Bigglen1

So, I'm cleaning my wheels and notice a spot of dirt that won't come off. I realize it won't come off because it's "under" the clear coat! I found a half dollar size of the clear coat had peeled off right next to the center MB Star on the wheel. The dirt was getting under the clear coat at the border of the missing patch.
I figured it was obvious that it was not caused by any sort of impact or mishandling on my part in any way. I considered it a manufacturer's defect. Factory finish of the AMG wheel should not fall off. No?
Luckily the service advisor did not give me a problem. But, only after CLOSELY examining the wheel and consulting with his boss. They are offering to refinish the wheel. He said it would be a "one-time" good faith remedy. Personally. I was hoping for a quick and easy replacement new wheel. They will give me a loaner because it might take a few days.

Is there anything I should watch out for with his offer to have it "refinished"?

Comments, concerns?

CEB

So, I'm a bit confused about the way you started your post but how old is the wheel? How many miles?

Good for you that they'll refinish it but It shouldn't take more than a few hours to refinish.

Bigglen1

Its the OEM AMG wheel pkg. on a 2012 W212 with 10k miles on it. There is a very thick clear coat on these wheels. (similar to a polyurethane on a table top).

greasykid

This type of wheel repair is nothing special. A good wheel repair specialist will make it like new. I have had wheel repairs on several of my MB's over the years. Most dealers will have an outside vendor do the work.

Bigglen1

I dropped off the car to have the finish on the AMG wheel repaired. Here is what the defect looks like before refinishing.

C230Brit

I think the response from Mercedes is pretty standard. My wife's GLK has the wheel and tire protection plan. When I took her car in and had the rims repaired (scuff marks and curb rash) they re-finished the set - but then we had paid for that 'service'.

I think you got a decent response from them give. The scenario. I wouldn't be too disappointed.

Bigglen1

Yes, I am satisfied. Well, as long as it come outs as expected.

CEB

That's external damage caused by somebody going nuts with an impact wrench to take a lug off.

Bigglen1

There isn't any evidence of hard contact or tool marks indicating any externally caused damage. The dark round marks you see is discoloration caused by moisture seeping under the clear coat where it is continuing to separate from the surface of the wheel.
That's why the dealership is covering the repair under warrantee. If the Svc Advisor suspected it was damage due to even the slightest negligence I'd be paying for it.

Bigglen1

The wheel guy did a good job.

pinipig523

Congrats on the fixed wheel. Looks good.

BenzV12

Good to see, happy for you
You can't tell there was a damage there

norcal_cyclist

That's what I thought but what's the surface feel like?

CEB

Based on the half moon shapes it sure looks like impact damage.

Impact damage on wheels can be deceptive. Often, an impact near the lugs may cause clearcoat damage that is hard to see but may allow moisture to penetrate and cause the visible damage.

Bigglen1

The surface was smooth and clean. Just missing patch of clear coat. Some moisture pooled under the surface at the edge of the exposed patch. That's where you see the roundish gray splotches in my original pics. There were no dents or scratches. If there were, the SA would have told me to get lost in a New York second when I asked for warrantee coverage.