What is it with this self-healing paint on the new c class? Is this only on the metallic paints or is it a feature on all paints?

 

it's not a self healing paint, which scratches level over time, but it is a ceramic nano particle paint which is harder than regular paint. I believe Infiniti is first and so far the only car maker to have this feature (which is on the new EX35).

The ceramic paint was first used on the new S- and CL-class, and the W204 was the next new MB model to inherit this technology. All colors (metallic and non-metallic) has this. The ceramic additive does not affect the appearance at all.

 

It is called nano particle paint...and its more hype than function. The information from Benz sounds great, paint that can resist light scratches and swirls, but in reality its been the same as all the MB cars I've had in the past. I still have swirl marks and even light what I call cat hair scratches or thin short scratches from people brushing against it. Yes its on all C classes and all MBs for that matter.

 

In addition, from what I can gather, this extra hard nanoparticle paint seems to chip more easily than other softer, more pliable types of paint.

 

Not true in my case. The difference between the Obsidian Black paint on my '01 C320 and my Barolo Red C300 is like night and day. Just running a finger over the black paint would leave a mark whereas the paint on the Red car is almost unmarked after nearly nine months. And it's washed about twice weekly. With the proper materials, of course.

 

the later year W203 C-class also has the nano paint. Not sure about the other classes but this is definitely not a new thing for the W204.

 

Well it is infact better. My bro bought a new BMW a few weeks ago. I bought my Merc 9 months ago aprox. I have less swirls ( Almost none ) as comapred to a few weeks old BMW with matallic black paint. It does work. Maybe you do not take much care for your car.

My Merc is black as well.

A few weeks old picture below.

 

I agree that the new paint is an improvement. Fewer scratches and imperfections after a year and 9300 miles.