2005 Golf - RUSTING ARCHES - Claiming on Corrosion Warranty

[SavanP]

Hi All,

I have a 2005 Golf purchased from VW Loughborough last May. The car itself has been faultless and been brilliant in every way, however a couple of weeks ago I noticed some bubbling up on the LH arch of the front wing. It has got worse since then and it seems to be spreading - I think I have only just noticed it now because the cold winter and snow has taken it's toll and maybe made a bit worse.

The right hand side is starting as well. Pictures below:

Left





Right hand is just starting to creep up.


I have been to VW Cambridge this afternoon and they took the car for 10 mins, took pictures etc. and said they will send it away and get it assessed - giving me a call in a couple of days.

Question: Has anyone had or heard of this kind of corrosion before on this age of golf and what is the likelyhood of it being covered under the VW Corrosion Warranty?



Thanks,

Sav

[airportparking]

It might have been in a minor knock hence the rust showing, but if it was repaired at a vw Bodyshop then you got no worries

[SavanP]

Done some more digging, seems like it is a common problem:
http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/rust_wing/i...

REF: the PDF file in the link above.

[Hunky Dory]

I recently noticed exactly the same on my '06 Gti. I'm going to pay the local dealer a visit in the next week or so and see what they say.

[SavanP]

http://www.stuartdalby.co.uk/vwgolfmk5/rust_wing/2...

According to the above, it seemed to be a diesel only problem as it is caused by foam padding behind the arch 'skin', which is only present in the diesel models. However, it is interesting that it is present on your '06 Mk5.

[cuprabob]

It's not just a diesel problem it affects all MK5 Golfs. Dealers are aware of the issue and as long as the paint is original they are replacing the wings FOC.

Go to your local dealer they will measure the paint depth and take it from there.

[chr15b]

how fussy are they? mines showing early signs of this, but some (******) nice person hit the bumper a couple of months ago and drove off - didnt affect the wing, but did cause damage to the bumper, light and the plastics behind the bumper

[SavanP]

As I said before, went into VW Cambridge yesterday. They just took pictures and assessed it (whilst I was in the showroom), and sent it off to VW.

Will hopefully get a call within a couple of days with the outcome and will take it from there.

Will put up an update as and when it progresses.

[SavanP]

Wahoooo!

Had a call from VW Cambridge this morning. They will be paying 100% for two brand new front wings fitted and sprayed witha courtesy car for 4 days! Happy man indeed.

From what I can gather, they are paying 100% not the usual 70% as I bought the car from a VW main dealer last year in May, therefore I am classed as a main dealer customer.

Now just looking forward to having a Mk7 Golf for a few days in a couple of weeks .

Sav.

[md.]

Result! Been following this with anticipation as I noticed just last weekend some bubbles appearing on one front wing of my 04 plate mk5, but dismissed the idea of some help as its so old! Might just be worth a pop, suppose the worst that can happen is they say no/ its not original paint. (no idea if it is or not).

[SavanP]

md. said:

Result! Been following this with anticipation as I noticed just last weekend some bubbles appearing on one front wing of my 04 plate mk5, but dismissed the idea of some help as its so old! Might just be worth a pop, suppose the worst that can happen is they say no/ its not original paint. (no idea if it is or not).

Get it to a VW dealer mate! If you are starting to see it now, it will get quite bad suddendly - maybe due to the bad winter, snow sitting on it etc.

Have you got any customer history with main dealers?

[liner33]

chr15b said:

how fussy are they? mines showing early signs of this, but some (******) nice person hit the bumper a couple of months ago and drove off - didnt affect the wing, but did cause damage to the bumper, light and the plastics behind the bumper

Went through similar with my W210 Merc E class , the dealer measured the paint depth to check for damage repairs , it was only then i found the roof had been resprayed at the factory since i was the first owner and knew i hadnt had any work done.

Provided any damage isnt on the panel in question it should be fine , we did have to discuss me making a contribution due to a minor shopping trolley dent in one of my wings but i put my foot down and refused

[md.]

SavanP said:

Get it to a VW dealer mate! If you are starting to see it now, it will get quite bad suddendly - maybe due to the bad winter, snow sitting on it etc.

Have you got any customer history with main dealers?

Think there might be one or two vw stamps early om but definitley more independent stamps than dealers upto the recent one ive just had done at 75k miles. The paintwork in general isnt exactly pristine but i suppose i have nothing to lose!

[Vaggingquick]

Nothing on my Mk4 '01, must be the 5s then?

[SavanP]

I doubt they will ask to see the service book, but when they ring to tell you the verdict just try and blag that you use VW main dealers a lot for parts etc.

Yup I believe it is a MK5 only problem.

[SMB]

Vaggingquick said:

Nothing on my Mk4 '01, must be the 5s then?

Basic design flaw, stems from a protective foam type pad that retains water I think, Also heard about mud trapped behind the wheel arch liner holding water behind the front wheels at the bottom so worth checking there too. That said still a cracking fun car.

[cuprabob]

Vaggingquick said:

Nothing on my Mk4 '01, must be the 5s then?

Tailgate seems to be the area on the Mk4 that is prone to rust

[SavanP]

All ready for dropping off the car on Monday morning. Went out today and thought I'd take some high-quality photos before they replace the wings.

Seems like in the few weeks since the first post it has actually got noticably worse! Glad I am getting it sorted soon now. Picture from today:

[DudleySquires]

Certainly is a problem on mk4s. Although perhaps not acknowledged the same as for mk5s? My previous car was a mk4 Golf with rusting front wheel arches. My current mk4 Golf has the same issue...

Would this warranty apply to second-hand owners? Could they expect the same 100% contribution from VW?

Ta,
mk4 '04 Golf-with-bubbling-wheel-arches owner.

[liner33]

Do they address the cause of the issue at the same time or can you expect to revisit it in a few years??