[early74B]

Within the next 30 days I plan to install a new set of tires on my 2013 Touareg. I can clearly see that it will need an alignment due to the tire wear (outside edges) so I asked the dealer for a quote to do this.

4 Wheel alignment - $129.00
Calibration of systems (including rear view camera) - approx $230

I asked if the calibration was optional and they said it was required, especially due to the rear backup camera.

I hardly use the backup camera, especially the turning lines, so is this a bunch of BS and should I just let my local NTB handle the tire swap and alignment? They are quoting right around $100 for a full alignment.

First thanks for the heads up on this; I recently had the last 'free' VW maintenance done on my '13 T-Reg and due to the fact that they simply left a message at my home rather than call me on my cell during the day it was in (which is my primary contact number for my car) I picked it up later that evening and I noticed on the receipt that they mentioned it needed an alignment -- how 'bad' off it was from spec's I'll never know but after 30K miles, all the tires appeared to wearing well (I really like the 18" OEM Conti's; nice ride and have held up well) and the car didn't drift so I was a bit skeptical. Now that the 'free' checks are done I'll probably simply have my independent shop check it out at its next tire rotation; when the time comes when I needed new tires I'll get them from him as well... 'calibrate the rear camera' seems far fetched but could I suppose it could involve doing some kind of quick check; certainly not $200 worth though IMO

 

[early74B]

As I needed a 4-wheel alignment for my '13 T-Reg as well (and needed them to just check that brake clip recall, first chance I had to bring it in); I asked them about this whole rear camera thing -- this is really only needed if you've had suspension damage (bent wheel and possibly chassis parts, etc.) and/or some major body work recently done --- otherwise simply NOT needed. My Chicago area dealer wanted $179 for the 4-wheel alignment but brought it down to $161 with a 10% off VW dealer service program they've been promoting; perhaps a bit more pricey but this shop has always done well for me. I've got a big trip ahead at the end of the month -- my 18" Continental OEM tires still look great after 34K+ miles. Like others have said, if they insist on adjusting the camera have them show you how far out of spec's your T-Reg is -- I'm sure someone on the forum may have really needed this done due to suspension and/or body damage perhaps at one time to give us a clue. With the newer 360 degree camera setup's perhaps they're more sensitive but the '13's didn't have these so that doesn't apply.