Two of my GP wheels now have clearcoat damage due to tire removal/installations. One received damage when tires were replaced and one when a slow leak was fixed. I have 43000 miles on the car and the tires have been replaced twice plus one tire was removed/installed to plug a nail hole. The damage starts off as cracks in the clearcoat on the outer edge. See the first picture. Over time the damaged area gets worse due to weathering and water getting under the clear coat. See the second picture. I wash my car about once a week but rarely use wheel cleaner on the wheels, usually just soap and water.

When the first wheel was damage, I did not know what caused the damage. However, after I recently had a flat repaired I saw the new damage to a second wheel, I figured the first wheel got damaged during a tire replacement. The damage occured at the same shop which I know tries to be careful with the wheels.

I talked to the tire shop and of course they said only plastic touches the wheel. They did not argue that the damage didn't occur at their shop but said the wheels should be able to withstand tire removal/install without the clearcoat cracking. They think the clearcoat is at fault and that maybe it should be a wheel warranty issue.

Has anyone else had issues with the GP wheel (Ronal) clearcoat cracking or being easily damaged? If so, can you share pictures so we might be able to get anough evidence for Mini to replace clearcoat damaged wheels under warranty. I know, good luck with that!

First picture showing initial clearcoat damage:


Second picture showing clearcoat damage after about 18 months:


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I can't speak to the GP clear coat durability but if you can't get them to replace them here is a way to possibly cover up the damage. I have a few customers who repair alloy wheels for a living and this is a similar process to what they do although I've never attempted it myself.http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/w...uff-repair.htm

 

I had the same problem with my wheels the Garage actually paid to get them fixed as they said it was their fault. I had all 4 wheels reconditioned at their expense.