[robwoods]

Hello all

My 2.0d F25 is a couple of months old now, and has suffered corrosion on the inside of the wheels, on the cylindrical bit forward of the discs.

The dealer said that it was normal and all BMW's did that so I thought little of it. However, it is fairly unattractive and I believe now the rust colour is being spread by moisture out onto the tyres and staining them.

I've taken a couple of pictures but I'm not sure it comes across quite as bad as it looks in real life.

Normal or unacceptable?

[clivem2]

Many cars have similar but with wheels that are less open so the rust is less visible. The effect on the tyres in unusual, if that's what happened. One thought is to paint the corroded areas with grey Hammerite - but not when the wheel touches. This corrosion is one of the reasons why alloys can sometimes be a bitch of remove.

[Powerrunner]

What have you been using to clean the wheels? I was advised not to use wheel cleaner solvents since they are too abrasive. Just wondering if that is what is happening with your wheels.

[robwoods]

They were like this from delivery, I've used Auto Glym wheel cleaner, nothing to strong I don't think although when you squirt it on some does go through towards the hub.

It's not the face of the alloys that concerns me, its the very rusty inner peice just in front of the brake disc and the nasty rusty colour on the tyres.

The dealer has added to their opinion after seeing these photos and have said that the rusty colour on the tyres is probably brake dust. They don't seem too interested.

[clivem2]

I wondered about brake dust too but didn't expect it to be red/brown. Try wiping some dust off the wheel with your finger then transfer it to the sidewall to see how it looks.

[Want the thrill]

I've read on Pirelli tire reviews of people complaining of their tires turning brown. Maybe it is the tires themselves.....google reviews of your tire to check it out.

[robwoods]

Thanks to want the thrill, it seems to be a known issue. Can't believe I have the only tyre variant in the word that turns brown!!

See the last part of the linked review below.

http://www.cheaptiresinfo.com/Pirell...o-P7-Tire.html

And the main review here

http://www.tirerack.com/survey/Surve...ireDetail=true

[Lotus7]

The rust on the suspension hubs is normal since they're not painted or plated. A light coat of lithium grease once a year will keep the wheels from "freezing" and being difficult to remove. It's especially importrant around the centering ring that locates the wheel.

The red "dust" on the tires is almost certainly brake dust. The normally black (for BMW OEM brake pads) dust seems to change to reddish-brown when it sits on the rubber surface. Possibly, it's a reaction with the rubber and sunlight, since it seems worse on some brands and not others. I've experienced this on Pirelli, Dunlops and Conti tires but not on Bridgestone, Michelin or German Goodyear F1 tires.Washing the tires every few weeks and treating them with a rubber protectant will restore the tires to a nice flat-black color. I've tried many brands, and keep coming back to the "low-gloss" ArmorAll stuff. It doesn't last very long, but is cheap and easy to apply.

[Lotus7]

As a follow up I thought I'd post a pic of a P7 on my X3. Now at 4000 miles - washed every two weeks - ArmorAll Low-Shine applied after each wash (sidewall only, keep it OFF the tread area) No red dust.

The car (and tires) were last washed 9 days ago, and it's rained a few times. The ArmorAll is beginning to wear off, so looks a little uneven, however, there is no sign of the dreaded "red dust syndrome".

My X3 has chrome lug bolt caps and chrome plated valve caps that I think really enhance the look of the wheels. Subtle details like that can make a big difference in the appearance of a vehicle.

[Ant Man]

Originally Posted by robwoods

Hello all

My 2.0d F25 is a couple of months old now, and has suffered corrosion on the inside of the wheels, on the cylindrical bit forward of the discs.

The dealer said that it was normal and all BMW's did that so I thought little of it. However, it is fairly unattractive and I believe now the rust colour is being spread by moisture out onto the tyres and staining them.

I've taken a couple of pictures but I'm not sure it comes across quite as bad as it looks in real life.

Normal or unacceptable?

The bit you refer to is called the hub. From around 2006 BMW's supplier for their non motorsport discs / hubs either changed or the manufacturing process changed for the worse.

You can try special paints and use lithium grease (as already advised) to keep the corrosion at bay.