Wheel corrosion

[Tracy Dee]

Do BMW alloy wheels suffer more than other models only mine are starting to bubble here and there.
Two wheels are really crusty around the wheel nuts they are always cleaned properly without alloy wheel acid.
Got worse over the winter.

 

[t-tony]

Salt is the worst enemy of alloy wheel s Tracy, especially if the laqueur or paint coating has lifted, most likely around the wheel bolt holes. The 108's I bought last year have not "wintered" too well, corrosion is now showing all around where the centres bolt to the rims.
And no, BMW wheels are no better or worse than any other manufacturer in my experience.

Tony.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Thanks Tony only never experienced wheels bubberling up like these before maybe down to last owner.
Might see about getting the worst couple of wheels repaired .

 

[mwpe]

I don't think the original finish on alloy wheels is satisfactory, I bought my Zed in 2008 and the wheels were showing signs of corrosion. the paint on the inner surface was flaking badly and there was slight pressure loss from corroded rims. In 2009, I had them refurbished by The wheel Specialist in Fareham and now 8 years later there is no sign of corrosion and the inner surfaces are still like new. I think the original finish quality is just poor quality.

 

[Redline]

Alloy wheels are made of an aluminium alloy. Aluminium corrodes instantly on contact with oxygen in the air.
The lacquer around wheels nuts is easily damaged when removing the wheels allowing air and water in under the lacquer. Any damage quickly spreads out. Am not sure how much salt off the roads escalates the problem but it probably doesn't help.
Any minor damage can promote wheel worm to take hold.
Are BMW wheels any worse than others. Probably not - I think we all just want our cars to be perfect 100% of the time.

 

[t-tony]

Manufacturers recommend using plastic covered wheel nut sockets to prevent chipping of the paint around bolt holes. Lads working in busy tyre bays don't have these (usually) and damage gets done in the name of speed, and most customers can't wait to get in there cars and go.

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

Your wheels are probably almost 20 years old, all alloys suffer the same fate, we get cars in that are a couple of years old that have corrosion, so in answer to your question, no, they are no worse but probably better then some.

 

[Tracy Dee]

Thanks for replying all.
Probably the way we have cared for other alloys over the years Cliff always puts protection on them uses a soft socket and is careful .
Think they have been refurbished in the past way back as the centre badges have 2003 stamped on the back.
So maybe lack of care on last owner .