Alignment Cost
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2016 GLC
Alignment Cost
Brought my 2016 GLC in for the recall and they told me I needed two new tires before winter. They quoted $592 for the tires and $300 for the alignment. The $300 for the alignment seemed wildly expensive? But as a new MB owner, is this what I should expect? Is it worth taking it to a non-dealer or just suck it up and pay?
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: S. Ca.
2015 C300, 2015 F-350 Platinum, 1969 Mach 1 428cj, 2007 Roadking
Brought my 2016 GLC in for the recall and they told me I needed two new tires before winter. They quoted $592 for the tires and $300 for the alignment. The $300 for the alignment seemed wildly expensive? But as a new MB owner, is this what I should expect? Is it worth taking it to a non-dealer or just suck it up and pay?
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Joined: Jul 2016
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2016 GLC 300
Brought my 2016 GLC in for the recall and they told me I needed two new tires before winter. They quoted $592 for the tires and $300 for the alignment. The $300 for the alignment seemed wildly expensive? But as a new MB owner, is this what I should expect? Is it worth taking it to a non-dealer or just suck it up and pay?
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
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From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
Brought my 2016 GLC in for the recall and they told me I needed two new tires before winter. They quoted $592 for the tires and $300 for the alignment. The $300 for the alignment seemed wildly expensive? But as a new MB owner, is this what I should expect? Is it worth taking it to a non-dealer or just suck it up and pay?
$300.00 for an alignment seems excessive in my view. I get a four wheel track alignment on my Vette for $125.00 and that includes a second alignment within a year.
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Joined: May 2017
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From: Trumbull, CT USA
Mercedes-Ben GLC300 4Matic
Brought my 2016 GLC in for the recall and they told me I needed two new tires before winter. They quoted $592 for the tires and $300 for the alignment. The $300 for the alignment seemed wildly expensive? But as a new MB owner, is this what I should expect? Is it worth taking it to a non-dealer or just suck it up and pay?
i think tirecrack has the 18" pirellis for about $200 which means once you add mounting and balance actually $300 each is a bit high but not crazy. maybe if you didnt get the alignment they would charge more for the tires?
i think at a local shop here its $49 with a set of tires for alignment and $99 without. i can see $200 at MB but $300? wow.
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A gaggle of MB's
Back to Basics...then feel free to google TireRack (retail arm) and I ma told it is the same parent company which operates dealer-only/DealerTire
1. If replacing 2 tires (and not 4) - then it is key to to replace with same manuf/series/size tire as the original to "match" the remaining original two. You have your MB dealer quote - installed - and ask/confirm you have Roadside Hazard coverage for the new replacement tires.
With dealer quote in hand - it takes 2 minutes to pull up internet source like oft mentioned TireRack - and get competitive quote - tires + shipping + installation and make sure includes Roadside Hazard.
"Comp shopping" happens all the time.
2. If replacing all 4 tires - then that open's up wider choice selection for your 4 new tires
3. When replacing tires - alignment can be indicated if there is :"abnomal" tire wear - in loosest terms where one side/edge of the tire on one or more wheels is abnormally worn unevenly - and/or alignment can be indicated by road vibration - and/or alignment can be indicated by steering issues.
If you DON'T have a indicating symptom - take a pass on alignment - and then double back 1K-2K down the road by examining your new tires again
4. Dealer Alignment - have I personally seen a bad alignment done by a MB dealer - not by me - it costs a pretty penny - tech's get paid a pretty penny to do the job well as compared to many other things the techs are asked to do that are not as well paid to the tech
5. Non-Dealer Alignment - have I seen "bad alignments" done by non-MB-dealer shops ? All the frigging time - I mean all-the-frigging time.
1. If replacing 2 tires (and not 4) - then it is key to to replace with same manuf/series/size tire as the original to "match" the remaining original two. You have your MB dealer quote - installed - and ask/confirm you have Roadside Hazard coverage for the new replacement tires.
With dealer quote in hand - it takes 2 minutes to pull up internet source like oft mentioned TireRack - and get competitive quote - tires + shipping + installation and make sure includes Roadside Hazard.
"Comp shopping" happens all the time.
2. If replacing all 4 tires - then that open's up wider choice selection for your 4 new tires
3. When replacing tires - alignment can be indicated if there is :"abnomal" tire wear - in loosest terms where one side/edge of the tire on one or more wheels is abnormally worn unevenly - and/or alignment can be indicated by road vibration - and/or alignment can be indicated by steering issues.
If you DON'T have a indicating symptom - take a pass on alignment - and then double back 1K-2K down the road by examining your new tires again
4. Dealer Alignment - have I personally seen a bad alignment done by a MB dealer - not by me - it costs a pretty penny - tech's get paid a pretty penny to do the job well as compared to many other things the techs are asked to do that are not as well paid to the tech
5. Non-Dealer Alignment - have I seen "bad alignments" done by non-MB-dealer shops ? All the frigging time - I mean all-the-frigging time.
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2017 GLC300, 13 PorscheC4S, 12 Porsche Cayman S
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: S. Ca.
2015 C300, 2015 F-350 Platinum, 1969 Mach 1 428cj, 2007 Roadking
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From: Trumbull, CT USA
Mercedes-Ben GLC300 4Matic
anyone know how much a rotation is, or perhaps they can be talked into doing one for free since with the maintenance package you pay a few hundred bucks for an oil change and some fi;ters?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: S. Ca.
2015 C300, 2015 F-350 Platinum, 1969 Mach 1 428cj, 2007 Roadking
any idea why the rotation is not part of the maintenance package? seems like ti would be (and make more sense than the cabin filter replacement)
anyone know how much a rotation is, or perhaps they can be talked into doing one for free since with the maintenance package you pay a few hundred bucks for an oil change and some fi;ters?
anyone know how much a rotation is, or perhaps they can be talked into doing one for free since with the maintenance package you pay a few hundred bucks for an oil change and some fi;ters?
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Joined: Dec 2015
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From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
any idea why the rotation is not part of the maintenance package? seems like ti would be (and make more sense than the cabin filter replacement)
anyone know how much a rotation is, or perhaps they can be talked into doing one for free since with the maintenance package you pay a few hundred bucks for an oil change and some fi;ters?
anyone know how much a rotation is, or perhaps they can be talked into doing one for free since with the maintenance package you pay a few hundred bucks for an oil change and some fi;ters?
Last edited by larrypmyers; Oct 27, 2017 at 10:50 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2016 GLC 250d AMG pack, 2017 GLC Coupe 250d AMG pack , 2002 BMW 330Ci convertible, 2021 BMX X1 sD20i
In Australia the cost for the GLC is AU$249 at the dealer.
We had to have one around 7000km due to feathering on front left tyre (RHD car). MB Oz are fine tuning alignment settings for the GLC / RHD due to tyre juddering/crabbing. I paid for my second alignment and when my Pirelli's were swapped out for the Goodyear All Season runflats the Dealer and MB did another alignment (for free). New tyres so much better. I compared all three alignment settings and each one has new final settings for compliance range.
I am loath to take it to K-Mart or other non dealers at this stage due to the changes being made to final settings.
Yes expensive, but tyre rotation every 10,000km is worth it. I have purchased two trolley jacks to rotate tyres myself, one side at a time. That way I know its done and the torque settings on the wheel nuts are correct. I will then be happy to take to Dealer for adjustment of alignment; and I will insist on paper copy of ' before and after settings', just in case.
I did travel 36,000km approx on Pirelli runflats, had around another 7-10,000km before legal 3mm. Pirelli had a tyre wear rating of 400, new Goodyears have a 560 rating from memory, so hopefully longer road Km's. I run around 36psi and I have had COSTCO provide free nitrogen fill for all 4 tyres. I know nitrogen is a passionate discussion point, but for me I have seem more stable pressure and less tyre temperature fluctuations, a tighter temp range. So seeing nitrogen was free, I have nothing to loose and maybe a 'little' to gain.
Good luck.
We had to have one around 7000km due to feathering on front left tyre (RHD car). MB Oz are fine tuning alignment settings for the GLC / RHD due to tyre juddering/crabbing. I paid for my second alignment and when my Pirelli's were swapped out for the Goodyear All Season runflats the Dealer and MB did another alignment (for free). New tyres so much better. I compared all three alignment settings and each one has new final settings for compliance range.
I am loath to take it to K-Mart or other non dealers at this stage due to the changes being made to final settings.
Yes expensive, but tyre rotation every 10,000km is worth it. I have purchased two trolley jacks to rotate tyres myself, one side at a time. That way I know its done and the torque settings on the wheel nuts are correct. I will then be happy to take to Dealer for adjustment of alignment; and I will insist on paper copy of ' before and after settings', just in case.
I did travel 36,000km approx on Pirelli runflats, had around another 7-10,000km before legal 3mm. Pirelli had a tyre wear rating of 400, new Goodyears have a 560 rating from memory, so hopefully longer road Km's. I run around 36psi and I have had COSTCO provide free nitrogen fill for all 4 tyres. I know nitrogen is a passionate discussion point, but for me I have seem more stable pressure and less tyre temperature fluctuations, a tighter temp range. So seeing nitrogen was free, I have nothing to loose and maybe a 'little' to gain.
Good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 86
From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
In Australia the cost for the GLC is AU$249 at the dealer.
We had to have one around 7000km due to feathering on front left tyre (RHD car). MB Oz are fine tuning alignment settings for the GLC / RHD due to tyre juddering/crabbing. I paid for my second alignment and when my Pirelli's were swapped out for the Goodyear All Season runflats the Dealer and MB did another alignment (for free). New tyres so much better. I compared all three alignment settings and each one has new final settings for compliance range.
I am loath to take it to K-Mart or other non dealers at this stage due to the changes being made to final settings.
Yes expensive, but tyre rotation every 10,000km is worth it. I have purchased two trolley jacks to rotate tyres myself, one side at a time. That way I know its done and the torque settings on the wheel nuts are correct. I will then be happy to take to Dealer for adjustment of alignment; and I will insist on paper copy of ' before and after settings', just in case.
I did travel 36,000km approx on Pirelli runflats, had around another 7-10,000km before legal 3mm. Pirelli had a tyre wear rating of 400, new Goodyears have a 560 rating from memory, so hopefully longer road Km's. I run around 36psi and I have had COSTCO provide free nitrogen fill for all 4 tyres. I know nitrogen is a passionate discussion point, but for me I have seem more stable pressure and less tyre temperature fluctuations, a tighter temp range. So seeing nitrogen was free, I have nothing to loose and maybe a 'little' to gain.
Good luck.
We had to have one around 7000km due to feathering on front left tyre (RHD car). MB Oz are fine tuning alignment settings for the GLC / RHD due to tyre juddering/crabbing. I paid for my second alignment and when my Pirelli's were swapped out for the Goodyear All Season runflats the Dealer and MB did another alignment (for free). New tyres so much better. I compared all three alignment settings and each one has new final settings for compliance range.
I am loath to take it to K-Mart or other non dealers at this stage due to the changes being made to final settings.
Yes expensive, but tyre rotation every 10,000km is worth it. I have purchased two trolley jacks to rotate tyres myself, one side at a time. That way I know its done and the torque settings on the wheel nuts are correct. I will then be happy to take to Dealer for adjustment of alignment; and I will insist on paper copy of ' before and after settings', just in case.
I did travel 36,000km approx on Pirelli runflats, had around another 7-10,000km before legal 3mm. Pirelli had a tyre wear rating of 400, new Goodyears have a 560 rating from memory, so hopefully longer road Km's. I run around 36psi and I have had COSTCO provide free nitrogen fill for all 4 tyres. I know nitrogen is a passionate discussion point, but for me I have seem more stable pressure and less tyre temperature fluctuations, a tighter temp range. So seeing nitrogen was free, I have nothing to loose and maybe a 'little' to gain.
Good luck.
At 22,000 miles the Pirellis on my GLC have 6/32 tread remaining. Am guessing, with luck, should reach somewhere between 35 and 40,000 miles on these tires. Tires have a 600 tread wear rating. I have them rotated at every A/B check. I know this a bit too long an interval but at the same time its too convenient. I run 32 psi all around. Just my wife and I and seldom haul anything heavy.
There is no question nitrogen is better than air. But for me and many other folks it's a cost/ benefit issue. Getting it at no cost, however, makes using it a no brainer. Going to check with the local Costco as to their policy on no cost nitrogen. On certain high performance aircraft it's use is mandatory.
Last edited by larrypmyers; Oct 29, 2017 at 09:49 PM.
Member
Joined: May 2017
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2018 GLC300 P01 selenite grey
I doubt you need an alignment in 2 years, unless if you drove in huge potholes or banged your tires against the curb when parking.
Was the wear in your tires uneven? Is your steering wheel pulling one way or the other? If not, I wouldn't do an alignment. Especially at indie shops; they might screw up the alignment!
Was the wear in your tires uneven? Is your steering wheel pulling one way or the other? If not, I wouldn't do an alignment. Especially at indie shops; they might screw up the alignment!
Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 132
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From: Johnson City, TN
2017 GLC300, 13 PorscheC4S, 12 Porsche Cayman S
Spend a little time checking around in your area for an indie who folks recommend or prefer. There are shops out there who do consistently good work and charge much less than the dealer. I take my vehicles to a tire shop that has been in business for 40 years. I have bought tires and gotten alignments and balancing on MB's, Jags, Porsches, SUV's, and pick-ups foreign and domestic. An alignment costs $80, but if they find everything in spec, they only charge $20. Develop a relationship with one of these shops and stick with them. They are out there.
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Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 104
Likes: 13
2017 GLC300, 2017 Corvette Z06
Teckno, Based on your experience with setting revisions on subsequent alignments am retracting my statement concerning where to have alignment done. Hopefully, at this point, M-B has finally determined optimal alignment settings for both left/right side drive. Will probably cause me to experience sticker shock but when alignment is due will get it done at my friendly dealer.
At 22,000 miles the Pirellis on my GLC have 6/32 tread remaining. Am guessing, with luck, should reach somewhere between 35 and 40,000 miles on these tires. Tires have a 600 tread wear rating. I have them rotated at every A/B check. I know this a bit too long an interval but at the same time its too convenient. I run 32 psi all around. Just my wife and I and seldom haul anything heavy.
There is no question nitrogen is better than air. But for me and many other folks it's a cost/ benefit issue. Getting it at no cost, however, makes using it a no brainer. Going to check with the local Costco as to their policy on no cost nitrogen. On certain high performance aircraft it's use is mandatory.
At 22,000 miles the Pirellis on my GLC have 6/32 tread remaining. Am guessing, with luck, should reach somewhere between 35 and 40,000 miles on these tires. Tires have a 600 tread wear rating. I have them rotated at every A/B check. I know this a bit too long an interval but at the same time its too convenient. I run 32 psi all around. Just my wife and I and seldom haul anything heavy.
There is no question nitrogen is better than air. But for me and many other folks it's a cost/ benefit issue. Getting it at no cost, however, makes using it a no brainer. Going to check with the local Costco as to their policy on no cost nitrogen. On certain high performance aircraft it's use is mandatory.
Stumbled upon this post as I'm curious about alignments as well (got new rubber today). I'll let the wear pattern/tread-depth determine if there is an issue.
On another note, what year Z06? The GLC is the wife's car. I drive a "not so practical" Vette daily.
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
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From: Springboro, OH
16 GLC 19 Volvo XC40 06Corvette Z06
Dang, our crappy 18" Pirelli stock runflats (Verde all season) made it to ~19K. They have a wear rating of 500. It doesn't help that there are multiple suggested tire pressures on the car (gas door vs. door jam). I hosed the rears running them at the max pressure (as delivered by dealer). Running 32-33 psi now.
Stumbled upon this post as I'm curious about alignments as well (got new rubber today). I'll let the wear pattern/tread-depth determine if there is an issue.
On another note, what year Z06? The GLC is the wife's car. I drive a "not so practical" Vette daily.
Stumbled upon this post as I'm curious about alignments as well (got new rubber today). I'll let the wear pattern/tread-depth determine if there is an issue.
On another note, what year Z06? The GLC is the wife's car. I drive a "not so practical" Vette daily.
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Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2016 GLC 250d AMG pack, 2017 GLC Coupe 250d AMG pack , 2002 BMW 330Ci convertible, 2021 BMX X1 sD20i
Update from Oz.
Align cost reduced by my dealer from $249au to $199.
better still they have replaced their machine with a new Hunter branded one that I think uses laser alignment.
I’m told the Hunter machine is possibly quicker, but easier to confirm settings.
Unfortunately on last alig for Coupe they failed to provide print data. Asked several times now, car going back for a service recall so will ask again.
Really wanted to compare wagon and Coupe settings, both 20” rims, but staggered rears.
New All Season, Goodyear Eagle Sport RFT are performing very well so far.
Align cost reduced by my dealer from $249au to $199.
better still they have replaced their machine with a new Hunter branded one that I think uses laser alignment.
I’m told the Hunter machine is possibly quicker, but easier to confirm settings.
Unfortunately on last alig for Coupe they failed to provide print data. Asked several times now, car going back for a service recall so will ask again.
Really wanted to compare wagon and Coupe settings, both 20” rims, but staggered rears.
New All Season, Goodyear Eagle Sport RFT are performing very well so far.
