superpop

Trying to figure out why my car seems to tramline on freeways. I am running the staggered set up with 13MM spacers in the rear. Wondering if the spacers could be causing the issues. Like the look with the spacers but will remove them if they do cause this problem.

DaveW68

Your car may also need an alignment, especially with pushing the wheels out that far. The toe or camber might now be off.

alx

Too much toe-in

ItalianJoe1

Could be tires, certain tire tread patterns are more susceptible to tramlining than others. I'd start with an alignment, it may be something simple like worn bushings in the front control arms.

superpop

Getting an alignment done, is the toe in only adjustable in the front on this car?

ItalianJoe1

Yes, but there are adjustment bushings to set front camber/caster, albeit only a little.

alx

bring car to mb for alignment. one of the few well-worth things done at an authorized dealer

K-Mac

Yes, OEM there is only ‘Toe’ adjustment front (and rear) !

OK if vehicle maintained and driven at showroom height, but day to day commuting with high cambered roads, altering height, load carrying, suspension sag, fitting wide profile tires or curb knock damage – the feature of having “Camber” adjustment to change tire “contact angle” is essential. Along with front “Caster” to correctly resolve steering pull and improve brake and steering response.

For the front (only) you can purchase fluted bolts – but they are inaccurate having ONE ONLY OFFSET POSITION, providing a minimal 3mm (1/8”) which is 0.3 degree.

We saw the need therefore to design and manufacture front kits that provide up to “5 times” this adjustment range and are precise/accurate – on car under load direct on alignment rack. Fixing it right.... the 1st time!

Along with similar rear – also providing Camber (and additional rear Toe adjustment to compensate for the new Camber facility). Advantage of the K-MAC rear bush design compared to adjustable “Camber Arms” is that to resolve premature inner edge tire wear Camber arms need to move “top of tire” outwards, diminishing all important clearance to outer fender – K-MAC moves bottom arm inwards and easier access allowing to be adjusted accurately (under load).

These unique patented design kits are “single wrench” adjustable. Not only providing “full/precise” adjustment but at the same time replace the ‘4’ front and ‘4’ rear highest wearing suspension bushings and with twice the load bearing area!

The front bushings are 2 axis/self aligning but without the oil and air voids of OEM. Result is noticeably improved brake and steering response. No modifications to fit - comes with instructions and extraction/insertion tubes (Rear Camber can be fitted on vehicle).

W221
Front Camber and Caster kit #502316 $480
Rear Camber (and extra Toe) #502526 $480

Delivery $40 one kit or $50 front and rear kits. We accept PayPal, Visa or MasterCard.

superpop

Got the alignment done. Car runs true as an arrow now. Went to a German frame shop that has all the latest gadgets and they specialize in frames and alignment. Tech suspected that the car had never had a proper alignment and corrected all adjustments to factory spec. Surprising what an alignment can do. He did say that the S550 is very touchy to anything outside of OE spec like spacers but he advised me to drive it for a while with them on and then take them off if the issue still presents. He also said that the wide tires in the back can exacerbate tramlining as they have a big contact patch that wants to grab a lot.

alx

i cant see how spacers change alignment specs...

superpop

Spacers don't change geometry but they change tire contact points from the front to the rear. That coupled with staggered wheels and tires can have an effect on car handling. Seems to run fine now but I am going to drive it for while. If the car shows any odd behaviors I will remove the spacers and try it without for a while. That would be full factory spec without the spacers. Like the look of the spacers but not at any expense to the handling. They are only 13MM but they do make a difference in how the car looks.

Mike5215

I've yet to own a set of spacers that didn't introduce a little bit of vibration. Not terrible, but when I pulled the last set off to trade the 221 I could instantly tell the difference.

superpop

I have no vibration that I can feel. Maybe I do and I am just used to it but mine goes down the road pretty smooth.

Mike5215

It was very subtle, like a graininess that went away when the spacers came off. They do look great though.