All good points. Remember that in the "real world" the dealer and the manufacturer are two seperate entities. When checking and/or adjusting the alignment on these cars, a toe spreader bar must be used by the alignment specialist. Just because you've gone to the the Mercedes dealer, does not mean that they have a toe spreader bar. Ask to see it. It looks like a four to five foot long tube with cone shaped ends. If the dealership is as "high end" as they make out and you've explained the vehicle's/tire's history they should be understanding. If not, then go elsewhere. Also, don't forget to get an alignment summary that includes the manufacturer's specified range, and before & after settings. Have them explain the alignment summary to you. Check the tire pressures once the vehicle has been stationary for about 3 hours. If you have to drive 2 miles or more to get to a location with an air hose, then add 4psi to the cold tire inflation pressure recommendation listed on the driver's door jamb placard. Then, once home and having given the tires a chance to cool down (3 hours), verify the correct cold tire inflation pressure. Verify tire pressures at least every month. Make sure that the location(s) where you have service performed verify the proper pressure. A professional technician will set tires properly. Even a mechanic who's been in the business for years may have bad habits regarding setting tire pressures to the manufacturer's specification. These tires are expensive in any make & model. You don't have to take care of them, but if you want them to last, then these steps are worth it. One other note; "high spirited" driving can contribute to "scalloping". When the steering wheel is turned the suspension tilts the front wheels in the direction of the turn. The wheel/tire assembly rotates forward but the tilt & turn of the tire from the centerline causes slip angles to develop which deflects tread segments "sideways" increasing cornering force but contributing to uneven treadwear like scalloping. When I find "the right road" I too indulge in performance driving, but most of the time I drive sensibly enough that the vehicle longevity as well as the tires will last. Everything is a comprimise.