I've owned a 300crd since April 2006 and have only had one problem. After 18 months I had all 4 wheels changed under warranty because of corrosion around the centre of the wheels. The alloy turned white and was uneven to the touch. I've now noticed the exact same problem is effecting these wheels too.
Whenever possible I've checked other 300C's and all of any age also seem to have the same problem, which seems to indicate I'm not just unlucky.
I intend to go back to the dealer to complain even though the car is now out of warranty but I'm not sure how I stand. I'd obviously like to be prepared before contacting the dealer so I'd really like to here from anyone with a similar story.
The car has done K17 miles and is garaged the majority of the time it is not in use.
Thanks
Edited by Pugugly on 22/02/2009 at 18:35
|
It happens on an awful lot of alloys, not just Chrysler, especially Jap and German cars in my experience. I was cleaning a year old TT the other day and its already bubbling up.
Do the wheels have a polished surface? These tend to be worst affected - our Sirion has the spokes with a polished surface and I clean them weekly as brake dust seems to increase the likelyhood of faults appearing.
As a valeter, my advice, take it on the chin, it happens alot.
|
Agree with Stu, i've delivered brand new cars (been stored some time) with this happening.
You've got machine cut and lacquered wheels, these always go the same way, MB's notably, but as Stu observes other makes are going for the same finish with similar results.
If you intend to keep the car, the only long term cure is to get the wheels shot blasted and painted with one of the new chrome effect paints, very close to the finish you now have and will last years, assuming you don't kerb one..says he who knows all about kerbing nice wheels.;)
Arn't these wheels a pita.
Edit, have you tried the dealer for another warranty set?
Edited by gordonbennet on 21/02/2009 at 17:44
|
Thanks for the prompt and helpful replies.
I still can't help feeling a bit put out as I would not have expected anything like this to happen so quickly with a car that's had such an easy life. The corrosion is always in the exact same place so in my opinion it seems to be a manufacturing fault, and one which should be possible to sort.
I intend to keep the car, partly because I really like it and secondly with things as they are at the moment I'd take a pretty big hit on it if I part exed it.
As I said in my first posting, I am going to try and get another replacement set from the dealer but I don't know what my legal rights are now the car is out of warranty. I'd really like to hear from anyone who could advise me on this one.
|
It's a marketing ploy, to make you do this to your car...
tinyurl.com/aznpyf
VB
|
Some of this is to do with the way the wheel is cast/machined. Especially round the mucky side. If you have a 90degree sharp edge it holds little paint. Bit of a nick and the moisture is in. Rounded edges on the other hand hold more paint and deflect passing debris.
|
Thanks once again for the replies
Fullchat
What you are saying seems to make sense as this corrosion seems to start right on the 90 deg. edge round the very centre of the wheel and spreads out from there. However I would have thought this would be the least likey place to get damaged and hence allow moisture in. I've now had 8 wheels with the rice pudding splatter effect and have seen four or five other cars with the exact same problem.
Vansboy
I wish I had the cash to do it mate.
|
I contacted the dealers today and they have agreed to replace all the wheels again under warranty. There is a two year warranty on all parts replaced under warranty.
They also said there is a massive problem with the wheels on this model. They have many customers who are already onto their third set. Chrysler seem quite happy to change your wheels every 15 months or so.
I'm not sure if this problem effects other Chrysler models but it may pay owners to check their cars asap.
|
Result BW. In theory this could continue for years to come.
Thanks for updating us, hope the car continues to please.
|
|
|
