How can I prevent this (pic inside)

May 19, 2004 | 08:33 PM

wherman

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From: North Shore of Illinois

2001 C320

How can I prevent this (pic inside)

I recently noticed the clear coat/paint on my wheels flaking off. When I was at the dealer the offered (without me asking) to replace them with the same or the new 2005 Sport rims. I went with the latter. However, I still would like to know how to prevent this from happening to the new rims.

http://www.bustedsluts.com/C320/wheels.jpg
[Pic Added] http://www.bustedsluts.com/C320/wheels2.jpg

Any help would be appreciated.

Bill

P.S. I will be posting a pic of the 2005 Sport 17" rims after I get them tomorrow.

Last edited by wherman; May 19, 2004 at 08:38 PM.

May 19, 2004 | 08:43 PM

awiner

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From: Southern California, USA

2003 CL55 AMG

Looks like you, or someone that washes the car has been using some highly acidic solution on the rims to clean them.

May 19, 2004 | 09:50 PM

kaze81

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Mercedes

I agree with what awiner said. Probably it is from the wheel cleaner that you or the person who wash the wheels.

Btw, how did you get the replacement wheels? if you dont mind me asking how much did you pay for replacing?

Thanks and good luck with the new wheels. Post some pics

KZ

May 19, 2004 | 11:20 PM

wherman

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From: North Shore of Illinois

2001 C320

Quote:

Originally posted by kaze81
I agree with what awiner said. Probably it is from the wheel cleaner that you or the person who wash the wheels.

Btw, how did you get the replacement wheels? if you dont mind me asking how much did you pay for replacing?

Thanks and good luck with the new wheels. Post some pics

KZ

The dealer offered to replace them (16") under warranty and then offered the new '05 (17") under warranty as well. So the net was I had to buy tires (which I was due for anyway) which cost $709 from TireRack.com for the Goodyear F1 DS3's (225 front 245 rear). I believe the dealer is going to mount and balance them for free because it was needed anyway if they were swapping out the rims.

Bill

May 19, 2004 | 11:22 PM

wherman

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From: North Shore of Illinois

2001 C320

Quote:

Originally posted by awiner
Looks like you, or someone that washes the car has been using some highly acidic solution on the rims to clean them.

Could be, I bought it used, or is the P.C. term "Pre-Owned". So I don't know what the person did before me.

-Bill

May 19, 2004 | 11:49 PM

awiner

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From: Southern California, USA

2003 CL55 AMG

Quote:

Originally posted by wherman
Could be, I bought it used, or is the P.C. term "Pre-Owned". So I don't know what the person did before me.

-Bill

That probably is the issue. Take good care of your new rims. Wash them right and they will treat you well.

May 20, 2004 | 12:24 AM

kaze81

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From: CA

Mercedes

wherman: wow..you are lucky. I didn't know that the wheels are gonna be cover under the warranty. You got the best deal.

If I were, you then I won't mind to swap to 17" for free

Thanks for the info and good luck with the new wheels.

Btw, I was told to put wax on the behind of the wheels so if you have brake dust it will be easier to clean. I personally haven't tried it but since you will got new wheels probably you could do it. However, I am not really sure if it will work or not. Anybody can verify this?

Thanks
KZ

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May 20, 2004 | 08:59 AM

wherman

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From: North Shore of Illinois

2001 C320

Quote:

Originally posted by FrankW
Congrats on the free swap to the 17" btw. I'm surprised that
the dealer is actually willing to replace a wear product under warranty.

The best part was they acually offered to replace them, I never asked, I asked them how to stop if from getting worse. Then they offered the free "upgrade" to 17". As I've told a few of my friends, they just sold another car.....don't know when and which type but I am def going to buy my next car from them (They also have BMW,Mini, Land Rover, Chrysler). I'll prob stick with the Benz though.

Bill

May 20, 2004 | 01:13 PM

#10

tyro

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From: Philadelphia

BANNED

Solution!!

Stop using a chisle to clean your wheels

May 20, 2004 | 03:03 PM

#11

wherman

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From: North Shore of Illinois

2001 C320

Alright, got the car back a few hours ago. New rims and tires are on and they are pretty sweet. The new tires are VERY different from my worn down stock 16" 225's. The ride is now much more quiet and smooth. I'll post pics when I get a chance to take them.

-Bill