VW Dealer Scratched my Wheel, what can I do?

motobuild

New member
Well took my car to the VW dealer to have my wheels rebalanced (BTW it is a 01 VW Jetta WE). Have been having the 60 MPH shake, and the Dealer JUST got in a Hunter 9000 (only one in AK). So get the car back on there is a scratch that starts VERY thin and get deeper and a LITTLE bit wider (maybe 1cm at the widest point) here is a picture when I first got the rims. It basiclly starts from one of the lug-nut holes (the wider part too, see how the hold are tapered?) and goes to the next in a curving motion.
22619138.jpg




It was caused by the wheel balancer, they even admit to it. But will not fix it because the wheels are "aftermarket", its a crock. Anyways I can feel it with my finger nail, and I do see black, so I take it, it is all the way through and cant be buffed out. I have tried Scratch X and it cleaned it up a little. I do have a PC too, but have no idea which pad or compound to use or if it would even "help" it. We do not have any wheel-refinishers up here, and shipping one to PA or GA would be not cost-effective at all. Can I use Touch-Up paint? I dont even know how to find the color code on a wheel, lol. I just want it to be hidden pretty well, doesnt need to be like new.
 
DO NOT TOUCH IT ANY FURTHER.



First of all talk to the dealer service manager, if he does not compensate, talk to the dealer principal, if he does not compensate take the dealership to court.



It does not matter if it not a VW wheel. VW warranty is not the issue. The FACT is it is your property and they damaged it. Its that simple. Its illegal to take change out of a car, thats stealing. Its illegal to key someones car, thats vandalism. Why isnt the dealership responsible in their eyes?



In my country (Australia) a dealership cannot get away with that, and nor should they. I cannot imagine in the United States of America the dealership would have any grounds to stand on.



I work with dealerships alot and I take a very hard view on instances like this.



Do not take a bar of their excuse.
 
Myles is 100% correct. I'd be raising a hell of a stink at that dealership. Contacting the District Manager and VW of America should help. You have a big advantage in the fact that they admitted to the damage.
 
Call VW directly. My father had a similar instance with Saab regarding his transmission. Something like the dealer wouldn't do something to fix it - can't really remember. Anyway he went up the chain of command at the dealer, then up the chain of command at Saab until he got the fax number of the President of Saab. He sent him a long, detailed, scathing letter. Within hours, the dealership called and they immediately rectified the transmission problem.



My point is, do not accept their excuse. Even if you have to play hard ball and be an a$$ about it. They have a duty of care not to damage your property.



Also, ask to see their policy in writing that states that they are not responsable for damaging your property. Maybe they don't have one?



Good luck. It's a real bummer.
 
Well I did talk to the service manager about it when it happened. I am going to try calling VWOA. But if I can not get it resolved then is there anything I can do to actully fix, or some what fix it myself?
 
As a last resort, you could see if any Brock retailers can get ahold of some touch-up paint for you. VW service departments have not been improving their image as of late, that is for sure. Definitely talk to the manager at the dealership and see what he/she will do. Call VWOA if that gets you nowhere, you shouldn't have to come out of pocket because of their mistake.



BTW, Brock B4s, very nice wheel. If the damage is too much for you to handle emotionally, I'd be willing to take them off your hands. :D
 
This happened to me........after a runaround I wrote a letter to the service manager and CC'ed the national office and 2 new wheels showed up in exchange for mine the next week. WRITE A LETTER ASAP. They are responsible and should replace your wheels. The tech prob used the wrong machine for mounting as he did on my BMW type 44 wheels........



Good luck....
 
I agree with detailking, if they admit they were to blame and don't fix it, when Volkswagen heres about it, it will be fixed no charge. Why should you pay.
 
Do not accept anything less than compensation of some sort, a full replacment or cash.



Do not think about fixing it just yet.



Settle pettle.
 
are those Brock B4's?



beautiful! I love deep dish wheels :D



sorry to hear about the scratch. take it up with VWOA, but be prepared for the runaround. their customer service skills leave much to be desired :(
 
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