rusty wings

[valvedoctor]

Can't believe it.After washing my pride and joy mk5 gti I noticed what I initially thought was beads of water along the top of my wheelarch.I tried drying it off again at which point I realised it wasn't water beads but small bubbles of rust !! Gutted. I checked the other side and yep, it was the same,Even more gutted. I promptly got in touch with the local VW paint inspector and a paint inspection was arranged.At the inspection he acknoledged the problem and also pointed out the beginning of even more rust !! this time on the sills,both sides, at the point where the wing meets the sill, another common fault apparently.To cut a long story short my car was quickly booked in for the paintwork to be sorted and to my delight has had the sills spot sandblasted and painted and two brand spanking new wings fitted(all under warranty)I'm over the moon with the result and the colour match is spot on.Really pleased with the outcome but feel a bit let down with the quality of modern VW's.

[TANNER]

You sound very lucky mate, have a read of this thread:
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,21537.0.html

Which dealer did you go to?

[brookesb32]

You sound very lucky mate, have a read of this thread:
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,21537.0.html

Which dealer did you go to?

Found I had the same last week, although mainly on just one frot arch. Still need to visit the dealer again as warranty chap wasn't there but does seem that the are very picky after speaking to their reception and reading that thread.

Also be interested in which dealer for reference. Going to get mine in ASAP!

[coolhandluke]

Can't believe it.After washing my pride and joy mk5 gti I noticed what I initially thought was beads of water along the top of my wheelarch.I tried drying it off again at which point I realised it wasn't water beads but small bubbles of rust !! Gutted. I checked the other side and yep, it was the same,Even more gutted. I promptly got in touch with the local VW paint inspector and a paint inspection was arranged.At the inspection he acknoledged the problem and also pointed out the beginning of even more rust !! this time on the sills,both sides, at the point where the wing meets the sill, another common fault apparently.To cut a long story short my car was quickly booked in for the paintwork to be sorted and to my delight has had the sills spot sandblasted and painted and two brand spanking new wings fitted(all under warranty)I'm over the moon with the result and the colour match is spot on.Really pleased with the outcome but feel a bit let down with the quality of modern VW's.

Did you have a full VW service history?

[valvedoctor]

Hi again,first off I live in the Teesside area and used a V.W's paint inspector from Darlington(who I arranged to meet at Middlesbrough as it's nearer my house.) Also yes ,my car does have full V.W service history.I'm beginning to think that you have a better chance of a sucessful claim if it has.

[brookesb32]

Just visited my local dealer to show the warranty chap my wings, mainly this one is the problem.




They have only had one other in this year, which i thought odd being quite common. He is going to send his findings off and see what the bosses say. He was saying that the reason of getting it there is due to the arch linings being on too tight, so loosen them people.

Fingers crossed they will be authorised to do it. He is recommending one new wing and fix the little bit on the other wing, fingers crossed.

They were really nice and was even chatting with the paint shop guy too about the best golfs  

[MPS]

I thought Mk5 GTI's and indeed most if not all modern VW's have galvanised panels from factory to prevent rust? Or is it the rubbing of the arch liner that rubs the galvanising away?

[Matto]

MPS - was going to ask the same thng myself. Had this on my mk4 pd150 and was told it was the inner arches rubbing the outer arch. Was also told you had a better chance of gettin it done if it had full VWSH. Which cause a problem for me as mines due and was going to do it myself. Never had one served at VW and I'm very wary after a a bad experience with a "specialist". I don't like being fobbed off and like to know things have been done properly.

[valvedoctor]

It's definately worth getting your service done at the main dealer if you are intending on pursuing a claim for your paintwork.It would definately go against you if you didn't.Also if they only repair one of your wings,kindly remind them thet your three years paint warranty starts from fresh after any  warranty work has been done and it'll be in there intrest to re-new the wings alltogether like they did on mine   Good luck matey.

[brookesb32]

Had mine in with VW last week to look at the wings, and got a call today to say the will replace the passenger wing. The drivers only has a very tiny bit which wasn't really visible on the photos so not doing that one yet. Going to sit on it and go back when worse.

Was straight forward so looks like VW are accepting the issue more now 

[Tfsi_Mike]

There's a Technical Service Bulletin that states if you have rusty wings you need to replace them with carbon fibre ones...

(or did I dream that?)

[brookesb32]

There's a Technical Service Bulletin that states if you have rusty wings you need to replace them with carbon fibre ones...

(or did I dream that?)

  wouldn't that be quality!