After four years of development work, an innovative new clear lacquer is set to go into series production at Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2003. Ground-breaking nano-technology 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 spring 2004. This new technology represents the Stuttgart-based car maker’s latest significant contribution towards considerably enhancing the already exemplary long-term quality and value retention of its passenger cars.


http://www.motorcities.com/contents/03L7H000484647.html

All I can say is... "Allllryiigght"
(2004 e-class in my garage currently)

 

My '02 paint doesn't have scratch issues - it just chips like a *****.

 

How can I tell if my '04 SL55 actually has this type of clearcoar finish? Was it standard after a particular month?

 

Your 04 SL55 will have the new nano. MB produces SL, S and some E classes with the new nano clearcoar until 2003. There are some letters like a "C" in front of your colour number. I don't remember exactly which letter it is I have to read it again at the office there I have the officially document of MB.