Rim-chrome shadow finish. DEFECTIVE OR?? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Boston m57777 · 12th March 2002, 04:55

I was wondering if any other people have had troubles with the finish on the m5 wheels. To be honest with you my rims look like sh#t up close. The chrome shadow is comming of in little spects. I am wondering if bmw will cover this under warranty. Am I pipe dreaming or do others really think that BMW will replace so called defective rims

Rezf · 12th March 2002, 05:05

TO be honest with you, it will be very difficult to prove your case with BMWNA. They will insist that you are using a harsh wheel cleaner that is not approved by BMW (which you may be using!). I don't think there have been any recall issues with the rims. One member had complained a while back that he would get spider-web like black lines on the rims. I don't believe he got the wheels replaced by BMW, as they said the same BS to him too. BTW I use Mother's wheel cleaner in Yellow bottle and good old car shampoo with a wash mit to get to the rims and I have never had any problems

RezF

FAST4DR · 12th March 2002, 05:41

I have problems with mine. They did nothing. Good luck!

Jim Dolan · 12th March 2002, 05:51

Mine have about 10K miles on them, and the only damage was done by the dealer

puting a new tire on scuffing the wheel rim. They replaced it. Your situation sounds like normal wear and tear. Could you post a picture, close up. That would help other board members benefit from your experience. And may convince us that it is not normal wear and tear.

Thanks Boston.

rennen · 12th March 2002, 06:06

My front wheels are horrible, turning black. The dealer says that they will warranty them when I'm ready.

tfung · 12th March 2002, 06:46

I don't remember who it was, but somebody from the Boston M5 crowd had brake dust baked onto the rim, and no ammount of cleaning could get them off.. the dealer replaced the rim for free.... I think it probably depends on the dealer and how well you can convince them to replace it for you

Prometheus NY · 12th March 2002, 07:19

I have the Shadow Chrome finish on my Mille Miglia Evo Sports. I'm under the impression that it is the exact same finish that BMW uses on the M5 rims.

Over the past 6 months it has been discoloring in some places on the side of the spokes. It seems to be turning blackish, or darkening, in ripples. I should probably take a picture to show you what it looks like. My best guess is that this is just an aspect of the of the finish itself. Yes, it sucks, especially since those rims cost $400 each.

Charley911 · 3rd October 2002, 19:15

I am having a major problem with the wheels on my 2001 M5. I have approximately 25,000 miles on the odometer and have suddenly noticed that the brake dust will not wash or wax of the wheels (both front and rear). If you look closely at the wheels it almost looks like clear coat has been sprayed on over the brake dust.

My dealer agreed that they should replace the wheels as defective but then got the regional BMW rep involved who refused to replace them under warranty but offer to sell them to me at half price. His position was that I had raced the car and gotten the wheels so hot that it baked in the brake dust. What a corn ball answer!!! First I have never raced the car and second I can't imagine getting the wheels so hot that it would bake in brake dust. I think that the tires would probably cook off first. The regional rep that I am having problems with is Neil Ashton. If anyone else out there is having problems with the same guy please let BMW NA know as it will probably help us all.

Meanwhile any help on what is causing my problem and any way to correct it?

metzger · 3rd October 2002, 23:26

Don't know if this helps or not, but I've read on the Roadfly Z3 board that some M roadster & Coupe owners who've had problems with the finish on their wheels (a similar chrome-like paint) have gotten them replaced under warranty. No problems yet with the ones on my M5, though I haven't had it very long.

Rallistas · 3rd October 2002, 23:40

Quote:

Originally posted by tfung
I don't remember who it was, but somebody from the Boston M5 crowd had brake dust baked onto the rim, and no ammount of cleaning could get them off.. the dealer replaced the rim for free.... I think it probably depends on the dealer and how well you can convince them to replace it for you

That was me. My front left and rear had that problem. Brought it my dealers attention(BMW Gallery) and they replaced both of them under warranty.

Rallistas