Simple solution - RE INSTATE ONCE AGAIN THE ABILITY FOR "FRONT AND REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT" allowing to adjust Camber (tire contact angles) to spread load more evenly.

Currently today's models there is only one fixed "showroom height" Camber setting ! No longer ongoing adjustment capability for varying conditions encountered in day to day commuting ! (see #40 above).

 

That stock negative camber "spreads load more evenly" during cornering, as you say on your post.
That's the reason they're set up that way.

There are trade-offs with decreased negative camber.
I wish you'd state those in your advertising posts.

Among them: you lose grip if you enjoy driving.

I agree that if you do mostly highway driving, you'll have more inner shoulder wear on your rear tires, and you will lose 3 - 5,000 mi of tire life, according to my measurements over several sets of tires.

I'm fine with that. I don't like the trade-offs.

 

Yes fully agree - its not about reducing essential factory negative Camber !

It is about most owners under impression surely such a expensive auto with a long history simply must have basic front and rear ongoing Camber (and Caster) adjustment to resolve “EXCESS” edge tire wear leading to costly, premature replacement !

Yet OEM cost saving / increasing speed of assembly lines it has been deleted - “now owners” having to fund this premature tire replacement.

Thinking not dispelled “by dealers”. They often reassuring this belief - by stating “Will Carry Out A Full Front & Rear ‘4’ Wheel Alignment”.

Owners then bewildered - with dealers trying to placate by stating “IS WITHIN FACTORY SPECS” - when clearly it is not (neglecting to advise that “Yes it is but only at showroom height conditions”).

Example one or two passengers. But No adjustability for - Load carrying, No high cambered roads with excess passengers side edge wear, No wide profile tires, No curb knock damage and not for owners that do not take their SUV offroad and instead lower vehicle “roll center / height” - to improve Handling / Safety (many accidents result of swerving and “over correcting” due to height and excess roll).

 

So, now you're talking about lowering the car in addition to changing the camber.

But to your point, reducing camber would increase the likelihood of oversteer, which, in the hands of most drivers, would be the wrong response from an automobile.

I don't know if "Speed of Assembly" has anything to do with handling design.
It's only in the last 10 years or so, that Mercedes has paid much attention to their rear suspensions.
In previous years, it seemed that they only used the rear suspenses to keep the bumper off the ground (overstatement), but now the rear suspension actually contributes significantly to handling.
By feel, it seems like the 167 chassis has incorporated a lot more rear roll stiffness than previous versions.
That's actually a big reason I own one - both ends of the car grip the road in a balanced manner, which is new to this chassis.
Otherwise, I would be in a different brand.

 

As set out / explained above - it is not about changing factory / OEM specs. NO IT IS ABOUT BEING ABLE TO “RESTORE / GO BACK” TO THESE SPECS !

Re "Speed of assembly" versus "handling design" - can assure cost plays a major role - Stopping to carry out front Camber (and Caster) along with rear Camber is no longer a option (a secret not readily passed onto owners they now having to prematurely fund purchase of new tires).

Some AMG models to placate owners (Rear suspension only) wedge plates are fitted. Which does not entail stopping of assembly line. Then “offset” plates can be purchased - but inaccurate / not adjustable. Allowing only 3/16" (4mm) one degree Camber change.

We saw the need to FIX IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. Manufacturing "replacement kits" for all these AMG models and including extra rear Toe adjustment to compensate.

Up to 4 times adjustment range Positive or Negative and PRECISE EASILY ACCESSIBLE SINGLE WRENCH - ULTIMATE direct on ALIGNMENT RACK / UNDER LOAD.

Like all K-MAC kits no special tools or need for arm removal.



AUDI to VOLVO - K-MAC Experience Of Resolving OEM Suspension Shortcomings Since 1964 !

 

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