When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have a 2024 with 20 inch wheels. I was washing the car yesterday and noticed a discoloration on a couple of the wheels. Upon further inspection, there seems to be an overspray of some sort with a rough texture on parts of the wheels. When I scrape it a bit with my fingernail, it does have a metallic flake. The paint underneath is shiny and smooth. Any thoughts? It doesn't seem to be flaking or bubbling anywhere. I attached a couple of pictures.
Your wheels were previously repaired. Was your car bought new? Mine was new and I too have one wheel that the dealer repaired prior to selling the car to me. The flaking is the repair failing.,
I bought it used so I'm not sure if they were repaired. I don't understand how the material that's wearing off is more of a matte, rough texture but underneath and most of the wheel is shiny and smooth.
They were definitely repaired, I can tell by the edge in the picture, you can see that they were sanded and repainted.
The paint that is flaking is more "matte" because it wasn't sanded down and polished after it was sprayed, the paint underneath is shiny and smooth because it is the original paint and they didn't scuff it up before painting, thats why the paint is failing.
You could try and polish off that flaking paint, might look better.
Do you think they most likely repaired curb rash? The edges on all 4 wheels look fine. I'm afraid to scrape anything off in case it makes anything worse. I'm hoping it doesn't affect resale down the road.
Thanks for the help. I'm not familiar with wheel repair. If they were fixing curb rash in certain areas, what would they have spayed on with a matte texture in other areas?
Thanks for the help. I'm not familiar with wheel repair. If they were fixing curb rash in certain areas, what would they have spayed on with a matte texture in other areas?
It’s because it was poorly done. They just sprayed the whole area without it being directed to the area where it was damaged
Any tips on what I can use to remove the excess paint? Or, maybe let it all eventually wear off? Perhaps it would come off easily since it clearly didn't bond properly.
I'm with Steve; call around to a couple of dealers (doesn't have to be Mercedes) and ask them where they get their wheels repaired and bring your car to them. They'll know the best shops in town.Over the years I've used a local wheel repair guy here in Atlanta - you're likely looking at about $100 per wheel - money well spent.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
