Endless alignment issues w/18 E63 wagon
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
Endless alignment issues w/18 E63 wagon
Had my ‘18 E63 wagon for 4 months now. It’s been at the dealer half that time getting various things repaired and re-repaired. Had it at 2 different dealers and “aligned” a total of 5 times but the steering wheel is STILL not straight. If I hold it straight, I drift to the right. The dealer is now telling me they won’t do any more work on it and I should have it inspected at a collision shop. Uhh what? The car is under warranty. It should drive straight.
anyone with an E63 have their steering wheel alignment off? And not have it been able to be fixed by the dealer?
anyone with an E63 have their steering wheel alignment off? And not have it been able to be fixed by the dealer?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Toronto, Ont, Canda
go fast grocery getter wagon
Do you have signs of irregular wear on your tires ? I suggest you to check the wear next. The front ones have aggressive cambers setting from factory and what tire pressures are you at.
If dealer did not even check your tires first, then bad tires will have a difficult time in getting the right alignment
If dealer did not even check your tires first, then bad tires will have a difficult time in getting the right alignment
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Montreal, QC
E55 AMG & C63 AMG
Road crown. Roads are designed this way for runoff when it rains.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,761
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
Road crown. Roads are designed this way for runoff when it rains.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,667
Likes: 5,479
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
This is an issue I've dealt with on other brands. It comes down to how crooked the tech's vision is when they set the steering wheel straight. They are supposed to have a tool that locks the steering wheel in place, so it's straight, but I don't really know if the tech has to actually straighten it first. The problem is with what reference they use to straighten it. I've noticed that the 12o'clock marker isn't necessarily perfectly centered, but the best way is to use the Mercedes star in the center assuming it isn't crooked for some reason. It's a good visual to judge if it's straight. I've not had much of an issue with my C63S and I had it aligned twice so far. The second alignment was actually slightly better, because I put on new tires at the same time, so they aligned it with the new tires. The first time I had them align it first and then I had my indy put on new tires afterwards. Not necessarily a good idea. But yes, road crown is another factor. Here the roads fall off to the right, so one always has to steer slightly left to keep straight. With the steering wheel straight the car veers right due to the crown.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,060
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From: Montreal, QC
E55 AMG & C63 AMG
Every single time I get an alignment, most likely due to the fact that I'm OCD, I'm constantly looking at my steering wheel and overthinking it and am never happy. Then eventually I just get over it and it's godspeed from there on out.
I've even gone as far as sitting in the car to compensate for driver's weight.
I've even gone as far as sitting in the car to compensate for driver's weight.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
Road crown. Roads are designed this way for runoff when it rains.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
In the left lane the steering wheel will be slightly held a couple degrees to the right. In the right lane - you'll be slightly off center to the left. Best way to test is to drive in the middle of two lanes (with nobody around of course) and steering wheel should be straight.
I’m just wondering if this is a common thing with the electric steering system, or if I just *keep* getting absolutely incompetent dealerships (3 for 3 so far)
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 385
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From: Newtown Square PA
2021 GLE580, 2022 BMW X5, 2022 911GTS Incoming
I agree with the crown in the road. I've had my car for a few days and I notice this more with this car than others I have had. If the dealer can't get your corrected I agree with taking it to an independent alignment shop.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 598
Likes: 126
E63S 4MATIC 213
Yes agreed most MB techs are ****ing useless most haven't a clue how to use star diagnostics either! i would also recommend you go to a specific 4 wheel alignment garage! also if you haven't already get some pilot 4 s on big improvement over zero's 
Last edited by nw66; Apr 27, 2021 at 05:52 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
Already had 2 dealerships try to align it more than once, and the car has pilot sports on it.
To clarify, the car does require “more input than most cars” as the AMG tech at the dealer put it. That’s fine, it’s basically a race car, I get it. I’ve raced cars for years
The issue is that the steering wheel center is just off to the left, and they agree that it is off, and then say they’ve fixed it and yet it’s exactly the same. If I hold the wheel straight, the car goes right. I have to hold the wheel to the left for the car to go straight. This is on any flat level ground, smooth pavement. The car should drive straight, it’s a $140k car (mine has carbon brakes, sport seats, etc)
there are only 3 Mercedes dealerships near me. I’ve gone to 2. The 3rd is in the same “network” as the 2nd so I have a feeling they’ll shoo me away
its endlessly frustrating having to deal with these dealerships that don’t give a **** about customer service or integrity
To clarify, the car does require “more input than most cars” as the AMG tech at the dealer put it. That’s fine, it’s basically a race car, I get it. I’ve raced cars for years
The issue is that the steering wheel center is just off to the left, and they agree that it is off, and then say they’ve fixed it and yet it’s exactly the same. If I hold the wheel straight, the car goes right. I have to hold the wheel to the left for the car to go straight. This is on any flat level ground, smooth pavement. The car should drive straight, it’s a $140k car (mine has carbon brakes, sport seats, etc)
there are only 3 Mercedes dealerships near me. I’ve gone to 2. The 3rd is in the same “network” as the 2nd so I have a feeling they’ll shoo me away
its endlessly frustrating having to deal with these dealerships that don’t give a **** about customer service or integrity
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 598
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E63S 4MATIC 213
💯 they either can’t do it or can’t be bothered to! Maybe find a Mercedes specialist or a wheel alignment specialist! Mine goes in Friday for gearbox temp issue! Can’t ****ing wait for the bollox! Only been in 4 times already 🤦♂️🤦♂️
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 117
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From: USA
W213s
I would like to express my 2 cents here .
Had the exact problem few years back with my w212 wagon , alignment at few different dealerships, numerous times with different specs within the required range , no luck same results every time , until I decided to change the tires , as soon as I change the tires my car was as fine as a brand new one . Looks like tires were damaged from inside , somehow . Just my experience.
Good luck and keep us posted .
Had the exact problem few years back with my w212 wagon , alignment at few different dealerships, numerous times with different specs within the required range , no luck same results every time , until I decided to change the tires , as soon as I change the tires my car was as fine as a brand new one . Looks like tires were damaged from inside , somehow . Just my experience.
Good luck and keep us posted .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
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From: Southern California
2018 E63S AMG
If you hold the steering wheel sideways does the car track straight? Or, does it require a constant steering input?
If it tracks straight, seems like centering the steering wheel shouldn't be difficult. But then again I've never looked under this car to see how the steering is put together.
If it tracks straight, seems like centering the steering wheel shouldn't be difficult. But then again I've never looked under this car to see how the steering is put together.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
If you hold the steering wheel sideways does the car track straight? Or, does it require a constant steering input?
If it tracks straight, seems like centering the steering wheel shouldn't be difficult. But then again I've never looked under this car to see how the steering is put together.
If it tracks straight, seems like centering the steering wheel shouldn't be difficult. But then again I've never looked under this car to see how the steering is put together.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 598
Likes: 126
E63S 4MATIC 213
yes, the neutral “straight” for the car has the steering wheel slightly to the left. I agree that it shouldn’t be difficult for them to resolve it. They insist they’ve done it 3 times at the most recent dealer and it’s all within spec. I want to punch them in the throat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 84
From: Idaho
'19 E63S
since I've picked up my '19 I've been dealing with a not straight steering wheel! I've gone back to the same outfit for realignment several times and they tell me it was off just a smidge but when I leave, the steering wheel is not straight. Haven't even tried a dealer yet as an other shop came highly recommended. Now I moved to a different state and I'll have to start over . . . or just live with it . . .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,728
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From: Southern California
2018 E63S AMG
Wouldn't be so bad if it didn't have the marker in the center of the wheel. I've had a few other cars come back after alignment with the wheel slightly off but didn't notice it at first. Given that some time had lapsed I just adjusted the tie rod ends myself to center the wheel. But that was back in the old days when you could get under a car 
I sure wish my current garage could accommodate a lift . . .
I sure wish my current garage could accommodate a lift . . .
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
Update: car went back to the dealer, they test drove, noticed the issue, gave me a loaner.
Called me back today and said it was ready, assured me it was all good, and i picked up the car.... and now its worse than before, but to the other direction.
I swear these people are the absolute worst. They swore up and down they test drove it and it was resolved. You would have to be willfully negligent to not notice how off the steering wheel was.
So now I have to deal with them all over again tomorrow... for the 5th time
Called me back today and said it was ready, assured me it was all good, and i picked up the car.... and now its worse than before, but to the other direction.
I swear these people are the absolute worst. They swore up and down they test drove it and it was resolved. You would have to be willfully negligent to not notice how off the steering wheel was.
So now I have to deal with them all over again tomorrow... for the 5th time
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 231
Likes: 75
From: Hotlanta
2019 AMG E63 S
At some point you have to start wondering if you should entrust them your car at all.. who knows what else they may **** up in the course of regular maintenance. Sorry you have to deal with that.. super frustrating
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 598
Likes: 126
E63S 4MATIC 213
mine went in last week i had all for wheels balanced wheel alignment and i also told them to re align the steering wheel with there star diagnostics which is crucial! they were bang on and the car came back like a new car and they solved an existing issue which other dealers couldn't! what im saying is that there are techs out there that know there job you just have to find them! i feel your pain brother!!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 153
Likes: 60
From: PNW
2018 E63s wagon [now sold] (& lots of Subarus)
General Manager of the dealer called me back today to tell me they are refusing to do any more work for me and I'm not welcome back to their dealership anymore. Wow. Super professional, thanks guys.
Not really sure what my options are now with these idiots. Mercedes corporate will definitely be hearing about it though
Not really sure what my options are now with these idiots. Mercedes corporate will definitely be hearing about it though
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 568
Likes: 132
2007 E350
have the similar problems where they would align steering perfectly then after 1 week of driving without hitting any potholes the steering goes off center to the left. Brought it to the dealer several times and they said it's perfectly fine. I decided to replace all the bushing in the suspension components and problem solved. You off centered steering is a really easy fast fix. If your steering is off to the left then that means the right toe is out and it takes 5 minutes to adjust it. You mention that your steering is out to the right so that means they over adjust the toe. Have them print out the alignment spec of your e63 before and after and post it here. That should tell us if they aligned it correctly which I think they didn't
