Alignment Problem on ML350
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
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Alignment Problem on ML350
Hello, just picked my my 2007 ml350 with appearance package. When driving, I notcie the alignment was slightly off and went towards the right. Had the dealer realigned the car and now it does the same but to the left. It is slight and dealer says this is normal for SUVs. Anyone else have there alignment that's not perfect? Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 809
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From: Dallas, TX
2008 E63 wagon (1 of 62)
I would be willing to bet it is just an effect of the road crown of whatever road you are on. The road crown is the slant of the road that helps drain the water off when it rains. Some states have more road crown that others and it could also vary from road to road. I would talk to them and see if they can correct it and if everything checks out then I would just drive it and make sure your tires are not wearing unevenly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2008 E550, 2012 GL450, 2014 GLK350, 2015 S550, 2020 GLC350e
Find a flat road and test it. Compare it to other cars and don't buy that BS about SUVs.
I have a 12yr old 4Runner, drives straight.
I have an 18yr old Mercedes 420SEL, drives straight.
A family member has a 5yr old Toyota Corolla, drives straight.
Another family member has a MB C230 .. drives straight.
I can leave the steering straight on a flat road and it tracks straight ahead. The MB SLs have many many alignment problems and there is a whole thread on which polls which way people's SLs pull. Yours is the first ML report I'm reading.
I have a 12yr old 4Runner, drives straight.
I have an 18yr old Mercedes 420SEL, drives straight.
A family member has a 5yr old Toyota Corolla, drives straight.
Another family member has a MB C230 .. drives straight.
I can leave the steering straight on a flat road and it tracks straight ahead. The MB SLs have many many alignment problems and there is a whole thread on which polls which way people's SLs pull. Yours is the first ML report I'm reading.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
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From: Earth
MB GLK 2010
Don't listen to BS from dealer. Find the problem! I have brought my MB ML350 10 times in less than a year for problems and they will make excuses of not finding any problems. You have to be PERSISTENT with them.
I have Mercedes ML350 and Honda Element and they drive traight. I had a Mercury Moutaineer and Lincoln Aviator and they all drive straight.
I have Mercedes ML350 and Honda Element and they drive traight. I had a Mercury Moutaineer and Lincoln Aviator and they all drive straight.
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 112
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From: New Jersey
E500
I have a 2007 ML320 with the exterior appearance package - 19" wheels.
Mine drives straight as an arrow. You didn't specify if your appearance package is interior or exterior, but it shouldn't matter.
Who at your dealer told you this is normal? If it was the service advisor, ask to speak to the shop foreman.
Mine drives straight as an arrow. You didn't specify if your appearance package is interior or exterior, but it shouldn't matter.
Who at your dealer told you this is normal? If it was the service advisor, ask to speak to the shop foreman.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,348
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
I've had pulling issues on my ML, and also on my previous car, a 2004 E. That was a very popular thread of discussion in the W211 forums. I've even heard some people that say that this is a SAFETY FEATURE! Yeah, right.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7
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Thanks for everyone's responses. I believe the appearance package I have is 323 and it does have the bigger rims. I left a message for the service advisor yesterday and he did not call me back. I am no a technician, I am just wondering how they can mess up on such a small job like the alignment. I thought that it was computerized.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,348
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
It is very hit or miss with dealerships. Some are great, most are just average. Although, while the alignment is computerized, it still does take a skilled technician to operate the equipment. And my experience with MB has been that most of the cars don't seem to track straight.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 857
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
It is VERY possible that the problem you are describing is actually not an alignment issue-does the vehicle actually PULL to one way or another, or is it just that your steering wheel is off a couple degrees when you are going straight ahead? If this is the case, they can remove the wheel and move it one or two "teeth" in one direction or another. Again, this issue would have nothing to do with the alignment. My dad's ML 320 CDI came with this sort of issue, and that was the quick and easy fix/diagnosis.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 647
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From: Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
2011 E-class coupe, 2012 C-class
When I had the lowering springs installed on my ML, it took MB three hours to reallign the car, a very difficult task! They actually did a good job 
