Glyn M Ruck

I'm posting here due to the W204 sample size on this forum.

I have just bought a new set of wheel caps for my CLK. The present OE articles have developed white (corrosion?) marks around the outer silver ring.

Is this a common issue with these caps?

.

keith100

Unfortunately, it appears so. Mine have corroded, showing white spots.

Domm

I have those same stops as well. I thought someone scratched them but I was curious about how it ended up on the caps and not the rim. Not sure what I can do.. I think i've read some articles about using vinegar to wash it off but no idea if it worked.

snarlingchicken

For me it's the hood badge that's been getting worn out. I might get a new one from JBSpeed in the coming months.

Uluahunter

I've noticed the corrosion on my stock center caps also. It's disappointing that something like this would happen on a MB. Oh well, it's an excuse to look for new rims.....errr, I mean new caps, LOL.

Sportstick

Perhaps to confirm the obvious, my wheels were taken off after about the first year and have been in storage. Protected from the elements, the center caps still appear new. Maybe a clear coat of Krylon on the new set may help?

Glyn M Ruck

Thanks all - I wondered whether the use of aggressive alkali wheel cleaners had anything to do with it.

Good idea Sportstick.

C300Sport

My caps are developing "cloudy" spots. This seems to be an issue under the paint as the finish seems to be in perfect condition. It's more like moisture or delamination.
I noticed a few small spots a couple years back but they are now multiplying and growing. I assume this is a warranty issue as it is not on the surface, therfore not directly affected by washing/waxing?? Anyone have theirs replaced under warranty?
Anyhow, on my last visit before the warranty expires, I will ask for a new set.

Glyn M Ruck

You explain the condition well. It is like a delamination. I don't expect it on a garage queen like mine with a mere 14,000 miles on the clock.

Glyn M Ruck

Some have suggested to me that this is galvanic attack due to the steel expansion ring on older caps. Anyone know whether their caps are old with expansion ring or new with plastic clips only?

C300Sport

Mine only have the three plastic tabs with no metal ring.

mhad2480

I just ordered these http://www.ebay.com/itm/150750749919...ht_3434wt_1396 for my 19's. They have a black background behind the wreath, but the stock blue ones are also available. If you guys are unable to clean up your caps, they are pretty affordable to replace. I can let you know about quality when they arrive if anyone is interested.

Uluahunter

Did you install these yet? Curious to know if you were able to remove the OEM caps without removing the entire wheel from the car.

C300Sport

If you have a good quality suction cup, you can likely pop the non-ringed OEM caps off without removal. I have my doubts if they will come out if you have the metal rings though.
I only have 4" and 6" suction cups, otherwise I would have given it a try.

mhad2480

They finally showed up the other day. When I was messing with my stock wheels, I was able to get the center caps out with a fine bladed flat head screwdriver with no issues. I tried it yesterday on my new rims and wasn't able to get the center cap out since they sit more flush than the stock ones, almost recessed. Granted, I didn't spend to much time since I am taking my rims off next week I'll just swap the caps then. I don't really think a suction cup would work too well since the caps don't have a very flat surface.

Uluahunter

I checked my OEM caps today...I don't think suction cups will work, the three point star is slightly raised on the surface, thus not providing a truly flat surface to work with. Thanks though!

After looking more closely at my OEM caps today, I tried the same thing you did and used a jeweler's flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the cap, worked without a hitch. I would suggest to anyone trying this same method to apply a layer of masking tape to the head of the screwdriver (leaving enough leeway for the driver to still squeeze in), before prying the cap off. The cap can be removed without the tape, but there's a risk of scratching your rims.

Glyn M Ruck

Yes - Their are two distinctive cap designs. One that has a smooth slightly convex surface & encapsulated in poly carbonate or similar as fitted to e.g. SL's and our 3D cap with the raised star.

Hk91308

Reviving this to see what's everyone experiences on the causes if any not mentioned here already.. I just noticed various areas of "white spots" along the outer edges of my center caps on my 13' E350

At first glance they would look like some residue from a something similar to armor all spray, e.g. Cloudy white spot in appearance , then further inspection confirms that they are under the clear coat of the center caps.

Anyone have luck on warranty replacements to date?

Many thanks as always everyone..

MB Marko

I didn't try to get them replace under warranty but I bought a set from an rim shop for $25. They had about 5 different styles of Mercedes caps, I'm sure other shops sell them as well.

Hk91308

Thanks Marko, I'm curious on how my spots look like some residue in appearance vs being tarnished or appearing like Water spot stains. Quite strange that they appear like this cloudy white spots under the clear coat and uniform and flat in the surface.

Good to know that they are a cheap replacement part nevertheless

97 GSX 97

Every car has its flaws. Even $200k cars. This issue is very minor.

Demvang

This was one of my first modifications. Just did not like this style of caps.

xEryx

My caps had this issue as well. The bigger issue is this white corrosion transfers into the clear coat of the rims and cause the rims to get corroded as well. My diamond cut 18' AMG's had corrosion all around the caps.

Hk91308

Thanks, great info to know about the corrosion transfer. My car and wheels are coated with a ceramic coating - CP PRO, but that being said I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow for other service and address this.

If they replace the center caps under warranty that's great, which they should but if not at least they are cheap parts to replace out of pocket.

xEryx

The issue is not the face of the wheel, the issue is it transfers through the inside of the hub where the cap sits which has very minimal clear coat protection. Highly recommend changing them if they are corroded at all.