I was installing the mud flaps last night and decided to remove the front wheels to do it right. Plus I wanted to try out my new torque wrench.

Anyway, while I was washing and waxing the inside of the wheel I noticed what is pictured in the attached photos. Now I know I have not hit anything on the road in the week that I have had the car so should I be concerned? i think I am going to send the pictures to my MA and see what he says.

Another thing you may notice in the pics is that the inside of the rims on the lip looks like it has been curbed. All the way around. It was like that on the inside of both the wheels. When I took them off I leaned them up against the work bench so I am not sure how this could be unless they come that way. I am hlaf tempted to pul off the rear wheels to check them.

 

I'm guessing the wheel could have been dropped in the factory or something? The scratches around the rim could be where it got scratched on the floor?

Just a guess. . .

 

I have scratches on all four of my rims.

I have informed MINI North america and also my service advisor.

This could have been done during delivery as the mini may have a narrower track than the other cars delivered on the boat or truck.

I suggest you check all the other wheels for the same curbing.

I only found this out after wax coating my mini undercarriage on the third day of ownership.

 

Cool, you waxed the underside of your MINI.

 

I'd laugh at this statement if I didn't do the same thing.

The inside rim looks more like tire machine marks than curbing. I'd definitely see if you can get the MA to replace it. I hit a HUGE pothole on the way home in my car, wrapped the tire up over the wheel and caused a bulge in the sidewall - but still didn't bend the rim (S-heavies).
For the rim to be bend like that with the tire on there should be some evidence of impact on the tire/wheel (I had a big black streak where the rubber folded over).

 

I'm thinking your wheels could've been scratched on the inside by the tire mounting machine or possibly on the truck ride. As far as the bend goes I doubt it came that way, but one never knows. You may have fallen victim to poor northern Ohio roads. I'd for sure be asking the dealer about it. I hope you get lucky with them & they replace it.

Edit >> Look closely at the tire to make sure it has no damage.

 

With the crappy roads in the S.F. bay area, anything is possible - even a drive home from the dealer on day 1 could cause the damage you have shown in your photos. Anytime you see 18-wheel tractor trailers swerving to avoid fox holes, you know it is bad.... I would get real good comprehensive coverage on the auto insurance policy - with explicit coverage for wheel/tire damage.

 

Damn!! herozup's only had the car for a few days and already he's bouncing it off curbs!!

Just kidding, and I hope you get it sorted!

 

I am going to call tomorrow. I will let everyone know what happens.

 

Well, for that damage to occur, you would have remembered it. The front right rim of our mini was bent in the first 2000 miles (s-lite), and then the front right rim of our new wheels was bent in the next 2000 miles. I have since told my wife to dodge the pot holes on the road!! The s- lites are heavy, but not necessarily strong as I have 18" wheels with 40 series rubber (18 x8 that weigh 23 lbs) on them on my other car and have hit the same potholes as my wife and the Mini just crashes over them HARD and bends rims!!! Both cars handle about the same, the mini just much harsher. Oh well, live and learn...

 

Any news herozup?

Hopefully they will not try to shaft you. Tire Rack shafted me on a blem tire once, so I hope you have better luck.

 

i 'd like ot know too. i have a list of complaints for my service advisor next week. want to see how you get on with yours.