Jan 2021.
If you are getting the...new tires what's another $150 ..... Even with the $150 alignment and new shoes you are still less than half the dealer cost. Definitely recommend alignment as a base. Of Course dealers are going to recommend it. I would get alignment and if able would be a good deal to get both tires and alignment at same time.
Another question: Are they just telling you its bald or did they show you in person. Always ask to see while still on the lift...….keep them honest....Especially Dealers!!
If you are getting the...new tires what's another $150 ..... Even with the $150 alignment and new shoes you are still less than half the dealer cost. Definitely recommend alignment as a base. Of Course dealers are going to recommend it. I would get alignment and if able would be a good deal to get both tires and alignment at same time.
Another question: Are they just telling you its bald or did they show you in person. Always ask to see while still on the lift...….keep them honest....Especially Dealers!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
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2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
It's always arguable to say that alignment should be checked when new tires are installed, but my personal perspective is that unless the car is pulling, has a hard time returning to center after turning, or the tires are showing odd wear/cupping I don't do it. If toe-in is excessive you may not necessarily feel a pull but the tire edges will start scrubbing. However, as mentioned above, if there is zero history on the car/alignment, it's not a terrible cost to pay to get a good baseline.
The dealer is pretty much the most expensive place that you can have an alignment done. If you are concerned, find a good local indy garage familiar with MB/European and use them. In my case, I did just get an alignment done after installing camber bolt kits, the indy was $95, dealer would have been $180. I think others here may have used Firestone or similar chains, but I don't like the way the locals here treat vehicles. Might be better in other areas.
The dealer is pretty much the most expensive place that you can have an alignment done. If you are concerned, find a good local indy garage familiar with MB/European and use them. In my case, I did just get an alignment done after installing camber bolt kits, the indy was $95, dealer would have been $180. I think others here may have used Firestone or similar chains, but I don't like the way the locals here treat vehicles. Might be better in other areas.
Last edited by Mud; Feb 19, 2019 at 02:55 PM.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
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If you live in heavy pothole country and find them unavoidable, I would seriously consider an alignment or risk uneven tire wear to your new set. Otherwise forget it.
MB is always pushing alignments and as has been said there are plenty of shops that can beat them at price.
MB is always pushing alignments and as has been said there are plenty of shops that can beat them at price.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 343
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E250 Diesel
I'll chime in. It's hard to get it perfectly correct. I've had alignment issues after an alignment job so many times that I don't do alignments at all. If you are OCD like me, be very choosy of which shop does the alignment work.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yeah, there are lots of other places that can do alignments. Usually places like Goodyear, Firestone, NTB etc offer 3-5 year tire alignment warranties which cost about as much as a single one at the MB dealer. Lots of potholes around here so I end up getting one at least once a year.
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Not all alignment shops can align a Mercedes. If they have the correct equipment and training then they can.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
There's not too much you can set on them, mostly they just adjust toe and pretty much all shops with an alignment machine can do it. If you need bolts, then you probably have other suspension problems.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2017
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From: Atlanta
2021 E53 AMG sedan
A lot of Discount Tire stores have alignment arrangements with nearby providers so that you get a discounted price by showing you bought your tires from Discount. The one near me saves 25%.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK 550
Yes that is correct OEM there is only front and rear Toe directional adjustment.
No Camber or Caster to adjust tire contact angles to fix it right the 1st time. Resolving costly, premature edge tire wear.
Fluted bolts only provide 1/8 inch (0.3 of one degree) change. Only available for front and inaccurate having one offset position.
We saw the need therefore to re-instate from the early 90's full front Camber and Caster, Rear Camber (and extra Toe). Providing up to "4 times" the adjustment range of the fluted bolts.
The K-MAC unique patented design replaces the 4 front and 4 rear highest wearing bushings at the same time.
Is precise single wrench adjustable. Accurately (under load) direct on alignment rack.
Catering for other than showroom height conditions - day to day commuting encountering high cambered roads, fitting of wide profile tires / wheels, altered height through load carrying or lowering. Correctly resolving steering pull. Ongoing adjustment for curb knock damage.
Front Camber and Caster Adjuster kit #502916 K $480
Rear Camber (extra Toe) kit #502226 K $480
Delivery $30 Worldwide $20 each additional kit
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