Advice please

[petetan]

Could anybody who has had the problem or can help give me some advice please, I have a MK5 gti 2005 54k miles purchased 3 weeks ago and i have just noticed bubbling of the paintwork in a small area on nearside front wheel arch (see picture) it is very difficult to see when standing and I just noticed it while cleaning wheels, I have read a few bits on internet about the same problem and mixed results from Volkswagen, so could you advise on the best way to approach them on their 12 year gaurentee, any advice appreciated
thanks in advance, Peter

[tech1889]

just take to VW and ask most of the time they say no but some say yes if you keep asking them..

[Davstylee]

As you said this is a known issue with the MK5, it is when the inner arch rubs against the outer arch. VW know about this as it has happened to many a MK5, mine included.

Have a read of the thread I started on it a while back http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=158289.0

Basically you need to speak to VW head office if you are to get anywhere. In the end I had both arches replaced and VW paid for 90% of the cost. They first offered me something like 60% off the repair paid for by VW head office, but I kept on at them and they got the branch that done the repair to put in the extra 30%. I think if I carried on I could have got it repaired for free, but it had already taken me some time to get them to 90% so I caved in.

Keep on at them, and they should eventually break. If you brought the car from a main dealer like me I think you have a stronger chance of getting somewhere.

Good luck and let us know how you get on. PM me if you want any more advice.

[petetan]

Thanks for the advice, I phoned Benfield Siverlink up and the warranty assessor is not there today and I cant make it till next week because of work so taking it through then, will post what he says, I have read your thread and pleased you got most of work paid for, I bought car from evans Halshaw and was given a 2 year  mechanical warranty as part of the deal, it wont be covered by that I wouldnt think, once again thanks

[petetan]

update for anybody interested, been to see the local warranty manager today, friendly guy named Shaun. He took a few photos and says he sends them off to VW who will probably turn down the repair on the grounds its mechanical,but once he has a case number he will turn case over to customer care for me, I asked what is the likely outcome from customer care and was told that it was very likely that it would be repaired with no cost to me, dont know what kind of repair would be offered as yet, it all sounded to good to be true, but he seemed an honest guy so fingers crossed

[Rhyso]

Turn the repair down because it's mechanical?    How did he work that out?? 

Fingers crossed they cough up the full amount

[Mark Hateley FF]

Read some of my threads on this.

I recently got mine renewed.

[petetan]

Read some of my threads on this.

I recently got mine renewed.

I have read some of your posts thanks, I should get to know in a couple of weeks what they plan to do, hopefully it will be a new wing but i will post back here when I know

[Marlowe]

Sorry to see you're in the same boat as me. I suspect, given that the wheel arch liner design didn't change until well into the MK6 production cycle, that sadly as the years roll on this will become an increasingly common fault for MK5 owners. Whether this will make VW acknowledge and respond to the problem in a responsible manner, or just harden their stance against allowing any further warranty claims will say a lot about them as a company.

I fear by the time I get anywhere it'll be too late for my front wing sadly - I washed the car this afternoon, and in the 2 weeks since I first noticed (and submitted a warranty claim for) the initial bubbles, several more have rapidly formed. I don't think there'll be much left to repair if it spreads at this rate!

Rhyso: VW's official stance when they realise it's caused by the plastic trim rubbing against the metal is that this is a 'mechanical defect' - primarily because this conveniently allows them to classify it as a problem which is only covered under the 3 year warranty. However VW Customer Services didn't seem able to explain how it constituted a 'defect' when I pointed out that clearly they were happy with the liner's installation and that no part related to the liner has failed. Basically, it's a design fault - one VW don't want to have to take responsibility for.

[petetan]

Just heard back today and VW have authorised the repair, which will be a new wing according to the warranty guy, just waiting for a courtesy car to be available then it will be in getting sorted,at no cost to me