Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[X5 Meister]

Which Hunter is that, the TC3500?

Originally Posted by weasel56

Also keep in mind not all hunter equipment is created equal... there are many different models and some have metal heads that hug the rim ans cause that damage. Some have plastic heads that are held just away from the rim and never come in contact with it. (which is what our shop uses) I change tires almost daily at work and I never let amything metal come in contact with the wheel face... thus have never scratched a wheel.

And I agree that a wheel repair/refinishing would be the way to go. We use wheelmasters at our dealer and they do a great job. (yet another job who's quality depends on the person performing it)

[X5 Meister]

What's the shop in East Elmhurst?

Originally Posted by rastaFarai

this is why i go to a trusted shop.. i drive all the way from Long Island to Queens in East Elmhurst when i'm doing something. Have to. No experimenting. They've done all my tire jobs and all my friends and family. I'm sure there are great places in LI closer to me, but why bother. I know these guys do great work and I go to them for everything wheel related.

The uncle part - i'd be pissed too but hate to say it, no one cares more than you do. If your standing watching then they'll take care of it.

When i put on my 215s the guy asked me how much i paid after he finished. I said "6" - he asked "$6000? nice wheels.." i laughed and said "no $600".. he asked "$600 each.." lol you get the point.. but he took care of me like they were $6000 set of wheels.

[gianvito16]

would they get scratched if you use a tire iron? it would have been better with an air gun, they go straight for the lugs and thats it. why did you want them not to use the air gun and use a tire iron instead?

[Weasel]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Which Hunter is that, the TC3500?

We have two different machines, one in each shop. (across the street from eachother) The older one is the TC3500 and the newer one that I love is the TCX550. The plastic head on the TC3500 does ride on the rim so you have to be careful it doesn't pick up any trash like shards of metal from a curb-rashed wheel that will embed in the head and scratch wheels after that. (see OP pics) The TCX550's head is locked in place stationary a hair away from the rim so it never comes in contact. That is the only one I really use as it is the best machine I have worked with... ever.

[X5 Meister]

I believe the TCX550 is better than the TC3500 and the newer TC3700. Have you tried the new AUTO34 ?

Originally Posted by weasel56

We have two different machines, one in each shop. (across the street from eachother) The older one is the TC3500 and the newer one that I love is the TCX550. The plastic head on the TC3500 does ride on the rim so you have to be careful it doesn't pick up any trash like shards of metal from a curb-rashed wheel that will embed in the head and scratch wheels after that. (see OP pics) The TCX550's head is locked in place stationary a hair away from the rim so it never comes in contact. That is the only one I really use as it is the best machine I have worked with... ever.

[Weasel]

Not yet, but I hear it spoils you! I'm going to advanced training schools in May and June, maybe one of the BMW training facilities will have one (doubt it though)

Damn, just realized thats gonna be 2 weeks away from my beloved computer... I really need to get a good laptop.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by mtX5

Damn jose.. thats pretty bad. sorry to see that. They should pay to repair your wheels!! unacceptable.

But i think you shouldn't panic because it should be an easy fix for someone who does wheel repair. theres a company in our area called Nationwide Wheel Repair. They work at BMW of Fairfax alot. I'm sure they come by the dealership near you too. maybe they can help out..1(800)710-2368.

I saved their info just incase..never used them though.

Thanks for the info. might come in handy!

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by gianvito16

would they get scratched if you use a tire iron? it would have been better with an air gun, they go straight for the lugs and thats it. why did you want them not to use the air gun and use a tire iron instead?

I wanted them to do that because when I first got them mounted and balanced at ANOTHER place they scratched up a little the INSIDES of the stud/nut holes using the airgun. I settled with them for that already.

Knowing this, that's why I instructed thinwall socket or hand removed. Didn't matter as you can see and did much worse damage. BTW .. they DID scratch up inside those holes too.

[TwinsPoppa]

Thaks again for all the comments. Hearing all your stories and outlook is therapeutic.

I've already "cooled off" and will deal with. But as BlackE32_SilverE53 said - I might be cringing everytime I wash the car depending on how it gets settled.

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I wanted them to do that because when I first got them mounted and balanced at ANOTHER place they scratched up a little the INSIDES of the stud/nut holes using the airgun. I settled with them for that already.

Knowing this, that's why I instructed thinwall socket or hand removed. Didn't matter as you can see and did much worse damage. BTW .. they DID scratch up inside those holes too.

Unless you've got $$$ wheels and a $$$ SUV, I don't see why those scratches inside the holes matter.