AMG wheel oxidation and CAC fail
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
c 350
AMG wheel oxidation and CAC fail
I have a 2009 C350 with the offset AMG wheels. These wheels are showing visible oxidation at the hub. The car has 44000 on it. I've had it since about 100 miles. I live in Florida. MB's rep is telling the dealer that they don't warrant the wheels that have had damage from external sources. How in blue blazes can I damage the periphery of the hole in the center of the wheel where the cap fits and not the rest of the wheel? The rep left the dealership without any explanation as to how this is possible, only that they're not covering it. My contention is that they were either improperly clear coated or cast and that the oxidation has just now manifested itself.
The story improves. When MB customer service was contacted for clarification, Jen K, a rep there, parroted the exact same answer. I was looking for some logical reasoning. I thanked her for listening, she is well trained, and asked her to reduce their finding to paper and she told me she could not do that. After making a real point of telling me the conversation would be recorded from the beginning she could not write it out and sign it. What?...Why?...She contends that generally they don't see this oxidation pattern in cars with this much mileage. Generally...huh. Odd. She said they might be willing to grind and repaint the wheels. I have a decent full frame camera, a macro lens and a ringflash. I'll be posting photos.
Anyone else out there seen this? I'd appreciate a little clarity/help on this issue.
Thanks for reading this post, Snapshackle
The story improves. When MB customer service was contacted for clarification, Jen K, a rep there, parroted the exact same answer. I was looking for some logical reasoning. I thanked her for listening, she is well trained, and asked her to reduce their finding to paper and she told me she could not do that. After making a real point of telling me the conversation would be recorded from the beginning she could not write it out and sign it. What?...Why?...She contends that generally they don't see this oxidation pattern in cars with this much mileage. Generally...huh. Odd. She said they might be willing to grind and repaint the wheels. I have a decent full frame camera, a macro lens and a ringflash. I'll be posting photos.
Anyone else out there seen this? I'd appreciate a little clarity/help on this issue.
Thanks for reading this post, Snapshackle
Last edited by snapshackle; Sep 21, 2012 at 07:03 PM. Reason: there needs to be they are. didn't catch it before
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
The chemical composition of the sandy soil in Florida is very aggressive. That's why only scrub pines are so prevalent in the state. It is possible that the turbulence of your rims has a "null" spot in the center, and that is why these tiny particles of contaminated sand accumulate and attack your rims.
If you do get your rims renewed, remember to hose them off every couple of days, this is a good tip for anyone living in sandy or costal geographies.
If you do get your rims renewed, remember to hose them off every couple of days, this is a good tip for anyone living in sandy or costal geographies.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
First, remove the cap and see if there is dampness or more corrosion underneath. If the cap is metallic, perhaps the difference in composition has caused an electrolytic reaction, such as between steel and copper or aluminum (a common problem in plumbing).
If you are worried about the cosmetic appearance, suggested is applying a tarnish remover, then trying to rub it out with an abrasive polish such as Brasso. If the corrosion is too hard for this, then use between No 180 to 320 grit wet oxide sandpaper with Brasso or water to gently grind this off. The apply wax to slow the return of the corrosion.
However I am agreement with you this shouldnt happen on a Mercedes Benz product. Not in less than 4 years, anyway. Try to get the MB dealer to remedy this first, my local dealer service department would. MB rims are sourced from several suppliers, and MB should be interested that these wheels, some very expensive, corrode.
I have attached a resized and sharpened image showing the worst part next to the cap. Best of luck!
If you are worried about the cosmetic appearance, suggested is applying a tarnish remover, then trying to rub it out with an abrasive polish such as Brasso. If the corrosion is too hard for this, then use between No 180 to 320 grit wet oxide sandpaper with Brasso or water to gently grind this off. The apply wax to slow the return of the corrosion.
However I am agreement with you this shouldnt happen on a Mercedes Benz product. Not in less than 4 years, anyway. Try to get the MB dealer to remedy this first, my local dealer service department would. MB rims are sourced from several suppliers, and MB should be interested that these wheels, some very expensive, corrode.
I have attached a resized and sharpened image showing the worst part next to the cap. Best of luck!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
c 350
Thank you for the input. I was stunned at the dismissive attitude I encountered from the MB rep. I agree with you that this appears to be electrolysis, which should not have occurred if the wheels were properly made. Perhaps the hub is making a bare metal to metal contact with the wheels and this is the result. This is common in a marine environment where a bronze or aluminum fitting is not carefully fastened with stainless. Seen it before. But never on wheels. Thank you again
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
@snapshackle_ Thanks and actually I have a lot of experience on a SEM (scanning electron microscope) in metallurgy, looking at alpha-gamma boundaries in brass where the nickel and copper repel each other and migrate, causing the crystalized effect on old doorknobs, etc.
This is not similar, but does show foreign oxides creeping into the metal of the rim and all your photos shows that the hub is the source point. But this may be also just contact chemical corrosion. In any case make a tempest at your MB dealer anyway.
This is not similar, but does show foreign oxides creeping into the metal of the rim and all your photos shows that the hub is the source point. But this may be also just contact chemical corrosion. In any case make a tempest at your MB dealer anyway.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
c 350
thanks for the reply. Puzzling, I know. Evasive, I agree. I have a call into the sales manager and the repair manager per Acapulco Bill's suggestion, yet to hear back from them. I think the photos are clear that there is something amiss, and denial of a defect is not what I would have expected from MBUSA. Keep an I on your wheels, or from the conversation I had with Jen K at their customer service dept (CAC), any corrosion before 12000 miles rolls by.
