Alloy Wheel Lacquer bubbling

[Greengerkin]

Hi all,

I have a 6 year old 1 series, that I have owned approved used for just over 3 years.
When going to clean the wheels last weekend I have noticed that the lacquer and paint is bubbling on a couple of the spokes and especially around the centre caps. This is happening to all of the wheels.
They do have some kerb damage on a couple, but even those without damage are experiencing this.
Does anyone have any experience as to whether this should be covered at all?

Thanks

[Sheepshanks]

Yes it should.

[Fox-]

I can't imagine the wheels are covered for corrosion on a 6 year old car?

[Locknut]

Of course it depends on the terms of the warranty. I got a complete set of new wheels when my car was just under three years old. The problem was bubbling paint.

[rog007]

It's quite common.

The response from different marques and indeed dealers within the same marque will vary.

Only way to find out is to ask.

If you have a good relationship and history with the dealer you may get a better response (e.g new set of wheels under warranty) and if you don't then the best you could hope for is a cheap & cheerful refurb. Or they may just say sorry, it's what happens to wheels.

Good luck and do let us know how you get on

[NelsonM3]

You have a bodywork corrosion warranty. Not an alloy wheel corrosion warranty.

[sooty61]

I have the same on my 330 which is less than 3 years old. I wouldn't even consider going back to the dealer - why would they care now? They didn't when I bought the car

[Greengerkin]

Thanks everyone. I will update however I'm not hopefully

[rog007]

sooty61 said:

I have the same on my 330 which is less than 3 years old. I wouldn't even consider going back to the dealer - why would they care now? They didn't when I bought the car

Under 3 years old and evidence of a good service history and care and attention with the car should see a positive response from a reputable dealer. If not, involve both the dealer principal or the manufacturer itself. It can't harm to ask.

[anonymous-user]

rog007 said:

Under 3 years old and evidence of a good service history and care and attention with the car should see a positive response from a reputable dealer. If not, involve both the dealer principal or the manufacturer itself. It can't harm to ask.

I would agree. Our SLK went in for a service and it's first MOT on Thursday. I pointed out corrosion under the laquer around the centre caps. Quite clear on the front wheels, tiny amount on the rears, one of which has slight kerb damage to the rim.

The dealer took pictures to send off to MB warranty, called me yesterday and the car is going in next Thursday for 4 new wheels and centre caps.

Are BMW worse than Mercedes in this respect?

[Earthdweller]

I'm just about to take my two year old X3 in to the dealer as the Alloys have started to lose their top layer

Interesting to see what they say

[Fox-]

Earthdweller said:

I'm just about to take my two year old X3 in to the dealer as the Alloys have started to lose their top layer

Interesting to see what they say

I have the same problem on mine but sadly I'm going to get nowhere as it's only happening on the one wheel the dealer did a crap refurb job on - without me realising - on a 1 year old car. Sigh.

All the wheels with the factory finish are perfect, the refurbed one has a far less durable finish and has picked up loads of stone chips which are now causing laquer peel. Presumably this will be blamed on external damage even though its clear the factory finish - which I was reasonable to expect to be present on an 11 month old car - is far more durable and has thus resisted minor stone impact.

[Sheepshanks]

REALIST123 said:

I pointed out corrosion under the laquer around the centre caps.

I had that on daughter's very basic Golf that VW bizarrely fitted diamond cut alloys to. Dealer first they said they weren't bad enough to change, then insisted someone had tried to nick the centre caps. Complained to VW and they said the dealers decision is final.