2006 DTS Rims Peeling

goodwrench1 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-09, 06:30 PM

I had my 2006 DTS at the dealer and had them look at these wheels peeling, and they said it was not warranty (still have until the end of the month until the bumper to bumper is up) because I am not the original owner. Does that make sense to anyone?

cubldr · #2 (**permalink**) 08-04-09, 05:53 PM

Unless something has changed, it has been my understanding that factory warranty transfers with the title to whoever owns the vehicle, whether you be the first owner or the umpteenth. I have had factory warranty work done on used GM vehicles that I have purchased in the past that were still within the time/mileage limits prescribed by the bumper to bumper warranty.

Perhaps the dealer is concerned about "pushback" from GM on this and is unwilling to go to bat. Their reasoning seems bogus. Try another dealer if there is one close enough to you.

Southern · #3 (**permalink**) 08-04-09, 08:27 PM

Usually the warranty has been transferred automatically.
But the bankruptcy has changed several things.
Tread softly, try a different dealer and call GM customer service........

CaddiLukKing · #4 (**permalink**) 08-04-09, 10:38 PM

WOW, that looks really bad... also to me it looks like some sort of acidic solution was presipatating inside the wheel, almost looked like at some point it was bubbling from it and now is rusting as a result... THAT SUCKS... i doubt the dealer will actually want to replace it, as it does look like it was done by something outside their manufacturing control.
OUT of curiousity, are they 18s or 17s?
GOOD LUCK
P.S. if nothing works, TRY EBAY, CHECK THESE OUT. i would love to have these... i think it works like this, you buy them at full price 1600$ or $1700 + ship and then you send your old rims to him and he refunds you a grand.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-NEW...Q5fAccessories

But really i would love to have these... because they are allready with tires and i like the style of these, but you cant trade your old rims for these... for 1750 i think its a good deal...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SET-O...Q5fAccessories

z06bigbird · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-09, 11:06 PM

Tires and doors at wrecking yards are the hardest thing for those places to sell. As a result, these shops are very negotiable on those parts. I would venture that you should be able to locate a set of chrome wheels for $150 to $200 per wheel plus $25 to $50 each for shipping.

Take your time; do your homework. Try some large Caddy dealers too; many have tire shops.

tedcmiller · #6 (**permalink**) 08-06-09, 12:17 AM

The bumper-to-bumper warranty is for a shorter time period and less mileage than the power train warranty. Wheels are not considered part of the power train. Could this have anything to do with your dealer's refusal to cover your damage under warranty?

Big Windy Ext · #7 (**permalink**) 08-06-09, 08:46 AM

Dealer replaced mine with a lot less damage , got zone approval though .

Justbob · #8 (**permalink**) 08-06-09, 01:30 PM

This is a long shot. Did you have the wheels balanced since you owned the car. The reason I ask is perhaps a acitic solution was used to clean the rim in order for the new wheel weights to adhere to the rim. Over time it worked its way between the plating and the rim resulting in the peeling.

Bob

TSS · #9 (**permalink**) 08-06-09, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy Ext

Dealer replaced mine with a lot less damage , got zone approval though .

Me too, mine were just pitting. OPs look plain awful. I feel for you. I have never seen any that bad and would chime in that perhaps this was an after factory error. But then again, maybe not, as that is not the reason the dealer is giving you for denying the warrantee. Another option is a set of non-chrome DTS takeoffs if you don't really care about chrome - a set for $500 bucks is listed on this forum I think.

goodwrench1 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 02:38 PM

@ CaddiLukKing they are 18's

@ Justbob The wheels have been rebalanced by the previous owner

I did go to a different dealer (I wouldn't trust going to same dealer after they treated my car like a cash for clunker turn in) and they photographed the rims and are submitting it to the General Motors Regional Service Representative, so I should know something here shortly.

I think I'll try my hand at small claims court 1st before buying new ones myself (if they deny their obligation), just have to track down previous owner(s) and have them sign affidavits that they maintained the wheels in accordance to GM's recommendations.

I would have a hard time believing the previous owner used anything other than mild detergent on his/her $40k+ ride.

I thought Obama said our cars warranties would still be honored in bankruptcy!

goodwrench1 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-07-09, 08:24 PM

UPDATE:

General Motors rep says no because can't confirm how rims were maintained by previous owner (if that is the case then that should void any remaining factory used car warranty).

Have called Cadillac customer assistance should hear back from them on 8-11-09.

To be continued......

TulsaVic · #12 (**permalink**) 08-08-09, 12:49 PM

This is most interesting. Wish you better luck with GM than I had with Chrysler: My 300C started showing wheel corrosion at about 18,000 miles. The dealer took a look and said they needed replacement. But the regional manager nixed it, and the dealer didn't want to have the unrecoverable expense on his books (understandable). At about 38,000 miles it looked really bad, so I contacted Chrysler direct, indicating I had the supplemental warranty which should cover this item. Took about 4 e-mails before they understood the problem...and then they said, sorry, the supplemental doesn't cover wheels, only the new car 36,000 mile warranty does and you're beyond that. So I sent them the complaint--and refusal to cover--dealer workorder from 18,000 miles. They said, sorry, we don't wish to discuss this anymore and terminated correspondence. Sold the car 4 months later....

goodwrench1 · #13 (**permalink**) 08-08-09, 03:20 PM

If all else fails, I only live about 25 minutes from GM HQ. Maybe I can hand deliver these wheels to Ed Whitacre (New GM CEO) or Bryan Nesbitt (new General Manager of Cadillac division) for some good theatrics.

I've owned ALOT of Chevys in the past and the dealer has never balked at warranty repairs. I can't believe that this is how CADILLAC is treating their owners. I read on the Fastlane GM blog that the New GM is putting customer first in every aspect. I would have to disagree.

@ TulsaVic That stinks that you tried to have your wheels replaced at 18,000 miles with Chrysler and they still wouldn't budge. That's why I'm pushing so hard to get these replaced now, because in a year or two they are going to look 10 x's worse.

z06bigbird · #14 (**permalink**) 08-11-09, 01:10 PM

Goodw,

Have you researched any TSBs? Maybe there is a trend with this problem. That might strengthen your case.

Ed

TSS · #15 (**permalink**) 08-11-09, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goodwrench1

If all else fails, I only live about 25 minutes from GM HQ. Maybe I can hand deliver these wheels to Ed Whitacre (New GM CEO) or Bryan Nesbitt (new General Manager of Cadillac division) for some good theatrics.

I am in Lansing, put me on stand-by so I can video the event, and bail you out of jail as needed.