Going to the dealer tomorrow morning to remedy another problem (rearview mirrors no longer pan down in reverse). I'll ask them to check out the finish on the rims and see if the warranty will cover it. Will let you all know how it turns out.
Okay guys - finally presented this rim problem to the dealer. At first the service tech said there's no way for brake dust to embed in the finish. He went and got some sort of Lexus super polish and started rubbing on the area. He concluded that it wasn't a brake dust stain, but an erosion of the actual finish. The more he rubbed, the more black area appeared as he was wiping away the actual finish. He thought I must have used some sort of corrosive cleaner that had etched away the finish and was exposing the black underneath.
But then he went and got another guy that concluded that if that were the case, the problem would be all over the wheels, not just on the edges. His theory was that it must be a combination of brake dust, something corrosive, water, heat, etc... He suggested that Lexus should replace the rims with new ones - or at least some rims of another new car that had upgraded to chrome.
Then a third guy showed up to take pictures for documentation, which have to be submitted to some sort of regional manager type guy. I'm not sure what will happen there. They finally sent me on my way telling me that they'd have to order the new rims regardless of what they decided with the warranty. He's supposed to call me when the new rims arrive. Hopefully, they'll just call it a defective finish and replace them at no charge. Stay tuned...
Hi Jason,
I just purchased a 2007 gs350 with the same rims from Orlando. my car only has 200 miles on it and i am changing the wheels and tires. If you are interested I could sell you my stock wheels and tires for a good price. 18 inch rims with 245/40/18 michelin tires. Let me know... Thanks
