[Jemster68]

Bit of advice here guys.

The car was in getting its service last week, full service and brake fluid. I don’t know if they have a need to take the wheels off, but suspect they may have done so as the centre caps, which weren’t in great condition, looked noticeably worse afterwards (now replaced!)

Anyway, after I got it home I noticed marks around the centre cap of one of the wheels. Easily spotted as they are unmarked in all other respects. Question is, how do I fix it. I really, really do not want to start a war with the garage and will just avoid them in future, but should I put some clear lacquer on the marks perhaps? Concerned they will spread when water gets to them, but can’t actually feel the marking with my fingernail so not sure if this is even an issue.

I tried a little cutting compound on a cloth but it didn’t have much effect.

[DrVenture]

A proper brake fluid replacement would involve removing all 4 wheels and opening each brake caliper bleeder valve in turn. No idea why the center caps would need to be removed.

if it were me I'd try polishing again with something a littler more aggressive. Then coat with clear for protection it didn't go away.

Or find a wheel repair individual to fix it. Can't cost all that much.

[Jemster68]

I would have thought the same - but in the video the dealership prepared for me where the mechanic walks round the car pointing out all the little extras they want to charge me for, he has a hose and container attached to the bleed valve with the wheel still on the car.

Maybe if it's on a lift it's quicker to work from behind the wheel. Or maybe they took it off, attached the hose and put the wheel back on again for some reason before finishing the change. Either way, those marks weren't there when it went in, and I only noticed them when I got home. They look radial around the centre cap though, not around the bolts which has me confused.

I'll have another go at it at the weekend and then get the clear-coat out to re-seal it for now. Doesn't seem worth getting the whole face re-finished for this.

[DrVenture]

Depending on the wheels, they could connect a hose to the shraeder valve and open it, for bleeding. With my 668M wheels and M brakes, the fronts could be done that way. I don't think the rears could.

My concern would be that any leakage gets on the wheels and brake fluid is corrosive.

I've only done bleeding during brake jobs and the wheels were already off.

Where I live they use plenty of salt on the roads during winter. I have seen similar damage on many wheels. It is usually under the clear. Since you stated they do not catch your fingernail, I am thinking that is the case here.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by Jemster68

Bit of advice here guys.

The car was in getting its service last week, full service and brake fluid. I don’t know if they have a need to take the wheels off, but suspect they may have done so as the centre caps, which weren’t in great condition, looked noticeably worse afterwards (now replaced!)

Anyway, after I got it home I noticed marks around the centre cap of one of the wheels. Easily spotted as they are unmarked in all other respects. Question is, how do I fix it. I really, really do not want to start a war with the garage and will just avoid them in future, but should I put some clear lacquer on the marks perhaps? Concerned they will spread when water gets to them, but can’t actually feel the marking with my fingernail so not sure if this is even an issue.

I tried a little cutting compound on a cloth but it didn’t have much effect.

A mobile wheel guy can repair that onsite and on car. Maybe $100 bucks. I have had W&T insurance for years and have had many rash and similar repairs done. A good wheel guy will make that unnoticeable.

Was this a BMW dealer? If so, make them repair it or use whoever they use. Shame on whoever tried to remove the center caps before removing the wheel. They can easily be popped out from the back of a removed wheel. You can also remove them safely on car with some duct tape and a quick pull.