wolfnnc

About 2 months ago I purchased a 2011 C63 in Mars Red. Recently the temp has dropped below freezing and I have noticed white blotches showing up. First it was on my drivers side rear door, then the passenger side rear door, front door...and hood.

The blotches are underneath the clear coat, was wondering if anyone has ran into this issue before...and what they did to resolve.

I am going to dealer on tuesday

Mbm6f

I've heard there was an issue with Mars Red, maybe this has something to do with it?

Mbm6f

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-c...t-failure.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/slk-class...t-peeling.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-c...t-problem.html

Some other threads...

wolfnnc

seems to be an issue with micro-blistering when the temp gets cold out, then goes back to normal when its warm.....

this is the 3rd mars red c class i have had, zero issues before.

wolfnnc

btw, thanks MBM6F for the links

solekeeper

first thing i'd do is, have the paint measured. find out if it's been painted before.


i highly doubt this is failure from factory.

wolfnnc

after doing much research on other this and other forums, this issue is definitely caused by the factory paint....

the fix seems to be stripping the car down to bare metal, and repainting it..

keep thread posted as I get more information for the dealer or MB

LangeOne

My Mars red is going into my dealer next week. MB has acknowledged this is covered under warranty. But the extent of the fix (i.e., spot painting or entire re-paint) is still being debated.

ZephyrAMG

Down to bare metal and repaint whole thing? That's not going to be fun...
I hope it turns out perfect.

wolfnnc

Good news, did they give you any information?....before I get into a fight with the dealer, since corrosion is 4 yr / 50k and my car is a CPO '11. I can't see how they can spot paint the issue, since its on 4 doors, roof, and hood.

Interestingly enough, each day the issue seems to pop up in different places, since last night, its moved to my driver side door and roof.

solekeeper

interesting, i haven't had a red merc into the shop for this.

i wonder why this has happened only on red though.

agentMurdoc

That happened to my brother's r129 a couple years ago. Mind you the car was near mint condition, well maintained inside out. Same thing happened to him, before long the clear would just lift, to the degree that I was able to peel off a large sheet of it right off (1'x2' ish).

His was also red. I forget the color. It's the nice bright red (2000 SL600 Sport). It's definitely a defect in the factory paint. Maybe MB just couldn't figure red out or something.

wolfnnc

Just a little update, after posting this thread, a week went past...and the issue magically disappeared, not even a trace of the issue...so my dealer said nothing could be done unless they can verify the issue

About a month goes by, and during the 3 month check in from the sales guy...told him i love the car, but hate the paint...sent him multiple pictures, told him about the problem. I get a call the next day, and they have agreed to repaint the entire car due to MB recognized defect with the Mars Red paint.

Car goes in to paint Thurs, saying it will take 20-30 days to get it back.

beejAMG

i wouldnt mind the wait so long as its gets fixed. on a side note, did they offer a loaner?

INS1GNIA

Good to hear, was about to say that pretty sure I remember seeing an official email/statement by MB saying it is an issue with the red paint. Hope it all gets worked out and you get a nice loaner.

wolfnnc

They said they would give me a loaner, which is good.

Also probably should find out the body shop, as i got a carbon fiber diffuser, see if they will install it when they have it.