Wheel paint problems AND car under Porsche warranty? - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

Just put in a warranty claim for wheels on my 5/14 Cayman, 15k miles. Carrera S 20" in Platinum. Every spoke of each wheel has stone chips to the forward face of the spoke, near the rim. One spoke pictured from each wheel... I've never experienced this issue with any car, BMW, Merc, Audi. My wife's A3 has perfect wheel paint after 3+ years. This is the basis for my claim. That the wheels are not fit for purpose, nor of satisfactory quality. The painting process is flawed. This thread is NOT to argue whether I stand a chance. It is for others in a similar situation to post about their CURRENT wheel problems IF under Porsche warranty (car model, age, mileage, wheel type) so that we might share info with a view to each having a better chance of claiming under warranty. Also, those who have succeeded or failed in a similar claim can post why they won/lost. Thanks for any, on topic, contributions.

Every car I've owned with alloy wheels has suffered this - I can only assume that you must have been lucky previously?

Never seen the same damage on mine

Well DMC, I am with you, but with caution. Same wheels on my GTS (Satin Titanium), after 3k miles all wheels have small marks due to stone chips. Not many (how many miles on yours?), but at least a couple, some more than 1 mm diameter or more than 2 mm long. Unfortunately this car doesn't cope well with stone chips. As it is my 1st sportscar, I wonder if Ferraris, Lambos have the same issue. You should not compare a Cayman with Audi and BMW (unless R8). Stance, dimensions, ground clearances and height are well different.

Looks like normal wheel stone chips to me?

On my GTS have HG black wheels. 10k miles now not a single stone chip on the wheels.

RBT0 said: Well DMC, I am with you, but with caution. Same wheels on my GTS (Satin Titanium), after 3k miles all wheels have small marks due to stone chips. Not many (how many miles on yours?), but at least a couple, some more than 1 mm diameter or more than 2 mm long. Unfortunately this car doesn't cope well with stone chips. As it is my 1st sportscar, I wonder if Ferraris, Lambos have the same issue. You should not compare a Cayman with Audi and BMW (unless R8). Stance, dimensions, ground clearances and height are well different. Well, my previous Black Edition TTS wheels, Titanium (gun metal) 19" with 35 ratio tyres, were immaculate after 3 years and 31k miles. Not a mark. Not one! Similarly my '97 Aston DB7 wheels were unmarked after 70k miles and 8 years. All of the wheels on the cars I have owned have had zero ground clearance. Tyre height may have an influence. Wheel design certainly will. But paint process is the key here I feel. It's just not up to scratch. My Cayman has 15k miles, as first post.

DJMC said: Just put in a warranty claim for wheels on my 5/14 Cayman, 15k miles. Carrera S 20" in Platinum. Every spoke of each wheel has stone chips to the forward face of the spoke, near the rim. One spoke pictured from each wheel... Did you purchase the car from new? I'm in the Shotblast and powder coating industry, I see some poor quality refurb work out there. Jay.

Boggle73 said: Did you purchase the car from new? I'm in the Shotblast and powder coating industry, I see some poor quality refurb work out there. Jay. Car was a Porsche GB (Reading) car for 6 months and 7600 miles. Then purchased from them by my private seller. He didn't have them refurbed (Porsche GB may have done of course, when prepping for sale to him) nor did he drive anywhere odd, he told me two days ago. If PGB have a record of refurbing them, all the more reason for them to honour the warranty as they must have done a "take 'em out the back" paint job. Previous owner can do a witness statement for me if it goes to court, confirming the above. I do not think a reasonable judge would think it reasonable for a £4k set of wheels to be presenting such issues in normal usage after 18 months/15k miles. I have been to county court a large number of times as plaintiff, so I will weigh up the risks if PGB don't play ball.

If Porsche supply a new set they will go the same way, ask if Porsche will pay for a refrub then have them powder coated then at least there will be a durable finish on your wheels. Big plus point...you could have them done any colour you wish.

Being honest, I cannot see any evidence of full refurb on the photos you posted. Usually, you would see an uneven surface finish where the blasting process had taken place. A full strip of powder and lacquer requires a fair amount of abrasion. This leaves a deep key in the metal that is very hard to cover. The paint thickness cannot fill the depth of the key. Your wheels do look pretty good finish on the photos, but without seeing them in the flesh it's hard to tell. If you need any advice let me know, I deal with dozens of wheel refurb companies across the UK. Jay.

Boggle73 said: Being honest, I cannot see any evidence of full refurb on the photos you posted. Usually, you would see an uneven surface finish where the blasting process had taken place. A full strip of powder and lacquer requires a fair amount of abrasion. This leaves a deep key in the metal that is very hard to cover. The paint thickness cannot fill the depth of the key. Your wheels do look pretty good finish on the photos, but without seeing them in the flesh it's hard to tell. If you need any advice let me know, I deal with dozens of wheel refurb companies across the UK. Jay. Thanks Jay. The 2nd photo down shows the marks better, but not as good as to the naked eye. I'm sure PGB won't replace the wheels, unless the alloy is to blame, but how do I prove that! If they offer to re-paint I'll want to know who is doing it and by what process. I used a "good" (per the forums) powder coater to re-do some 8 year old BMW wheels a few years back and they were losing the coating before 2 years. I hear Lepsons are good, but who else local to Birmingham/Coventry/Leicester? What I could do with is an "expert" who could say whether it IS the paint that's been badly applied as they stand. Again, who in the Midlands is going to stick their neck out as a witness without it costing me an arm and a leg?

Had (have) exactly the same. Porsche declined to help out, despite my dealer's help. I now somewhat obsessively check all cars withe same wheels, and it unfortunately does seem quite common...

I don't know anyone that would stick their neck out to prove the wheels were not up to scratch, a long time has passed since manufacture. I'm also not fully versed on Porsche manufacture process, microns, lacquer, temperatures etc.... Lepsons are very good for refurb, and also very busy. I waited 6 weeks for a slot on RS4. Very good results though, £800 total cost including new TPMS. There is a large nationwide company that I wouldn't touch. I do work for them, and I see the volumes that go through in a day. Not much care goes into it. So many things can affect the wheel after manufacture, brake dust, salt, acid cleaner, steam cleaning. It would be hard in court to prove that non of the above had affected them. If you get a gesture of goodwill from Porsche then brilliant, if not, think carefully before taking further action. The cost of a good refurb may be worth it. Jay.

Boggle73 said: I don't know anyone that would stick their neck out to prove the wheels were not up to scratch, a long time has passed since manufacture. I'm also not fully versed on Porsche manufacture process, microns, lacquer, temperatures etc.... Lepsons are very good for refurb, and also very busy. I waited 6 weeks for a slot on RS4. Very good results though, £800 total cost including new TPMS. There is a large nationwide company that I wouldn't touch. I do work for them, and I see the volumes that go through in a day. Not much care goes into it. So many things can affect the wheel after manufacture, brake dust, salt, acid cleaner, steam cleaning. It would be hard in court to prove that non of the above had affected them. If you get a gesture of goodwill from Porsche then brilliant, if not, think carefully before taking further action. The cost of a good refurb may be worth it. Jay. Usually, in my experience (though none automotive involving wheels) the threat of court proceedings after the charm offensive has failed does the trick. If not, a county court claim landing on the defendant's mat seems to polarise them, mostly into worrying about the cost of defending an action for what, £400 to 500? Not worth their while paying for legal representation, so they fold. Plus, if they do lose in court, there's publicity and follow-on claims to worry about. Mostly, it's finding the right person in the organisation who understands the repercussions if they don't handle a persistent customer properly. The relevant law here is now all about what the "average" man in the street would think about the item being satisfactory. So the judge should wear that hat and ask would he, the average man, be happy in my position? As the plaintiff, I also represent the average man, and why would I go to all the trouble of taking court action unless I felt rather aggrieved. All this adds up, but you never know what a judge will do on the day!

A common issue with PDK wheels, I'm afraid.

Until last week I had never been near a court, so I have no idea how it works. Apparently, 79mph in a 50mph in a Vivaro is worth 6 points and £700 fine.

Never had anything like this with any of my cars. Looks like they just don't have a tough enough finish. Perhaps the problem is confounded / related to the spoke design which somehow draws in and throws all the small bits of grit and road detritis onto the front face of the rims. Is there any possibility thid could be 'bits' thrown off the brake pads which are hot under braking and give the wheel finish a hard time? I made a warranty claim once on a polished Brabus rim that had let a small water mark show under the laquer. Dealer had no issue getting a replacement after submitting a photo as it was clear there was no user inflicted damage. So long as the damage is clearly not due to kerbing / accident damage Porsche should sort it out. Everyone that has an issue needs to report it though so they know they have a problem and be clear that such wear is not acceptable or expected. Good luck with this.

TB303 said: A common issue with PDK wheels, I'm afraid.

TB303 said: A common issue with PDK wheels, I'm afraid. LOL....

Boggle73 said: I don't know anyone that would stick their neck out to prove the wheels were not up to scratch, a long time has passed since manufacture. Jay. My wheels suffered from this within months of purchase (new car). As I said, it seems to affect many cars with this type of wheel, but to greater or lesser extent. I don't drive on gravel roads, I do wash the wheels by hand regularly, don't use any special (abrasive) products... so no idea why this should happen more or less. Porsche (acc. to my dealer) explained that these are susceptible to road damage because of their flat profile combined withe the high speed of rotation at the rim of a 20in wheel (can't say I was very convinced by this)

monamimate said: My wheels suffered from this within months of purchase (new car). As I said, it seems to affect many cars with this type of wheel, but to greater or lesser extent. I don't drive on gravel roads, I do wash the wheels by hand regularly, don't use any special (abrasive) products... so no idea why this should happen more or less. Porsche (acc. to my dealer) explained that these are susceptible to road damage because of their flat profile combined withe the high speed of rotation at the rim of a 20in wheel (can't say I was very convinced by this) Here's my (dirty) 19" TTS wheel (after 2 yrs 3 mths). Flat faced spokes with a slight taper, spoke ends protrude slightly over wheel rim until flush with edge of rim. These were still perfect (unlike the wheel hubs!), not a mark, after 3+ years... Here's my Carrera S wheels (just washed, hence disc surface colour). Flat faced spokes with a similar taper, spoke ends protrude slightly over wheel rim until flush approx. half way over rim... Even though 20" wheel edges spin faster than 19", they need to be fit for purpose. Porsche should have engineered into them the need for a better paint protection process due to the faster rotation.

Anyone else who feels aggrieved by the paint on their under warranty wheels please make it known here that you have contacted your OPC and that they have opened a case with Porsche GB. I ask this specifically as many here may say they will do this but won't actually get around to doing it due to apathy, fear, whatever. You need to be OUTRAGED and SEETHING for you to be successful, otherwise you'll just be sent home by your OPC with your tail between your legs! "They all do that sir"... remember? If we could get half a dozen or more owners involved each with a similar issue, under warranty, and each with a case open at PGB we may be able to cross reference and add the weight of each others' case to our own. A mass threat of court action, and the greater likelihood of press coverage, should move mountains.

DJMC said: I have been to county court a large number of times as plaintiff... Is this part of your job, or just a hobby?

DJMC said: monamimate said: Here's my Carrera S wheels Those aren't Carrera S brakes - they are grey off a standard Carrera?

Trotmant said: DJMC said: monamimate said: Here's my Carrera S wheels Those aren't Carrera S brakes - they are grey off a standard Carrera?

Trotmant said: DJMC said: monamimate said: Here's my Carrera S wheels Those aren't Carrera S brakes - they are grey off a standard Carrera? Hmmm, are you trying to be funny? If so, need to try harder . If not, the wheels are called "Carrera S"...

monamimate said: Trotmant said: DJMC said: monamimate said: Here's my Carrera S wheels Those aren't Carrera S brakes - they are grey off a standard Carrera? Hmmm, are you trying to be funny? If so, need to try harder . If not, the wheels are called "Carrera S"...

Orangecurry said: Is this part of your job, or just a hobby? Both.

Porsche GB have now settled my claim and paid me £350. They won't admit to there being a problem with this wheel. They are refunding my 111 point check, done the day before purchase, plus a bit on top. Some of their email content: "Thank you for your time today and I am also sorry for my delay in response, nevertheless, it was a pleasure to speak with you. Following our conversation, and as discussed, I will arrange for the 111 point check to be refunded to you. Having said this, and in light of our phone call, I have considered my offer and your reaction. I truly am keen to demonstrate that we do value you as a customer and recognise your experience, As such, I wish to increase my offer to a total of £350.00. I would like to apologise again for the inconvenience that has been caused throughout and for the delay in responding to you in the first instance. I hope that the above gesture goes someway to restoring your faith in the brand." "As Porsche have not accepted liability for the pitting on your vehicle, which is not classified as damage on your alloys, we will not be responsible for the respray of your wheels. Nevertheless, if you accept the gesture that has been offered to you, this can be used towards the respray costs. However, how to use the credit it inevitably your decision. I trust this will clarify Porsche's position and I look forward to receiving your response soon. Kind regards, Charlotte Gorsuch Customer Assistance Advisor Porsche Cars Great Britain Ltd Telephone: 0118 9191744 Email: [email removed]" If you have the same wheel, similar problem, maybe get in touch with Charlotte?

DJMC said: Porsche GB have now settled my claim and paid me £350. They won't admit to there being a problem with this wheel. They are refunding my 111 point check, done the day before purchase, plus a bit on top. Some of their email content: "Thank you for your time today and I am also sorry for my delay in response, nevertheless, it was a pleasure to speak with you. Following our conversation, and as discussed, I will arrange for the 111 point check to be refunded to you. Having said this, and in light of our phone call, I have considered my offer and your reaction. I truly am keen to demonstrate that we do value you as a customer and recognise your experience, As such, I wish to increase my offer to a total of £350.00. I would like to apologise again for the inconvenience that has been caused throughout and for the delay in responding to you in the first instance. I hope that the above gesture goes someway to restoring your faith in the brand." "As Porsche have not accepted liability for the pitting on your vehicle, which is not classified as damage on your alloys, we will not be responsible for the respray of your wheels. Nevertheless, if you accept the gesture that has been offered to you, this can be used towards the respray costs. However, how to use the credit it inevitably your decision. I trust this will clarify Porsche's position and I look forward to receiving your response soon. Kind regards, Charlotte Gorsuch Customer Assistance Advisor Porsche Cars Great Britain Ltd Telephone: 0118 9191744 Email: [email removed]" If you have the same wheel, similar problem, maybe get in touch with Charlotte? You are lucky to get anything out of that, as those chips are normal wear and tear from rocks flicking around and hitting the spinning spokes.

Wait til Anne Robinson hears about this!! [outraged] Edited by Fl0pp3r on Tuesday 19th January 23:14

NBTBRV8 said: You are lucky to get anything out of that, as those chips are normal wear and tear from rocks flicking around and hitting the spinning spokes. In all the years I Have had cars of all makes, I Have never had chips n the wheels. I had the same wheels on my 981. They had a similar problem after 10k miles. I got money off the purchase price to get the work done. I had them refurbished. 3k miles later they are still perfect.

stebbo said: In all the years I Have had cars of all makes, I Have never had chips n the wheels. I had the same wheels on my 981. They had a similar problem after 10k miles. I got money off the purchase price to get the work done. I had them refurbished. 3k miles later they are still perfect. My 997.2 GT3 chipped, even after repainting. My E90 BMW chipped too, I can't remember any others. But at the end of the day it is a rock hitting painted metal, so it must chip. It isn't a warranty issue without the paint flakes off due to a poor preparation underneath it.

JeffC said: chips like that on wheels are usually a sign that the wheels have been badly refurbished using paint rather than powder coating. wet painting is no where near as durable as powder coating and from my experience thats usually what happens. I would guess that before the o/p bought the car , the dealership or previous keeper will have had a chips away type company in to tidy the alloys up before resale . From all of the Carrera S 20" wheels I have seen, they all have a poor thin paint finish. I had mine powder coated and the company who did it commented on how easy it was to strip the old finish off. I assumed it was a comment about the poor quality.

JeffC said: chips like that on wheels are usually a sign that the wheels have been badly refurbished using paint rather than powder coating. wet painting is no where near as durable as powder coating and from my experience thats usually what happens. I would guess that before the o/p bought the car , the dealership or previous keeper will have had a chips away type company in to tidy the alloys up before resale . Categorical "no" on this one. Mine was a new car, as I think many others were with the same problem.

This is a common problem. We have worked on 100's of Porsches and see this kind of damage quite often including low mileage sub 6 month old cars.

elitedetailer said: This is a common problem. We have worked on 100's of Porsches and see this kind of damage quite often including low mileage sub 6 month old cars. Does it depend on the finish of the wheels to begin with? I'am about to lock down my spec on a 981 Spyder & quite like satin platinum. Is it better to go with silver rather than satin finishes?