Print
A simple bumper repair on a modern vehicle may not be as simple as it seems. New technologies like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) utilize sensors behind the bumper covers. The ability for these sensors to be able to see clearly, normally requires special caution when considering a bumper repair. Many OEMs have different levels of warnings when it comes to repairing bumper covers with ADAS. So, what does Mercedes-Benz say on the subject?
Mercedes-Benz allows for repairs on their bumper covers, however the location of the repairs and the amount of times repairs can be made is limited. The Mercedes-Benz Driver Assistance Systems Technology Guide states, “When accident repairs are performed, the paint coat thickness on the bumper must be observed and filler repairs may not be carried out in the area of the sensors on the bumper.” This rule applies to vehicles that are equipped with blind spot monitoring.
Another document that covers bumper cover on vehicles equipped with what Mercedes-Benz refers to as, “short range radars,” has similar restrictions. Per the Mercedes-Benz body repair manual, “When performing filling and painting work on the bumpers, it is important to make sure that the maximum coat thickness is not exceeded at the short range radar sensors. This can lead to malfunctions as the sensors detect the excessive coat thickness as an obstacle. The limit value for the coat thickness at the sensors is two coats of paint.”
The short range radars can be used for blind spot monitoring systems, rear collision systems, and forward collision systems. This means that these sensors are used in both the front and rear bumper covers. The Mercedes-Benz document also shows that they may use four sensors going across the bumper cover, which greatly limits the areas that repairs can be made.
Finally, Mercedes-Benz warns “If the short range radar does not function correctly after painting, either the paint must be removed or the bumper must be replaced.
For additional Mercedes-Benz information, check out the Mercedes-Benz OEM Information page.
Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:
- ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
- Bumper Cover Repair With ADAS
- Collision Information Website Access: Mercedes-Benz