Watchdog: Rusty alloys in a fix

VW have the same problem

I had a similar problem with a 2 year old passat. Corrosion had got under the laquer and the wheel edges turned black. I showed it to VW and there was no interest and told me it wasn't part of there anti corrosion protection.

I now in the market for a 4x4 and they have lost the sale of a 40k Toureg because of the poor customer service, I'll go back to BMW who have always been good in the past.

By ChrisNI on 1 February, 2012, 9:22am

A problem for years

I have had a few Merc`s now as company cars and all have had corroded wheels. With all of them Merc didn’t want to know. I didn`t put wheel acid on them and non were damaged.

When I spoke to one of the senior mechanics in private I was told that it is due to the lack of preparation in the cleaning and dipping of the alloys before they are sprayed. He also said that the wheel nuts are always to tight out of the factory and so damage the lacquer around the holes.

By Nickpks on 1 February, 2012, 2:22pm

£5 car wash

It can also be caused by visiting your local £5 hand car wash companies, that have sprung up all over the place.
I have seen it happen many times on wheels by people who visit these places. The use very strong chemicals, some use a truck type wash on the wheels of cars they clean. They do get rid of all the crap on the wheels quickly, but they also strip away any wax or protective layer.

By hotredman on 1 February, 2012, 3:07pm

Mercedes have poor customer service never again....

I've had Mercedes for over 20 years but my next car will be a BMW or Audi.

I've just had enough of Mercedes customer service they're arrogant and never admit when components are failing everything from wire corrosion to leaky inlet manifolds every one I’ve owned since 2001 has been a dog.
Mercedes parts used to be cheaper than the competition but now they’re amongst the most expensive.
The hourly workshop rate is eye wateringly high too.

Since Mercedes when mainstream making the A class B class etc they’ve become no better than Ford and that’s an insult to Ford who’s Focus is better than any current Mercedes.

Buy Audi or BMW if only for the higher level of customer service I did and I’m much happier now.

By the2beard on 2 February, 2012, 7:57am

Merc were good to me

I think a lot depends upon the dealer. In my case, Mercedes Oxford took pictures of the alloys on my E class estate and told me my particular alloy was known to have issues. Two days later, I received a call asking when they could fit new alloys. I waited until the next service. Totally painless. This was in March 2007 so things may well have changed since then. On the flip side, the same dealer offered me a dreadful PX deal on a new C class. I now have a VW Golf. Half the size, half the price but twice the fun.

By Norton on 2 February, 2012, 8:25am

Mercedes have to be challenged

I had exactly the same experience with a C220 CDi Sport as Karl with my 2008 saloon. After getting the lease company involved Mercedes did eventually replace all four wheels. This is a common problem with these sport 17"style wheels.

By scundy on 2 February, 2012, 8:45am

Strange no-one has mentioned the kings of Customer Service?

All this mention of moving to BMW or Audi and no-one has mentioned Lexus. If customer service is your thing then you can stop looking right there. Have owned BMW and MB cars in the past but grew tired of the poor service. Other car was a Lexus and really highlighted the difference.

For example the RX was in for a service and they just said on returning the car they noticed some corrosion on the alloys so replaced them. Now you can't get better than that!

Needless to say both cars are from Lexus now.

By Valkirk on 2 February, 2012, 9:22am

5 quid car wash

agree with hotredman.....these guys generallly are only there to make money and have no idea what damage they are doing to your car with the gunk they pour into a bucket and i suggest all the vital steering parts /suspension are getting ruined after years of attack...you get what you pay for in life

By bluequake on 2 February, 2012, 10:16am

Protect if possible...

Sounds like M-B have same issues as Audis I had for years - very poor alloy finish quality. Last 2 BMWs I have had are significant difference - also that the alloys are enammelled right through to the rear rim unlike my RS4 and RS6.

Now always use the same wash and wax for the wheels as the used on the body (after doing the body) and then let dry and spray with dedicated wheel wax and wipe over - maks huge difference next time to cleaning off the brake dust/road dirt. You can just feel the alloys soaking up the wax. Also if wheel design has wide spaced spokes, try and wash all way through to rear of the rim - tedious but pays off in the long run - even dealer noted it recently. Never use supermarket washers or car-washes which wreck the paint and fail to wash wheels properly

By reddo on 2 February, 2012, 11:41am

Forget the Germans - Lexus are the best

I had the same issue with my Merc several years ago, and couldn't get any joy out of the dealer despite being in warranty. I'm now on my second Lexus and won't buy anything else. My first IS had corrosion on the wheels, and they were replaced no questions asked. My latest IS hasn't had any problems, so it looks like the manufacturer upped the wheel spec.

By justinfb on 2 February, 2012, 12:14pm

I have a Fiat Grande Punto Sporting (2006). When the car turned one year old I noticed bubbles on all four wheels. Fiat UK replaced them free of charge, no buts no ifs. Good to see the Italians offering superior customer service than the mighty Germans!

By ganthopoulos on 2 February, 2012, 6:55pm

AUDI

I had both doors on my A3 rusting from inside but according to AUDI it was a bad paint job so since it was over the 4 years warranty they wouldn't fix The 11 year anti corrosion warranty didn't apply. The eventually paid 2/3 of the cost as a "good will" payment. Warranties are a joke.

By alanh64 on 2 February, 2012, 7:33pm

German cars - No thanks.

I drive a Honda Accord and have had absolutely no problems of any description with this or previous Hondas. Honda service has always been fantastic at reasonable prices. They always come at or near the top of customer satisfaction and reliability surveys. You can keep your German snob badged cars, I'll keep to my BRITISH built Honda's.

By Sharp on 2 February, 2012, 9:23pm

Rusty?

Surely your experts know that aluminium alloy can not rust. Rust is a problem specific to iron and its alloys.

By mikeo on 5 February, 2012, 1:31pm

mr I Geddes

I think mazda deserve a pat in the back my last mazda 6 was just coming up for three years mot when the garage told me that they had noticed rust pits on my alloys mazda replaced all four wheels without any problems top marks

By iggy49 on 7 February, 2012, 7:20pm