Wheels and corrosion

[Andy.thomas]

Just go off the phone to Lexus GB...

"I don't think the dealership are being unfair, we are trying to warn our customers that a cost may be incurred. What we are saying is your wheels will be sent off for refurbishment by a specialist wheel company, if there is a cost to repair the curb damage - we cannot be held responsible for driver error and it will be past on to yourself. If you like we can charge you now for the work and credit you at a later date."

[rob200]

4 new wheels

2 new rear brake discs (they were rusty)

just a couple of months ago, no problems at all with the dealer.

thats why i worry about snows, had too many bad experiences with bmw service

[Rob]

Originally posted by Andy.thomas

"If you like we can charge you now for the work and credit you at a later date."

nearly fell off my chair when i read that!

my alloys had a few minor scrapes on them- no chunks missing but there wasnt a problem getting them exchanged. - thanks ;) - u know who u are!

[Andy.thomas]

Originally posted by rob200

4 new wheels

2 new rear brake discs (they were rusty)

just a couple of months ago, no problems at all with the dealer.

thats why i worry about snows, had too many bad experiences with bmw service

To be honest after talking to LGB I think the dealer is either talking from previous experience or taking the policy down to the letter - which I can't blame them for.

I guess I'm just an unlucky one - but still fuming from the call to Lexus. Wasn't very "customer focused" in my view. Anyone have a high up contact at Lexus i can write to?

I'm going to give up on the wheels i think, but if one of my customer service agents spoke to a customer how I got treated today I would be expecting a letter!!!

[Blue Thunder]

Funny how people have different views of their dealers. Guildford have been outstanding. I have had 6 new wheels from them so far, exchanged without problem, even when 1 had been kerbed all be it not severly

[andrewr]

Popped into Southampton Lexus today (been on hols, so this was my first chance to sort this out).

The problem that the is200 wheels have in general is different to the one I am experiencing (ever get that nagging doubt you're being given one of those classic lines!) anyway, the corrosion I have is feathering under the surface on the outer rim, plus the general surface in the middle of the wheel on the sides of the spoke (thingies, whatever you call'em). I was advised that they weren't really subject to the replacement policy however when I pushed the guy he begrudgingly said he would have the pre-approval dealt with however if Lexus didn't agree I would be left with the bill for replacement/refurbished wheels. Being slightly concerned about this I was a bit hesititant but still believe the wheels are of a poor quality finish. They attibuted the outer rim wear to tyre replacement which I disagreed with as my spare, which I believe is on the original (albeit very worn tread) tyre exhibits the same problem. Anyway, they took some photos of the wheels to go along with the claim...... we'll see. However, just want to get a take on this:

1. Has anyone heard of this policy before (i.e. pay if lexus don't agree or is it a scare tactic to make me consider claiming only if it is a genuine claim) ?

2. Has anyone got this same problem (not just the brake dust embedding itself and eating away at those badly laquered wheel surfaces.

??

[Chris.S]

I've heard people mention it,but I've never heard Lexus GB implement it.If you do't get any joy try another dealer,the wheels are faulty and the car still has a valid warranty

[Andy.thomas]

Originally posted by andrewr

Popped into Southampton Lexus today (been on hols, so this was my first chance to sort this out).

The problem that the is200 wheels have in general is different to the one I am experiencing (ever get that nagging doubt you're being given one of those classic lines!) anyway, the corrosion I have is feathering under the surface on the outer rim, plus the general surface in the middle of the wheel on the sides of the spoke (thingies, whatever you call'em). I was advised that they weren't really subject to the replacement policy however when I pushed the guy he begrudgingly said he would have the pre-approval dealt with however if Lexus didn't agree I would be left with the bill for replacement/refurbished wheels. Being slightly concerned about this I was a bit hesititant but still believe the wheels are of a poor quality finish. They attibuted the outer rim wear to tyre replacement which I disagreed with as my spare, which I believe is on the original (albeit very worn tread) tyre exhibits the same problem. Anyway, they took some photos of the wheels to go along with the claim...... we'll see. However, just want to get a take on this:

1. Has anyone heard of this policy before (i.e. pay if lexus don't agree or is it a scare tactic to make me consider claiming only if it is a genuine claim) ?

2. Has anyone got this same problem (not just the brake dust embedding itself and eating away at those badly laquered wheel surfaces.

??

Andrew - funnily enough I had exactly the same response from Southampton Lexus - see post IS200 Alloy wheels - Again!

They told me of the policy - i was most unhappy and called Lexus GB, who weren't particularly helpful. My biggest issue is that no-one can tell me if the work is going to cost me or not before they do it! I can't really believe it!

I have givn up for the minute - i just don't have the time to chase it! Next time im in Bracknell or Bristol (where our other offices are) I will pop in to another dealer and try their response.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Andy

[ricky_is200]

It does sound like you both need to try another dealer. I didn't have any problems at all.

[dark_is200]

my car is almost three years old and has corroded discs and the same wheel problem. its been kerbed quite a few times (bad driving when i first got it). i have 2 months before warranty runs out, do you think i will have any problems changing? anyone that saw my car at JAE will vouch for the fact that i keep my wheels in tip top condition won't they? ;)

[andrewr]

Generally I take my car to Guildford (near where I work), as the lexus dealership is pretty slick and they have spent countless hours doing stuff that Southampton are (not to put too finer point on it) pretty bad at like taking pride in their workmanship etc. etc. (Did I mention that Southampton Lexus were responsible for half of the contents of my sump leaking onto my drive....). Actually I take all that back, the reception staff are excellent :)

Overall I take my car to Southampton because the cost of servicing is 30% cheaper than Guildford (anyone else notice this HUGE price variance?).

With 1 month to run on my warranty I'm tidying up the car so I'm probably pushing my luck anyway. If I don't trade it in, i'll hit Lexus Guildford for some wheels, they're great people. Shame they're so expensive!

Anyway, with 2 months to run on your warranty I'd say go for it! My wheels have a couple of light marks on them and they didn't care about that as its the finish thats the problem (I seem to remember seeing other posts from people that have succesfully had wheels replaced with dings on them).

I actually can't see how Lexus can legally charge you for warranty repairs post event if they decide that it isn't valid given they have your wheels and won't return them. I wonder if you have to sign anything.

I pushed Lexus Southampton and they did buckle, eventually after being a bit direct with the technical guy. You should win, but it seems like they are using this to put borderline cases, or maybe people at the end of warranty periods away.

[ricky_is200]

I was doing the same thing, getting these things fixed just before the warranty expired. I had the wheels changed at 57000 miles, which for me was less than 2 months before the end of the warranty. It still wasn't questioned at all, and I did have some pretty bad 'curb' scapes, especially on the front kerb side.

[mcguirestick]

Hello,

Just to let you know I have also had pits on my Wheels of my IS200 Sport and Lexus have changed them completley free of charge after 58000 miles of use. Lexus are fully aware of this problem but one dealer did try to charge me for new wheels so be carefull and just go to another dealer.

[Andy.thomas]

Hmmm, interesting comments all round!

Im waiting to get some non service work to be needed on my car and I'll take it to Guioldford and be all pally with them! (They're way too expensive for services - they wanted an extra £100+ for 40k!!!)

As for Southampton - they just did my service - good job (even though they didnt have any rear brake pads in stock!) very friendly.

[Claire G]

I have givn up for the minute - i just don't have the time to chase it! Next time im in Bracknell or Bristol (where our other offices are) I will pop in to another dealer and try their response.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Andy

Let me know if Bracknell are any help - I'd spoken to them very briefly about mine. They gave me a little bit of a brush off and I've not chased it....

[willtang]

after reading this post some weeks ago, i noticed as i was cleaning my wheels, that indeed my wheels were starting to show signs of corrosion... pretty alarming considering that my lex is just 9 months old(from brand new) with 12k on the clock.

i took time out and visited my local dealer who acknowledged that there were signs of corrosion and then suggested that i come back in the spring for a replacement set... no hassles, no questions.

as some of you already know, i'm trying to sort a set of 19's for myself and i was going to ignore the whole corrosion affair. but after reading some of the comments on this thread i find it disgusting that lex fully know about this corrsion problem and have done nothing about it....

[javaboss]

Hi All,

I took my IS200 to my dealer (Lexus Hadleigh) They said that Lexus solved the problem in April and now 'coat the wheels both sides' They have ordered me a new set of wheels that will arrive in 7-10 days.

I didn't have to argue to get the problem sorted. Andy (the service manager) just said it was a known problem that had now been fixed with a new wheel manufacturing process and that I could have 5 news wheels.

Well done Lexus!

Regards,

Neil.

[Claire G]

That's great that you got such great service.

I've got kerb damage on one of my wheels and I suspect that the garage just thought I was trying to get some new ones out of them. I'm keeping my eye on the corrosion and if it gets worse I'll follow it up - they're not too noticable at the moment.

[mani.b]

Hi All,

Picked up my brand new GS300 Se + Nav 3 weeks ago. I love it. Washed it today and saw a chunk of the laquer missing on the front wheel (no kerb damage) , the car has only done 300 miles!!! After reading your helpful comments im gonna give Lexus a call tommorow to see what they have to say.

Mani

[sharte8]

Had a dissapointing phone call today from Lexus customer care,care is not the right word for them,heres what happened,purchased my secondhand, is 200se 1999 from Carcraft 2 weeks ago.

the warrenty had lapsed in October, but i thought its only just run out. so try it.

And rang them with regards to the very bad corrosion on the alloy wheels,a guy called Alex said that they will change wheels as a good will gesture.so arranged with Lexus of Leicester(mark)to take my car over this weekend,only to have a phone call today saying that they will not change them,because i brought the car as sold as seen,and also not from a Lexus garage,most annoying and it totally ****** me off.

Any ideas?

Cheers,

Steve h

[guitareth]

I've got bubbling on the wheels of my IS200SE which is only 11 months/9000 miles old. Here's some photos:

Do you think I've got a good case for getting these wheels replaced under warranty?

Also, my dealer is Aberdeen - has anyone else had success in getting Aberdeen dealership to replace their wheels?

Gareth

[bigsul]

2. Has anyone got this same problem (not just the brake dust embedding itself and eating away at those badly laquered wheel surfaces.

Just took my 11 month old IS300 to Lexus Edinburgh today. Told them on the phone a few months ago about the corrosion, they said just bring it in and we'll change them. Took my word for it. I waited till I had a few things to be put right and phoned two weeks ago to book it in. No problems at all.

There is no way on this earth that alloy wheels should corrode like that, if they have been treated properly. No way should anybody be expected to pay for them either.

Your Dealership are spinning you one mate. <_<

Cheers ............... bs

[Brian Berry]

I am visiting my dealer on Monday. My LexusIS 200SE will be 3years old in March and the alloys are just starting to show corrosion. It will be interesting to see what their approach will be.

[kev dood]

guitareth - did you have any luck with your wheels yet? Mine have a very similar look to them on the edges of the "spokes".

After cleaning the brake dust off them, its plain to see, so will mention it to Lexus Reading when its service comes up.

If looks like your wheels are the newer sort anyway, (unless is just the picture focus!) as the whole of the wheels look sprayed.

Mine are milled on the edges!!

If I manage to find a dig. camera with decent macro lens then I shall try to get piccies.

Every time I have called dealers about something, they always say bring it in to have a look. I end up doing 2 trips all the time and its not funny.

[kamlex]

I have an 11month IS 200 SE which has the same type of corrosion as shown in the photographs. I spoke to the purchasing dealer who has asked me to send in some photos (as they are some distance from where i live). I'll let you know the outcome in a few days. I must say though that i will be expecting new alloys with the original milled finish on the edges. If they still sell new IS 200's with the milled finish then they must have fixed the problem.