M3 E46 19" Alloy Wheel.....water marks?

[m3stu2]

Hi All,

I noticed today during the test drive of the M3 E46 I'm buying has what looks like "water marks" on the wheels. It almost looks like the previous owner has got some tyre foam on the alloy and not removed in time, therefore marking.

The AUC BMW dealer has stated that he'll get his alloy specialist to take a look, however, he thinks not much can be done.

Has anyone had this issue before? Is the dealer just being "lazy" or will it be impossible to get the marks out without a full re-chrome?

Thanks in advance.

M3Stu2

Edited by m3stu2 on Saturday 24th March 18:47

[markda]

It's probably been cleaned with some kind of acidic wheel cleaner at some point, that said unless it's really bad I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker keeping these wheels perfect is almost impossible, even if you never kerb them they deteriorate eventually it seems.

[ianm3]

Hi,

I think its a common problem on the M3 19's. The laquer deteriorates then water gets underneath causing the marking.

[ant1973]

The lacquer is very thin on the 19" wheels. Also, there's no layer of protective paint before you get down to the metal unlike other alloys. When you come to refurb them, you need to find someone to diamond polish the metal (most refurbs involve paint which changes the look of the wheel) After 18 months of never ending frustration, I had my 19s powder coated in a very bright silver. I now just give them a quick wash and they come up like new.

[markh450]

Bought my M3 from an AUC, had similar marks on the wheels, they refurbed them all for me no probs, although at their first attempt they sprayed them silver! I had them do them again and polish them.