Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

AH98.00-P-0002-01MCC Notes On Paint Diagnosis







Z1 Inspection zone 1
Z2 Inspection zone 2

Subject to technical modifications by DaimlerChrysler.

Depending on the purpose and place of use, today's vehicle surface coatings are exposed to considerable environmental influences.
These include: mechanical stress e.g. scratches or stone chipping; organic stress e.g. tree sap or bird lime, chemical stress e.g. road salts or industrial deposits.
As even modern vehicle paintwork based on the latest technology can only withstand some of the above-mentioned items, it is possible that surface coatings are subject to a certain amount of wear or alteration.
By following the care instructions and using the materials specified by DaimlerChrysler, the vehicle paintwork can be given long-lasting protection against various types of environmental pollution.
The vehicle paintwork of the smart vehicles is applied using ultra-modern surface coating methods and is subject to ongoing quality control during and after production.

Inspection zones
As it is not necessary to subject all paint surfaces to the highest quality requirements, the paint surfaces have been subdivided into two inspection zones:

^ Inspection zone 1 (Z1) relates to surfaces that are in the direct visible range and where irregularities are therefore particularly irritating and noticeable.
^ Inspection zone 2 (Z2) relates to surfaces that are not in the direct visible range and where irregularities are therefore not particularly noticeable.

Using the following information, DaimlerChrysler makes it possible for you to assess paint irregularities about which a complaint has been made and deduce appropriate measures to adequately remedy the complaints.
The procedure for assessing the paintwork complaints in warranty cases is described in the subsequent guideline and must be complied with.

Definition of guidelines for paint inspections
^ Fundamentals of an objective assessment
^ Fault types
^ Table of guidelines and assessment

Fundamentals of an objective assessment:
^ The vehicle must be assessed or examined in a well-lit room or in daylight (neon light is not permissible).
^ The assessment must be carried out at a distance of at least 60 cm from the vehicle.
^ The vehicle must be cleaned beforehand (i.e. at least one car wash) and must be dry.
^ The assessor must be able to provide proof of expert knowledge in the field of paint finishes.
^ The viewing time per complaint should not last longer than 15 s.
^ The specific stipulations of inspection zone 1 (Z1) and inspection zone 2 (Z2) must be adhered to.

Fault types
The fault types and specifications listed below apply to the body (Safety Metal Body Frame SMB, Tridion) and to the plastic body panels (CBS).
If a repair of the plastic body panels (CBS) is defined by our evaluation key, then these parts will not be reworked, instead they will be replaced.

All paint variants can be treated like conventional paints (two- coat finish).

In the event of transport damage, follow the specified reporting process described in the smart-Guide.

This information can be found under Quality environment management/Sales/Order management and Logistics/Transport.

Important:
Documentation requirements

If the repair is a warranty case, proceed with the plastic body panels (CBS) as per the valid stipulations for warranty parts return.

If follow-up operations are required on the tridion, pictures must be produced to clearly document the damage.
In most cases, Polaroid photos are not adequate.
These pictures must be stored in archive with the warranty documentation and made available to DaimlerChrysler upon request. When in doubt, consult with your service manager.

The release form (cost estimate) must be signed by the Market Performance Center (MPC); the costs released in it must not be exceeded.
This form must be stored in archive with the warranty documentation.
see:
Paint complaint sheet OF98.00-P-3000-01O







Fault type: Scratch
Description: Damage to the surface caused by mechanical action
Receipt of new vehicle: For relatively long and noticeable scratches -> Shipping damage
Service order: For relatively long and noticeable scratches -> no warranty
Remarks: Scratches in inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2 up to 2 mm long and not noticeable are not complaints.







Fault type: Blotches
Description: Overpolished areas
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: No warranty
Remarks: Note documentation requirements







Fault type: Paint blisters
Description: Paint flaking on the components caused by mechanical action
Receipt of new vehicle: Shipping damage
Service order: No warranty
Remarks: Note documentation requirements







Fault type: Defect
Description: Unpainted spots on the components
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty (presuming that there has been no paint repair)
Remarks: Assessment and release by the MPC required







Fault type: Fog, dull and rough
Description: Oversprays and deposits of powder that have not spread out evenly, matt and some rough surfaces
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty (presuming that there has been no paint repair)
Remarks: Assessment and release by the MPC required







Fault type: Runs
Description: Formation of droplets, severe accumulation and undulated runoff
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty (presuming that there has been no paint repair)
Remarks: Note documentation requirements







Fault type: Orange peel
Description: Orange peel is a pitting of the dried paintwork
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty
Remarks: An approval by MPC is required for inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2; will only be accepted as a warranty case, if adjacent surfaces are different







Fault type: Color deviation
Description: Different color hues
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty
Remarks: An approval by MPC is required for inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2







Fault type: Polishing marks
Description: Polishing creates circular, light areas
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: No warranty
Remarks: Assessment and release by the MPC required







Fault type: Clouding
Description: Gradation of metallic finishes through dark and light areas
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty
Remarks: Inspection and approval by MPC are required for inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2







Fault type: Streaks
Description: Change in surface finish
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty
Remarks: Inspection and approval by MPC are required for inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2







Fault type: Dent
Description: Slight punctiform deformation from outside inward
Receipt of new vehicle: Shipping damage
Service order: No warranty
Remarks: -







Fault type: Bump
Description: Slight punctiform deformation from inside outward
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: No warranty
Remarks: Inspection and approval by MPC are required for inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2







Fault type: Sanding marks/sanding spots
Description: Visible recess on the surface, without damage to paintwork
Receipt of new vehicle: Warranty
Service order: Warranty (presuming that there has been no paint repair)
Remarks: Inspection zone 2 longer than 2 mm and not noticeable are not defects; inspection and approval by the MPC required







Fault type: Inclusion of dirt or craters
Description: Visible foreign objects in the paintwork impairing the visual appearance
Receipt of new vehicle: See table of guidelines
Service order: See table of guidelines
Remarks: Assessment, see table of guidelines







Fault type: Pin pricks and micropores
Description: Coating defects in the form of recesses that must not go all the way through to the substrate
Receipt of new vehicle: See table of guidelines
Service order: See table of guidelines
Remarks: Assessment and release by the MPC required







The listed faults relate to the faults per component in the particular zone (inspection zones 1 and 2).







The listed faults relate to the faults per component in the particular inspection zone 1 and inspection zone 2.

In the event of a deviation, a release must be requested from the Market Performance Center (MPC).
All the warranty cases must be photographed and stored in archive with the warranty documentation.