GERMAN TRANSLATION REQUIRED - ROOF CORROSION

[SusiBus]

Can anyone help translate the threads below from the German Cali site to help us establish what our German colleagues are doing with regard to roof corrosion?


http://www.caliboard.de/showthread.php?2069 all 93 pages of it.

Also this thread http://www.caliboard.de/showthread.php?5777 which suggests a protest run to the factory.


Many thanks. Graham (SusiBus)

 

[Meoncoast]

you can do in here

http://translate.google.com/

 

[Stu]

For looking at multiple pages I would install Google Chrome browser which will translate for you.

 

[Yelekreb]

There are loads of pages, but in summary people have been having it repaired under warranty. If out of warranty have been arguing with VW or getting it fixed themselves. If you need a specific bit translated shout. Google translate can come with some very odd translations!

 

[pryfllwyd]

The first post is just a series of exchanges about individual cases. The gist seems to be that the aluminium itself is rusting and that the paintwork is not the issue in itself. Some people have had the paintwork repaired but that is senseless because the rust is in the aluminium itself. The discussion seems then to center around two aspects of the guarantee - firstly the paintwork guarantee that only applies for 3 years and is therefore of no use and secondly the 'Durchrostungsgarantie' - literally 'rusting-through guarantee' which only applies when the problem is so bad that the roof has rusted completely through.

Looks to be a classic case of corporate liability avoidance - good luck .

The second post is from a slightly less happy camper (sic). He is trying to get people together to all drive to the main works for a mass protest. The discussion runs between him (for) and another (agianst) - there is no clear outcome.

Not really worth a full translation - hope that helps.

 

[SusiBus]

Many thanks to Pryfllwyd and Yelekreb for their replies.

I spoke to VW Head Office today and they have verbally confirmed my worst fears that this corrosion is only covered under the paint warranty which expires 3 years after the vehicle is first registered. However, they did also confirm that they would look to help owners if the corrosion had been teated and then re-occurred at a later date.

What I was hoping to find within the German thread is any reference to VW in Germany covering this under the 12 year warranty as it appears the corrosion in some, if not all, cases is emanating from within the box section but I think what they are only covering is when panel perforation occurs.

If there is any reference like that, it may be very helpful to Cali owners in the future.

 

[shrimper]

Thanks for your reminder Graham ... I've just been reading through the latest posts on the German Cali forum - they are upto page 100 by now. According to the German forum members, during the past couple of months VW Hannover have held training sessions for a number of their VW dealer on how to effectly repair the 'cabbage' spread on the front spoiler and roof. The cause of the roof corrosion appears to be down to the correct use (drying time) of the right primer - or the lack of it. VW are also fitting a new front modul (spoiler) which apparently has a different edging - which according to the forum members should minimise the spread of 'cabbage'. Our Cali (2010) has 5 sections where corroision got into the paintwork and I've been waiting to see what VW's actions would be after the meetings with the German Cali Forum at the end of 2012.

Just wondered whether we've started a record/list who's Cali is suffering from the dreaded 'roof cabbage' in the UK?

Michael

 

[3wolves]

My 2008 Cali is suffering it's second bout of corrosion at the roof seam above the windscreen. I had it repaired 2 years ago under warranty and all appeared fine until recently when bubbling appeared again along the same section. With a bit of too-ing and fro-ing VW directed me to the original repairers who have just got back to me with VWs take on it. Basically they have only approved a repair along the lines of the original fix, ie., taking back to metal, priming and spraying, rather than replacing the panel or any other modifications. When I suggested that this would only result in me returning in two years time with the same problem they could only agree and suggested I take the issue up with VW customer care. This is where I am at at present, any suggestions for where I go next? - tales of broken roof hydraulics and loss of van for 6 months makes me warey of a replacement panel but I also don't fancy a trip to the bodyshop every 2 years.
Gordon