What?s the storey with MB and stone chips!!!!

[JPD]

My 2001 S-Class 320 has more stone chips on the front end than spots on a great crested speckled hearing?? I?m starting to think it may be caused by hardened flies getting their own back? My local dealer just quoted me £800 for a bonnet, valance and both wing re-spray? JHC, that an awful lot of money. :cry:

Does any body else out there suffer the same problems? I have heard MB have quite a problem with this issue due to "water" based paint dipping instead of using Cellulose paints?

 

[slkgus]

Paint chips

I have experienced awful chipping on my 2001 SLK even though i do 6000 miles per annum

But Mercedes West London said paint was deep enough -the worst paintwork i have had over 12 vehicles owned
:evil:

 

[Arnie]

There are numerous previous posts on this topic. Water-based paints (since 1997 for MB) have replaced the previous, spirit-based types, which were far more resilient and durable, though not so environmentally or process friendly. However, it does seem from personal experience and from what I've read of other people's troubles, that these paints are very brittle and prone to chipping. I also suspect that MB apply them very sparingly, because other manufacturers who also use such paints don't appear to have these problems to the same extent. Even with regards to galvanising and rust-proofing, it seems that MB is trying to make savings. It's a shame because it does the marque's reputation no good. MB have now had a ggood 5-6 years to work it out.

The best paint finish that I have yet seen on any car was on a new Mini. It's also water-based, but it's done on perhaps Europe' most advanced paint-shop, in Cowly. It also seems pretty resistant to chips.

 

[Enam]

Re: Paint chips

I have experienced awful chipping on my 2001 SLK even though i do 6000 miles per annum

But Mercedes West London said paint was deep enough -the worst paintwork i have had over 12 vehicles owned
:evil:

Hi GUS,

Just noticed that you have a E320 sportline cabrio, can you give me some pointers as to what to look out for when getting one of these machines. Any experiences you have had bad or good.

Thanks in advance