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 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?
Is this a common issue with these caps?
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Apr 17, 2012 at 10:03 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
19 C300
Sounds like it could be galvanic corrosion fairly common with aluminum parts touching another metal...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion
Are you using one of those acidic wheel cleaning products? That could be the culprit as well.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion
Are you using one of those acidic wheel cleaning products? That could be the culprit as well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Atlanta, GA
19 C300
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
My caps are plastic only. I have posted on the w204 forum as well due to sample size there & it seems common. I don't expect it on a garage queen like mine with a mere 14,000 miles on the clock.
I can't vouch for the first 9000 miles on my car so maybe aggressive alkali wheel cleaners had been used. The white spots are almost like a delamination of the coating.
I can't vouch for the first 9000 miles on my car so maybe aggressive alkali wheel cleaners had been used. The white spots are almost like a delamination of the coating.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
I had my set replaced (under warranty) last year for my ML.I spoke to the parts man and he said about every 2 weeks he has a set he has to replace for someone. 
