Does anyone know what this is on my alloys?

[Bootneck93]

Hi, i’m Having this weird sort of limescale/calcium build up on my alloy wheels. Does anyone know what I can use to remove it and what it is?

Many thanks,

Jack

[Robb F]

You have water underneath the lacquer

[Bootneck93]

Any advice on how to sort it out?

[Robb F]

That there is a link to a thread about the problem. Seems like the only solution is to get them refurbed. Preferably powdercoated to stop it happening again.

[Bootneck93]

I’ll be avoiding diamond cuts next time! Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

It's just the alloy oxidising under the laquer. Most manufacturers who fit DC wheels have the issue.

Only remedy is replace or refurb. I just had two new rims on our SLK, under warranty, for the same issue.

[Caddyshack]

You can only diamond cut a certain amount of times. BMW refurbed mine under a warranty situation on approved used. I have opted not to diamond my Rangie ones and will powder coat them.

I think it is common on this wheel but also a diamond cut regular issue.

[Pioneer]

Yep, just started to appear on the diamond cut wheels on my Disco. Detailer said the same thing as above

[MrBurt]

This is a well known fault on DC wheels and if the car is still in the 3 yr warranty period, then it's a claim and new wheels.

[Mr Whippy]

Good to know on warranty!

Not sure why manufacturers don't do this fine cut finish in a layer of metallic paint then lacquer, rather than bare alloy lacquered.

Surely they can get a similar look without bare lacquered alloy?


On powdercoating, isn't wet painting better for longevity?

[sooty61]

MrBurt said:

This is a well known fault on DC wheels and if the car is still in the 3 yr warranty period, then it's a claim and new wheels.

I have this on two of my wheels and had the end of warranty check done a couple of weeks ago and they didn't spot it. It didn't occur to me it would be covered so guess I have missed the boat now

[anonymous-user]

sooty61 said:

I have this on two of my wheels and had the end of warranty check done a couple of weeks ago and they didn't spot it. It didn't occur to me it would be covered so guess I have missed the boat now

Not necessarily. It's such a widespread (across many brands) and understood issue that I would think you'd have a good chance if you claimed.

[paulwirral]

I had that on the rear wheels of a 2 year old 340 , took it in for inspection and BMW very kindly pointed out that one of the fronts also showed a tiny sign of damage and they replaced all 3 under warranty . I thought they would have either re furbished them or told me to do one .

[sooty61]

I have left the car with the dealer and they are going to try and get BMW to approve new wheels. Watch this space.....

[Mr Whippy]

BMW must be idiots to use these finishes.

I couldn't tell on mine (LCI f3x msport ones) till I got really close, like cleaning your wheels close.

Why not just wet paint the lot and have done?

[anonymous-user]

Mr Whippy said:

BMW must be idiots to use these finishes.

I couldn't tell on mine (LCI f3x msport ones) till I got really close, like cleaning your wheels close.

Why not just wet paint the lot and have done?

A fair point but it's not just BMW. Most, if not all, manufacturers have the same issue.

I wouldn't have them again if I could avoid it, which is usually possible.

[CSK423]

Generally it's caused by the centre cap moving within the centre of the wheel and lifting the laquer which allows water in. hence why you notice it around the centre of the alloy and not the outer edges or elsewhere.

I believe BMW will replace under warranty. A friend on the previous 3 series coupe (2/3ryrs ago ?) had 2 wheels replaced through this route for this reason.

[Gunk]

Back in 1991 I had a new Golf GTI 16V with Estoril diamond cut alloy wheels, they were a bloody nightmare, within 3 months they were covered in worm marks where the lacquer lifted, I had two sets replaced under warranty. In the end I gave up and replaced them with a set of regular painted Ronal’s.

BTW I would never powder coat alloy wheels, the powder coating comes off in chunks if they are not correctly prepped. The factory wet paint alloy wheels.

Edited by Gunk on Saturday 11th November 20:52

[sooty61]

BMW have offered to stump up 80% of the cost of two new alloys as there is a little bit of curbing (the mrs drives the car occasionally) so it will cost me £250. I am happy with that so thanks for the timely thread OP