Taking a shine to Mercedes - Mercedes-Benz Innovation Leaders Again

After four years of development work, an innovative new clear lacquer went into series production at Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2003. Ground-breaking nanotechnology ensures that the new product is substantially more scratch-resistant than conventional paint. The E, S, CL, SL and SLK-Class model series are the first cars in the world to be available with this new paint system, whilst customers of other Mercedes models can look forward to the increased scratch resistance of nano-paintwork from this spring.

The newly developed clear lacquer, which contains microscopically small ceramic particles, hardens in the paintshop oven, forming an extensively cross-linked network. The paint is therefore more effectively protected against scratches caused by mechanical car washes, for example. The nano-particles provide a three-fold improvement in the scratch resistance of the paintwork and ensure visibly enhanced gloss over an extended period of time. Following extreme tests in a laboratory car wash, Mercedes engineers noted an around 40% improvement in paint gloss compared to conventional clear lacquers.
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bokuchin - 8/20/2007 2:08:08 PM

-4 Boost

I can't verify this, but i read somewhere that the Infiniti EX35 has a scratch resistant paint as well.

EnnNorak - 8/21/2007 10:40:15 AM

+3 Boost

Merecedes paint reigns supreme. Self-healing paint is not the same as scratch- resistant paint. Self-healing imlpies that the paint has to remain very slightly fluid during its life which would make it less scratch-resistant. As much as I like Infinity better than Mercedes for overall product value, I think Mercedes earns full marks in the paint department.

EnnNorak - 8/21/2007 10:40:22 AM

+3 Boost

Merecedes paint reigns supreme. Self-healing paint is not the same as scratch- resistant paint. Self-healing imlpies that the paint has to remain very slightly fluid during its life which would make it less scratch-resistant. As much as I like Infinity better than Mercedes for overall product value, I think Mercedes earns full marks in the paint department.

kpaxx - 8/20/2007 2:16:59 PM

+1 Boost

Most cars have scratch resistant paint but do they have ceramic paint?

quizz - 8/20/2007 2:28:16 PM

+4 Boost

Most people don't care because, the majority of MB buyers:
1. Lease their cars
2. Change cars within 5 years
3. Are not car nuts and so don't notice the tiny scratches on their car

But for the rest of us who would love to keep a classic in the garage for 20 years, this sounds awesome.

david989 - 8/20/2007 4:08:16 PM

-5 Boost

Mercedes + Innovation? I have a problem with this. Mercedes only "innovates" when they copy Lexus.

w209w114 - 8/20/2007 4:53:24 PM

+4 Boost

LOL Please. Mercedes invented innovation when they invented the first car. Lexus merely copied it after all the groundwork was already done. They didnt contribute a fraction of what MB has throught history.

Kinger - 8/21/2007 5:47:23 AM

+4 Boost

david989, always good for a bit of comic relief...

headphones - 8/23/2007 10:12:16 PM

0 Boost

i love you david989.
YOUR ignorance is MY bliss.
after such a horrible day at the office, with banks closing, such as greenpoint and countrywide soon to come, you just know WHAT TO SAY to get a smile on my face
<3 lets get married shall we?

ThierryHenry14 - 8/20/2007 4:53:18 PM

+5 Boost

get a life david989...