XSeries-forum

Amongst other problems we had recently (sunroof and water ingress for example), all four of ours are being changed having had three done at Christmas 2012.

There appears to be a problem with these 20" wheels and regardless of the fact Chandlers suggested last week it's all 'internet forum chit chat' they've obviously decided it is a problem - 4 wheels replaced next week (so now 7 in total) and that isn't a cheap fix.

Bit like my M wheels then, I got those replaced twice as well.

The last one they told me were the German manufactured ones, whilst the first two sets were the US made one of the same model. The paint was just not the same.

Glad to see the polished alloy lacquer issue is still alive and kicking.
This stretches back over ten years to the E46 M3. They also had polished alloy with lacquer which used to suffer water ingress, turn milky white and then peel off.
The only permanent fix is to have them painted.

While mines under warranty I'll get BMW to replace them, after that I think I'll paint them black.

I had the same problem on a Toyota Celica, a Mitsubishi L200, lacquer on a bare turned or polished surface won't last and the only long term solution is to have the whole wheel powder coated.

Took car in for final checks of the wheels. Given 520D loan car and hour later got call from dealer. Guy from Paint shop had checked depth of paint on wheels and these had been sent to BMW. They have approved the replacement of all 4 wheels even though only 3 had been requested. Great result!! Only problem is they are on 10 days delivery but then having waited so long another couple of weeks wont be a problem.

I know this is a well known issue but I have a question.

My X5 is a March 2013 car. It's never seen road salt but about a month ago I noticed corrosion on one wheel. Now this on a £50k plus car is a disgrace. The wheels will be replaced (I'm sure/I hope) but this will happen every year righ up until the warranty stops. Now I intend to keep the car 4 years and then sell on a pristine condition car. How can I do that with corroded wheels? I won't get a new set 4 or 5 times over but why should I put up with this?
What would be the chances or getting BMW to replace the wheels with the new X5 alloys or the alloys from the X5M?

Just thinking about it before I take this up with them.

If they can't get the coating right then they'll have to go on replacing them, and the new ones should keep coming with a two year warranty.

The issue at present is whether or not they have any in the UK, because there's a major parts shortage meaning anything from Germany is unlikely to appear for weeks yet!

Richard

It seems strange that the manufacturer continues to produce vehicles with diamond cut wheels if they have no longevity.  I can only assume in certain countries they don't see the same degradation due to weather conditions etc.

I had a E46 M3 many years ago, same issue with the larger 19in wheel, even quality (and very costly) refurbishments would only last 18 months before showing signs again.  I've just brought a car with these very wheels fitted, so I'd be interested to hear any tips on how to prolong the life, keeping the pressure washer away being #1, what about wheel sealants?

I've had diamond cut wheels on her current Porsche and her previous TT.

Never had such a problem.

[quote="Christian"]
Glad to see the polished alloy lacquer issue is still alive and kicking.
This stretches back over ten years to the E46 M3. They also had polished alloy with lacquer which used to suffer water ingress, turn milky white and then peel off.
The only permanent fix is to have them painted.

While mines under warranty I'll get BMW to replace them, after that I think I'll paint them black.
[/quote]

:hmmm: remember the E46 M3 issue all too well, I've seen one set painted a standard silver and they looked awful, have you seen any pictures of them finished in Black? 

Our 2010 E70 M-sport had a full set of these replaced at 18 months old and all four are starting to go again around the centre caps  >:(

In fairness they aren't terrible but I have got the local dealers to give me written confirmation that all four will be replaced after the winter by which time the corrosion will have advanced! As the car will then be out of warranty this was a result!

After that the next time they go (which will happen) I will get them professionally refurbished in either anthracite or gloss black to eliminate the problem for good....

Chris

[quote="markda"]
:hmmm: remember the E46 M3 issue all too well, I've seen one set painted a standard silver and they looked awful, have you seen any pictures of them finished in Black?
[/quote]

I've seen the 18"s in black but not 19"s

[quote="ChrisABP"]
Our 2010 E70 M-sport had a full set of these replaced at 18 months old and all four are starting to go again around the centre caps  >:(

In fairness they aren't terrible but I have got the local dealers to give me written confirmation that all four will be replaced after the winter by which time the corrosion will have advanced! As the car will then be out of warranty this was a result!

After that the next time they go (which will happen) I will get them professionally refurbished in either anthracite or gloss black to eliminate the problem for good....

Chris
[/quote]

Which is exactly what I'm going to do when I can arrange to have my huge wheels transported to Gillingham.

Just had my 20" alloys replaced by BMW via Sytner's in Sunningdale.  Absolutely no bother as the guy from Sytner's said that BMW had issued an alert to watch out for corrosion on the 20" wheels.
Thanks to this forum, I have new 20" wheels waiting for my X5 when the winter wheels/tyres come off next Spring.
Well done you!

I'm still debating winter wheels, I probably need to hurry up given it's November...  I'm very anal about upkeep of cars, my neighbours probably already think I'm mental but next to property for most of us a car is the next largest purchase we make, so looking after it and protecting it's future value seems natural to me.

But winter wheels just seem a bit extreme for someone living in Hampshire and more often than not sits in traffic the surrounding motorways.  Whatever next, buy a cheaper car for winter use, keep the X5 garaged from Dec to Mar

The question is, why do BMW choose this diamond cut finish for consumer use on practical everyday cars???  They look fantastic, but remember the same issues when they used this finish on the 19in wheels fitted to the E46 M3. 

[quote="fat-tyre-phil"]
Just had my 20" alloys replaced by BMW via Sytner's in Sunningdale.  Absolutely no bother as the guy from Sytner's said that BMW had issued an alert to watch out for corrosion on the 20" wheels.
Thanks to this forum, I have new 20" wheels waiting for my X5 when the winter wheels/tyres come off next Spring.
Well done you!
[/quote]


My motor is off to BMW tomorrow for a wheel and door/sill inspection I've been told there shouldn't be an issue but some dealer avoid warranty work like the plague, finger crossed I won't have a battle.