To align or not to align ?

[Fastgreek]

i have been getting mixed info on how to properly get my cars aligned. I am in process of getting 19' HRE rims and on my clk55 and my wife's e320 has 19' Lorinsers on hers.The problem is that i talk to one shop and they tell me get the car aligned on the stock rim and tire setup, and another shop tells me to get them aligned on the 19's.The e320 is dropped with eibach springs and the front inner tires are worn out. I would assume that the car should be aligned on the 19's? Maybe I'm wrong. Any input appreciated.Thanks

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[Chappy]

There are alignment racks that use laser guidance for non-factory equipment. Find one of those shops to have your alignment done...several local MB dealers have them here.

[MarcusF]

Is one shop actually recommending that you align the car and then change wheels & tires? They can't be recommending that you align it twice. If a shop cannot align the car with the 19's, I'd do as Steve recommends and find another shop with the proper equipment.

[da_guitarist]

call me crazy, but i'm pretty sure the car should be aligned with whatever current setup you're driving on. springs, shocks, wheels tires, spacers, etc. every little thing makes a difference.

[ashutt]

My local MB shop also indicated they would not align the car with 19" rims. The car according to them must have the stock wheels, which they will provide at around $100 to swap out for the alignment. So, I have to put on my 17 rims, drive down there have the alignment done and then come home and put back on 4 19" wheels. Not excited.

[Fastgreek]

they told me i would be in better alignment specs with stock rims and tires, it just sounds really odd to me because i would think that if i will be driving on 19's , i should align it on 19's.

[Fastgreek]

Originally Posted by MarcusF

Is one shop actually recommending that you align the car and then change wheels & tires? They can't be recommending that you align it twice. If a shop cannot align the car with the 19's, I'd do as Steve recommends and find another shop with the proper equipment.

no, the one shop prefers stock tire rim alignment, and another thinks opposite.That's why i am like wtf!!!Don't know what to do..

[Supafly]

if you're driving on 19's....get it aligned with 19s....

if you aligned it with 17s than put on your 19s the camber will be off.

[bobbyjo9]

Exactly! specs are specs but when you go to a larger diameter wheel you will be changing the distance from hub to road contact. The camber will be different to compensate for the different wheels. They want the 17's on so all the numbers jive on the print out but your tires will tell the true story after driving. Find a better shop

[Fastgreek]

thanks guys ...

[ohlord]

you don't want 19's
alignment specs won't change if you keep the same rolling diameter.if the car is lowered then a complete alignment will need to be performed.Camber bolts for the front and rear links for the rears.Your wifes car is severely out of camber and probably negative over 2.5 degrees ,her car will wear out tires faster than you can say bobs your uncle.
So will yours when you drop it.Any good alignment mb shop with the hunter machine will load and height align it with the tires you have installed.If you are not dropping it,alignment specs won't change.The ride quality will however,when you go to the 19's.