Alloy wheel marked

[Slartibartfast]

I have a small mark on just one of my alloy wheels (other 3 are like new). Can this be polished out or does it need a refurb?




I have these:



Thanks!

 

[Gbrowncls55]

It looks like they have a diamond cut rim and the laquer has failed slightly due to perhaps a stone chip or lght kerbing. Once the laquer has failed it will probably need to be recut and relaquered.

 

[Martin 1]

You could try a scratch pen, that delivers a tiny amount of clear lacquer which will certainly make that disappear, then keep an eye on it, rub over with a panel wipe or alcohol first. PS have you really allowed someone to fit outside glue on weights ?

 

[Slartibartfast]

You could try a scratch pen, that delivers a tiny amount of clear lacquer which will certainly make that disappear, then keep an eye on it, rub over with a panel wipe or alcohol first. PS have you really allowed someone to fit outside glue on weighs?

Thanks for the info. Not sure about scratch pens as the surface is completely smooth to the touch. The mark is underneath, not on top.

Them's not weights

 

[Wearsthefoxhat]

You could try a scratch pen, that delivers a tiny amount of clear lacquer which will certainly make that disappear, then keep an eye on it, rub over with a panel wipe or alcohol first. PS have you really allowed someone to fit outside glue on weights ?

Looks like someone has gone to the bother of stamping the “AMG“ logo on that glue on weight too..

 

[Martin 1]

AAH ! I'll fetch me coat.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I've just been in contact with Mercedes who sold me the car last week. They will pay for me to have it repaired by a local specialist.

Result.

 

[Gazwould]

And probably back to square 1 in 6 months .

 

[MrGreedy]

I've just been in contact with Mercedes who sold me the car last week. They will pay for me to have it repaired by a local specialist.

Result.

I had my diamond cut rims refurbished in August. 5 months in and there was lacquer degradation due to corrosion under the lacquer. Alloy refurb with diamond cut typically comes with a 3-6 month warranty only. I thought if I REALLY looked after the wheels, meticulously cleaned, waxed, diamond coated, then I wouldn't have the problem. Wrong!

I seriously wish I'd just gone for a plain powder coat, as that way I would have retained the original alloy profile. A diamond cut will do exactly what it says; cut (on a metalwork lathe) material from the surface. If you have degradation again in a few months, you will need to get it done again. Typically 2 cuts is all you can take from alloys. A standard powder coat is much more robust, cheaper, and doesn't compromise the alloy shape/integrity.

 

[zipdip]

I agree once that lacquer gets damaged or allows water under it on a diamond cut alloy,the best way is to get them powder coated,but as MB are paying get the wheel cut at a wheel refurbisher and if after a couple of years you need to do it again get them powder coated.

 

[Gazwould]

It's a no brainer .

 

[Gbrowncls55]

Powder coat every time. Last for ages and any chips or kerbing remain localised. Looks great too

 

[Petrol Pete]

Agree, 'Diamond cut wheels' just another marketing thing, if they were called 'industrial MCD/poly crystalline/cubic boron nitride cut alloy wheels' it would not look so appealing in the sales brochure.

They look nice when new,then as stated on here , 'two strikes and you are out' , back to powder coating.

 

[350cls]

Just had mine done and they look cool. How long they last is another thing. I'll look after to the up most but could be 6 months could be two years before you see failure. But they do look brilliant when they are in great condition . I suppose Also dependent on what conditions the wheels are being put through. And location in the UK. If the wheels have the option to be diamond cut go for it. As they look better than powder coated in my opinion. Mine are fresh "BRO" lol

 

[chrisk2010]

I don't think this idea is worth the hassle if you are able to get the refurbished but if your not then it might be something to consider.

I read on another detailing forum that if you have the patience of a saint some clear coat and a fine syringe you may be able to inject some clear coat under the area to help prevent it spreading further.

That being said since owning a set of AMG wheels with a polished rim which had the same problem i am firmly in the powder coat camp.

 

[MrGreedy]

I also think that re-diamond cutting only 1 wheel is potentially storing up future problems. For one thing, the refurb wheel will have a different amount of metal on the rim, and this will be visible if you are looking for it.
Secondly, if future refurbs are contemplated, and this extra cut on one wheel is not picked up, a refurb could inadvertently go to far and result in too much metal being taken off (I'm thinking the machine is set up on the first wheel, everything checks out, and the second, and then less observational care is taken, and the difference is missed). Thirdly, I get the distinct impression that diamond cut refurbs do not last anything like as long as original finish. OP needs to expect this to need refurbing again in 3-6 months.

But then asking the dealer for a power coat on 4 wheels vs. refurb diamond cut on 1 wheel is almost certainly a non-starter. The dealer won't care about any of the things I've just mentioned.