Warranty issue with corroded wheels.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
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From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Warranty issue with corroded wheels.
Two wheels started to corrode a little in the center of the wheels about a year after I got the car. I brought it to the attention of the dealer and they ignored it. Now the corroded area is much bigger and yesterday when I had the car in for TSB service, I pointed to the service mgr. again. To make a long story short, I contacted the cutomers service of MB as suggested by the service mgr, the MB rep called me back a few hours later and repeated the same crap as the dealer stating I must have used an acid cleaner that attack the wheels! Nobody sells an acid product because it will dissolve aluminum. I use a brush to clean the wheels, no cleaner at all.
What's the next step? I understand I can request a MB rep to look at the car, but how do I do it? Many thanks in advance.
What's the next step? I understand I can request a MB rep to look at the car, but how do I do it? Many thanks in advance.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
What's the next step? I understand I can request a MB rep to look at the car, but how do I do it?
Was anything documented the first time you brought it to the dealership’s attention (i.e.: invoice notation)? And I assume you’re still under warranty, correct?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
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From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Originally Posted by konigstiger
First, request that the dealership service manager arrange to have the MBUSA SPOM meet with you at the dealership to inspect the vehicle. If he refuses, contact MBUSA CAC and request that they arrange the meet. If both refuse, PM me!
Was anything documented the first time you brought it to the dealership’s attention (i.e.: invoice notation)? And I assume you’re still under warranty, correct?
Was anything documented the first time you brought it to the dealership’s attention (i.e.: invoice notation)? And I assume you’re still under warranty, correct?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
What's SPOM & CAC?
CAC = MBUSA Customer Assistance Center
When you meet with the SPOM be sure to have a copy of the first time invoice its date might be the deciding factor.
Last edited by konigstiger; Jul 25, 2006 at 03:09 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Cambridge, UK
2005 W169 A150
on a vaguely related note, our 1-yr old 'A' class (W169) was in for its first service last week, and the dealership (here in the UK) brought the corroded alloys to our attention - we'd not noticed - and told us they would replace all 4 wheels under warranty, which they've just done. Different country, I know, but an interesting parallel.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
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From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Originally Posted by calum
on a vaguely related note, our 1-yr old 'A' class (W169) was in for its first service last week, and the dealership (here in the UK) brought the corroded alloys to our attention - we'd not noticed - and told us they would replace all 4 wheels under warranty, which they've just done. Different country, I know, but an interesting parallel.
Believe me, what happened to you has never happened to me yet, and I have owned quite a few new cars so far. I don't forsee it happening any time soon! My experience with MB dealers is they are experts of making assumptions of what you did to your car.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 157
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From: Michigan, USA
2018 S450, 2019 Range Rover LWB, 2015 Range Rover, 2019 S560 Cabriolet (awaiting delivery)
Unrelated to my (and your) w211, but on my previous ML320, the dealer replaced all four rims and lug bolts just prior to the expiration of the 4yr/50,000 mile warranty due to corrosion based only a suggestion from me. It can (and has) been done by some dealers. Perhaps you could try suggesting that the corrosion could cause rim failure and turn the issue into a safety question. Ask them to document your safety concern on your vehicle documentation.
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From: Birmingham, AL
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
Nobody sells an acid product because it will dissolve aluminum.
http://www.eagleone.com/pages/produc...=1001&cat=5006
http://www.thomasregister.com/olc/73803249/wheel.htm (Make lots of private label products)
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From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
Im pretty sure MOST wheel cleaners use some sort of acid or related corrosive material? Do you have a picture of your wheels?
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
My experience with MB dealers is they are experts of making assumptions of what you did to your car.
