Hi All,
Warranty on alloys is for the first three years only, and extended warranty doesn't cover alloys. If you are lucky, you might be able to get the dealer to change any blistering alloys under the 12 months parts warranty. Obviously this will depend on when you last had the wheels replaced and assuming there is no evidence of kerbing. In my experience, even the slightest kerbing or any other damage will result in a flat refusal to replace the alloy, even if it's blistered to death. I couldn't even negotiate a discount.
I'm on my third set now (in 16 months!), all replaced due to significant blistering. However, I'm now outside both the 3 year car and 12 month parts warranty on the wheels, so when the current set blister I have a choice of 3rd party refurb or £330 each for new alloys.
When I had the last replacements the dealer informed me that the part number had changed on the wheel and suggested this may be due to a modification of some sort, perhaps the anti-corrosion treatment, but he couldn't be sure.
I'd be very interested to know how you get on with Customer Relations. I received a telephone call from Lexus yesterday about my satisfaction with the IS250 and made a point about the dreadful alloys - clearly there is a manufacturing deficiency, and I don't expect a premium car to have such a fault, etc, etc. I'm not expecting to hear anything positive at all in response, but I'll let you know if I do.
Matt