Deteriorating alloys

[Deleted member 5443]

Hi everybody,

I've got a 2001 facelifted SLK230 and the 4 alloys are at various stages of deterioration. By deterioration, I mean that moisture has ingressed beneath the lacquer and started damaging the alloy itself. Close-up it looks like a form 'cancer' is attacking the alloy.

As part of the deal in purchasing the car, the owner got the worst one at the time diamond cut to take it effectively back to new.

Is there any advice for how to stop this in it's tracks or even avoid, or is it simply a price you pay for having a MB car (as well as the rust corrosion which forms on the bodywork - see my other thread)?

Thanks in advance.



bern

 

[LTD]

Bite the bullet and have them all redone.

 

[ecossebev]

Moisture, road film and salt has got beneath the laquer and attacked the alloy. Get them refurbished, if they are worth doing, clean them regularly and check for early signs of corrosion, kerbing etc. As long as you keep an eye on them, they should last as long as any other wheel.

 

[Roger Jones]

The lacquered finish is intrinsically more vulnerable than a painted finish. My E320 Coupé was four years old when I bought it and the wheels were degrading then. I've had them redone, but it is happening again. Next time I shall heed the advice I was given last time: get them painted and they will look almost the same but last a great deal longer. The vulnerability of the lacquered finish is reflected in the reluctance or refusal of refurbishers to offer a warranty on that work.

As to whether this is a problem specific to MBs, I don't know but I doubt it.

Do a search for more discussion about this here.

 

[Alfie]

Hi everybody,

I've got a 2001 facelifted SLK230 and the 4 alloys are at various stages of deterioration. By deterioration, I mean that moisture has ingressed beneath the lacquer and started damaging the alloy itself. Close-up it looks like a form 'cancer' is attacking the alloy.

As part of the deal in purchasing the car, the owner got the worst one at the time diamond cut to take it effectively back to new.

Is there any advice for how to stop this in it's tracks or even avoid, or is it simply a price you pay for having a MB car (as well as the rust corrosion which forms on the bodywork - see my other thread)?

Thanks in advance.



bern

Speak to stats007. he did an absolutely first class job on the W124 wheels i needed doing and Richards SL65 wheels.

 

[DXB]

How much these days to fully repair an alloy?

 

[Roger Jones]

"How much these days to fully repair an alloy?"

Between £40 and £80 a wheel?