RU_MATRX

Can anyone confirm the build date or month that the nano-tech clearcoat actually became part of production SL55s?

Does my '04 have this type of clearcoat? Thanks!

MadC32

Nano clearcoat has been in production for the R230 since 08/2003.

AMG493

My understanding is that the new paint process did not go into production until January 2004, are you sure about the August date? Is there a way to tell based on the VIN#? I remember someone posted previously that cars with the new paint process have a different VIN. I'll check the old topics to see if I can find it.

mattnaz

I spoke to my dealer and he was told the new paint process started January 2004 on the SL's.

internet_mafia

Does the MBUSA web site speak about the nano process? I tried searching the site, but they have the worst searching tool.

nish

Here is the reply that I got from MBUSA on the question:

Nano technology started in the fall of 2003 on certain models. If you look
at paint code on '' B '' Pillar of your vehicle,it would have a letter '' C
'' after paint code, if vehicle has Nano.

Tom Trivento
MBUSA/CAC


Now I just need to figure this out. The sticker on my B pillar says C744. 744 is the paint code for Brilliant Silver. Could he have meant before the paint code?

Alan

awiner

My vehicle was produced 11/02 ... It has a C744 on the B Pillar sticker as well.

I bet Nano Paint jobs will have the C after the code. Ie: 744C
is correct.

RU_MATRX

My SL55 says "C723" for Pewter Silver. Nano-tech clear?

I know that my SL55 was traded from a dealership on the East Coast to Keyes European (Mercedes Dealership here in the Valley). I noticed what I believe was a build date of 08/03. It's supposed to be a 2004. Is this one of the first '04s? Curious.

Thanks for the follow-ups!

White Knight II

If you (like me) wondered what this is all about, here is an explanation I found on the internet:

"Mercedes Benz's to get Scratch Resistant Nanotech Paint

Mercedes Benz will start producing a new scratch-resistant clear lacquer at the end of 2003. The new ground breaking lacquer benefits from nanotechnology developments


The new scratch resistant lacquer will be used on Mercedes Benz’s E, S, CL, SL and SLK models starting in Spring 2004, which will be the first production cars in the world to benefit from the technology. It will be used on both metallic and non-metallic paint finishes.


The lacquer contains ceramic nanoparticles which offer a three fold increase in scratch resistance over conventional clear coats. This will help the paintwork retain its gloss for a longer period of time.


Mercedes Benz evaluated the new lacquer both in the laboratory as well as in the field using some 150 test vehicles before committing the technology to production. They also used laboratory car wash tests according to European DIN standards.


The new paint was also subjected to chemical resistance testing and ultraviolet exposure testing. In all cases it performed well and proved its readiness for production."



_

blueSL

A worthwhile improvement, not than any of us put our cars anywhere near a car wash. Do we? Might actually make owning a black car more of a reasonable proposition. And, at the risk of being flamed, I think this is a more worthwhile improvement than auto folding door mirrors which so many got in a lather about. All we need now is a wheel finish which REALLY shrugs off dirt and brake dust...

Karl

That article on German Car Fans makes it sound like this Nano coat is brand new as of Jan 1 2004. Service Info 98.00/14c came out yesterday as an update to 14b that came out in Dec 03. It was revised to list the expanded model range as of Sept 03.
No where in the DTB is Nano mentioned. It is PPG CeramiClear clear coat.
Here is the DTB:

Subject: Models 170, 203, 208, 209, 211, 215, 220, 230

"As of June 3, 2002 [YES 2002!], the model C215 is now painted with PPG CeramiClear clear coat which reduces visable scratching <snip>. All CeramiClear cars have a C in front of the paint code.
This clear coat is being phased in on the other models listed in the subject above.
As of July 14, 2003, all 170 and 230 models shall be painted using this clear coat.
Additionally, a limited number of C208 and W/S210 model vehicles , have also been painted using this clear coat BUT they do not have the C before the paint code. There are 3 C208 vins listed and 32 W210 vins listed. I will not list them here. Pmail me at aufever@prodigy.net if you want them or a copy of the DTB.

vraa

I'm an idiot, how do I find out the build date of my dads R230?

I have 040 so I know for a fact I don't have the clearcoat. On both the door things it says "040."

blueSL, You know I have a black car

awiner

Look on the B-pillar sticker. The build month and year are located on it as well.

vraa

I'm going to go check it and possibly take a few shots of it also to let everyone know where it is, I can't believe I went over it entirely.