I've been on here for over 2 years now and it seems that there have been several guys with Maya wheels that had the same thing happen to them, a wash at the dealer, and it just ruined them.


Sounds like they used a caustic aluminum cleaner on them.

 

Same thing happened to me last year with a new set of Volks.

I dropped my car off at a local dealer to have the tranny replaced under warranty. As I have a black car and work hard with the Zaino to keep the swirls down....I specifically told them "DO NOT wash my car".

Went to pick it up and saw clear coat was ruined. Same story...."the body shop can buff that out".....

They finally man'ed up and admitted their mistake and offered to have the wheels refinished. My reply was that they were not "refinished" when I brought it in and it would never be as good as a factory finish job.

After some negioation, they finally had me get a price to replace the wheels and dismount / remount my tires....and they cut me a check.

Stick to your guns.....I'm sorry it happened...bu they messed up.

 

Well got a good and bad update this week. The Rim shop that told the detail shop the rims will come out "good as new" took 3 weeks longer then they said, when they showed up they looked in the condition i was expecting. Much much better but still not "brand new" I had under 2k miles on them so I made it a point I want new rims, i dont mind having them refinished as long as they look brand new. So needless to say the detail owner knew where I was going with this and agreed to have me order a new set (if anyone has a hookup for 20" MAYA STM's please let me know ASAP!) I know they are discountinued but I don't like the replacement RM1's so I will hunt down another new STM set somewhere.

As for my original rims, the detail shop told the rim shop he isnt paying them for the work because he has to shell out for the new set. So I spoke to the rim shop and let them know I will buy back my rims (they had no rash, no bends, they just have some minor swirl marks on the lip) so I will either keep them as an emergency spare set or sell them off if anyone is interested. Hopefully I get it all settled this week, its almost SUMMER!!

 

This stuff isn't difficult to prove up in court. Pictures taken immediately after damage occurs are particularly helpful as is any statement in writting by the shop.

From now on, anyone in this situation should first try to resolve through the shop, like OP did. However, you should also #1.) Send a letter via certified mail to the shop that plainly states the wrong that was done and also what is expected in resolution. For new rims, it should state that you expect the rims to be replaced. For older rims, it should state that you expect repair or prorated or partial compensation(ie what they might sell for in current condition before damage). #2.) After sending the letter, file a small claims suit. Amount of damages recoverable via a small claims suit vary's from state to state. In California its $5,000.

Most of the time, you will never go to court and the shop will handle the repairs replacement, and much quicker than if you had not done the above.