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See attached images. I have some corrosion around the center cap. Its on all of the wheels and has been there since I got it (about 6 months ago). The condition of the wheels other than that is great. I seem to remember reading some others having this issue but never found any suggested solutions (besides warranty replacement by Benz). Anyone else have this issue?Any suggestions on what I can do, besides completely refinishing the wheels? Is it possible to sand that area and blend? Thanks for the help!
This is a product of contaminants getting under the clear coat. The easiest solution would be to have them blasted and resprayed. If not then the corrosion will continue and eventually start pitted the wheel.
Just wanted to give an update. I finally found someone to do my wheels. I was convinced the corrosion could be sanded and clear coat blended without a complete refinish. I drove around my local Benz dealership and found the wheel guy in his box truck they outsource. The corrosion was really bad on all 4 wheels around the center caps. He said he could do it and told me the process. In my mind, the worse case is that they wouldn’t look perfect but better than what they were and I could always completely refinish. So I dropped my car off in the morning and he called me around lunchtime saying they were done! The amount of time it took him also lowered my expectations a bit. Upon arrival, I was beyond surprised and impressed. All of the corrosion was gone and I couldn’t even tell it was there before. Everything looked solid, smooth, and blended perfectly. Oh yeah, he also fixed minor curb rash I had on all four wheels that the previous owner did. All of this. All four wheels. For $150!!! Is it as good as a complete refinish? No. Will it last? No idea. But this car gets garaged, stays clean, and rarely sees rain so I’ll see how they hold up. Best $150 I’ve ever spent. I know this is issue is relatively common so hopefully this post will help some others when dealing with this issue. Other places wanted $1000+ and would take a week+.
I would say, no more than $150 - 200 per wheel. For the price, you might want to consider buying new aftermarket wheels.
I bought a rough set of W210 E55 wheels for my wagon. I had them fully restored and it cost me $860 out the door IIRC. That included straightening (all were bent), removing all the rash and having them powder coated the original silver color with polished lips. They weren't perfect when done, but were 99% there (a few tiny blemishes in the powder coat). This was at one of the most well known places for doing this work in this area. Turn around time was 2 days.
That is a great deal and the wheels looks fantastic! The gray does look darker than usual though, have these wheels been refinished before to your knowledge?
That is a great deal and the wheels looks fantastic! The gray does look darker than usual though, have these wheels been refinished before to your knowledge?
I don’t believe so? You mean the charcoal grey inside the spokes right? All of the e63 wheels I’ve seen look the same. It was a really cloudy and rainy day plus I have black caps so maybe it makes them look darker?
Just wanted to give an update. I finally found someone to do my wheels. I was convinced the corrosion could be sanded and clear coat blended without a complete refinish. I drove around my local Benz dealership and found the wheel guy in his box truck they outsource. The corrosion was really bad on all 4 wheels around the center caps. He said he could do it and told me the process. In my mind, the worse case is that they wouldn’t look perfect but better than what they were and I could always completely refinish. So I dropped my car off in the morning and he called me around lunchtime saying they were done! The amount of time it took him also lowered my expectations a bit. Upon arrival, I was beyond surprised and impressed. All of the corrosion was gone and I couldn’t even tell it was there before. Everything looked solid, smooth, and blended perfectly. Oh yeah, he also fixed minor curb rash I had on all four wheels that the previous owner did. All of this. All four wheels. For $150!!! Is it as good as a complete refinish? No. Will it last? No idea. But this car gets garaged, stays clean, and rarely sees rain so I’ll see how they hold up. Best $150 I’ve ever spent. I know this is issue is relatively common so hopefully this post will help some others when dealing with this issue. Other places wanted $1000+ and would take a week+.
Wow, I'm impressed. Would love to know what he did to it. I have the same problem with my wheels..!
Wow, I'm impressed. Would love to know what he did to it. I have the same problem with my wheels..!
don’t quote me on this but I want to say that he said he sanded them down, used a liquid metal of sorts to blend/protect, then clear.
Drive around a local Benz dealership ( or any dealer really) and look for a box truck that may or may not say wheel repair on them. Ask them for a cash deal. They all have them to my knowledge.
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