Deterioration of center Blue Laurel wheel caps
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Deterioration of center Blue Laurel wheel caps
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?
.
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?
.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: San Francisco
'08 Mercedes C300
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.
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Joined: May 2011
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2008 C300 Lux
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.
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
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?
Thread Starter
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Thanks all - I wondered whether the use of aggressive alkali wheel cleaners had anything to do with it.
Good idea Sportstick.
Good idea Sportstick.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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?
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
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From: Monterey Bay
2011 C300 Sport, 2007 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
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.
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2008 C300 Lux
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.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
I only have 4" and 6" suction cups, otherwise I would have given it a try.
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From: Monterey Bay
2011 C300 Sport, 2007 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
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.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 36
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2008 C300 Lux
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.
Thread Starter
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
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.
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 152
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04' CLK, 09 997.2 GTS, 22 992 C4S
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.
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.
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..
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From: London ON Canada
2012 C300 4Matic Sport Sedan
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..
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..
Member
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04' CLK, 09 997.2 GTS, 22 992 C4S
Good to know that they are a cheap replacement part nevertheless
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From: Perkasie, PA
2014 C300 Sport
Super Member
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From: PA
2019 E63s AMG
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.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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04' CLK, 09 997.2 GTS, 22 992 C4S
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.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 885
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From: PA
2019 E63s AMG
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.
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.
