MANUFAKTUR colors
MANUFAKTUR is the current name for Mercedes-Benz's bespoke paint program, which was called designo. These colors are often multi-layer, so we spray test panels and match them layer by layer.
Mercedes-Benz repair guide
From C-Class to G-Class: three ways of building a Mercedes
Most Mercedes-Benz sedans and SUVs are unibodies of steel with aluminum parts, and the share of aluminum varies by model: the S-Class uses a hybrid aluminum-and-steel body, while a C-Class is more steel-based. The G-Class is different again, a body mounted on a separate ladder frame, with aluminum doors, hood and fenders on the current generation. AMG's sports cars, the SLS, the AMG GT and the current SL, are built on aluminum spaceframes.
Each structure is measured and repaired differently, so we confirm the model and year from the VIN first. Mercedes-Benz also packs a lot of technology into the front end: radar sensors behind the star emblem on many models, cameras, and active hoods that lift in a pedestrian impact. We identify every one of these before writing the plan, and calibrations go to a Mercedes-Benz dealer or a calibration specialist. The finish matters as much, especially on multi-stage MANUFAKTUR colors.
Since 1977 · Aarau and Parma
Mercedes-Benz and the Agnelli family
Mercedes-Benz is one of the German makes the family workshops worked on, from the first shop that Leonardo's grandfather, Afro, opened in Aarau, Switzerland in 1977 to the later workshop in Parma, Italy. Leonardo was taught by his father, Stefano. The Round Rock shop is the family's first in Texas; it is new, and the Mercedes-Benz experience comes from Europe.
Read our family historyMercedes-Benz · 01
Steel, aluminum and AMG's spaceframes
Three structures, three repair approaches. Here's how they differ in practice.
01
Unibody sedans and SUVs
C-Class, E-Class, GLC, GLE and their relatives use steel unibodies with aluminum parts that vary by model. Structural damage is measured against Mercedes-Benz dimensions on our frame bench before and after the repair.
02
S-Class and Maybach
A hybrid body of aluminum and steel, joined with methods that include rivets and structural adhesives. Each joint is recreated the way Mercedes-Benz specifies, and aluminum is worked with dedicated tools.
03
AMG spaceframes
The SLS, the AMG GT and the current SL use aluminum spaceframes. Damaged sections are repaired or replaced according to Mercedes-AMG's procedures, in an area kept separate from steel work.
04
G-Class ladder frame
The body sits on a separate steel frame, so a hard hit can move the frame, the body or both. Each is checked separately.
Mercedes-Benz · 02
G-Class: a body on a frame, with aluminum panels
The G-Class looks the way it did decades ago, but the current generation is a very different vehicle under the skin.
Frame and body are checked separately
After a side or front impact we check the ladder frame and the body mounts as well as the visible panels. A body that looks straight can sit on a frame that isn't.
Aluminum doors, hood and fenders
On the current G-Class, these are aluminum. Dents in aluminum don't respond to the same techniques as steel, and some are better replaced than reshaped.
Exposed hinges and the rear door
The G-Class has external door hinges and a side-hinged rear door carrying the spare wheel. All of them are checked for alignment after damage, because a door that's slightly off on a G is easy to hear and see.
Trail damage
Owners who use the G off-road can bring underbody scrapes, bent steps and damaged guards. These are inspected with the frame and suspension, not just the visible scratches.
Mercedes-Benz · 03
MANUFAKTUR, magno matte and Maybach two-tone
Mercedes-Benz offers some of the most demanding factory finishes on the road.
Magno matte paint
Magno finishes are matte. They can't be polished or spot-blended, so a damaged panel is usually refinished whole. We tell you which panels that means before starting.
Maybach two-tone
Two-tone Maybach paint has a precise dividing line. Repairs across it are masked to follow the factory line exactly, with both colors matched separately.
Mercedes-Benz · 04
Radar behind the star, cameras and the active hood
Radar and the grille emblem
On many models, a radar sensor sits behind the star emblem in the grille. Some emblems are designed for radar to pass through, so a replacement has to be the correct part for the car.
Active hood
Many models have an active hood that lifts slightly in a pedestrian impact. If it deployed, Mercedes-Benz's procedure says whether the actuators are reset or replaced, and we follow it.
Calibration
After repairs that affect radar or cameras, Mercedes-Benz specifies the calibration needed. We don't calibrate in-house: a dealer or calibration specialist does it, and it's listed in your plan.
Model guide
Mercedes-Benz and AMG models
A general guide to Mercedes-Benz construction by family. We confirm your exact car from the VIN.
Sedans and coupes
- C-Class, E-Class, CLE
- Steel unibodies with aluminum parts that vary by model.
- S-Class, Maybach
- Hybrid aluminum-and-steel body; two-tone paint on many Maybach cars.
- EQE, EQS
- Electric sedans with the battery in the floor.
SUVs
- GLA to GLS
- Steel unibodies with aluminum parts that vary by model.
- G-Class
- Body on a ladder frame; aluminum doors, hood and fenders on the current generation.
- Electric G-Class, EQ SUVs
- High-voltage systems; the battery position shapes the inspection.
AMG
- SLS AMG
- Aluminum spaceframe and gullwing doors.
- AMG GT (2015 to 2021)
- Aluminum spaceframe.
- SL, AMG GT (current)
- Aluminum composite spaceframe.
- E Performance models
- AMG plug-in hybrids with a high-voltage battery.
Classics and specials
- Classic SL and older models
- Steel bodies; original paint and trim are documented before work.
- SLR McLaren
- Carbon-fiber construction; parts and procedures confirmed case by case.
Construction varies with model year and options. Mercedes-Benz repair information for your exact car is what the repair follows.
Good to know
Before you book a Mercedes-Benz repair
Magno paint needs whole-panel work
Matte magno finishes can't be polished or blended into the next panel. A damaged panel is usually refinished edge to edge, and matte-specific paint protection film can protect it afterward.
G-Class trail damage
If your G has been off-road, tell us. Underbody, steps and guards are inspected with the frame, and we photograph what we find so you and your insurer see the same thing.
EQ, electric G-Class and plug-in hybrids
Electric and plug-in Mercedes models carry high-voltage systems. Mercedes-Benz procedures set how they're made safe and inspected after an impact; we explain what applies to your car.
Inspection
What we check on every Mercedes-Benz
Photos show what's visible. These checks happen at the in-person inspection, before a repair plan is written.
- Structure type from the VIN: unibody, ladder frame or spaceframe
- Radar behind the grille emblem and the emblem part number
- Active hood actuators, if the system deployed
- Frame and body mounts on the G-Class after any significant impact
- MANUFAKTUR or magno paint layers and the panels a match needs
- Door, hinge and rear-door alignment, especially on the G-Class
Repair cost guide
What Mercedes-Benz repairs cost: planning ranges
These are the ranges from our repair cost guide for a Mercedes-Benz. They help you plan; they are not a quote. Year, model, materials and hidden damage can move the final price, which follows an inspection.
| Repair | Planning range |
|---|---|
| Small dent, paint not damaged | $250 to $900 |
| Scratches, scuffs or a dent that needs paint | $700 to $2,200 |
| Bumper repair or replacement | $1,500 to $4,500 |
| Door, fender or quarter-panel damage | $2,000 to $6,000 |
| Major collision or structural damage | $10,000 to $30,000+ |
| Hail damage | $4,000 to $12,000+ |
| Full respray or color change | $9,000 to $20,000+ |
Factory repair procedures, mixed materials, specialty paint systems and driver-assist sensors often add time and cost. Final pricing follows an inspection; confirm tax and all inclusions in your written estimate. Ranges last reviewed October 2026.
Compare repair types in the cost guideHow it works
How a Mercedes-Benz repair works with us
- 1
Send photos
Photos of the damage, the year and model, and the VIN if you have it. We reply with a free first estimate. You can do this today.
- 2
In-person inspection
From January 2027, at our Round Rock workshop. On a Mercedes-Benz, we first confirm the structure type and the driver-assist hardware in the damaged area. Structural damage is measured on our frame bench against factory dimensions.
- 3
Written repair plan
Repair method, parts and paint, written down before you authorize anything. OEM parts wherever the manufacturer requires them. Driver-assist calibrations are done by a dealer or calibration specialist and listed in the plan.
- 4
Repair and handover
Repairs follow the manufacturer's procedures. Color is read with a spectrophotometer and sprayed in our paint booth, and you review the finished car with us before you take it home.
Insurance claim?
In Texas you choose the repair shop, not your insurer. We are independent, not part of an insurer's direct repair program. We write the supplements and push for OEM parts where the manufacturer requires them. How we handle claims
Warranty and timing
Warranty terms are given in writing before any work starts. Parts lead times vary by model, so we confirm timing once parts are ordered rather than promising a date up front.
Mercedes-Benz repair questions
Is designo the same as MANUFAKTUR?
Yes, in effect. MANUFAKTUR is the current name for Mercedes-Benz's bespoke paint and trim program, which used to be called designo. Older cars still carry designo color names, and we match them the same way.
Can magno matte paint be repaired?
Yes, but not with polishing or a spot blend, which leaves shiny patches. The damaged panel is normally refinished whole, with the matte clear applied evenly across it.
My G-Class was hit hard. Could the frame be bent?
It's possible. Because the body sits on a separate frame, we check the frame and body mounts as well as the panels. The inspection tells you which parts were affected before any repair is authorized.
Do you repair AMG models?
Send photos and the model. AMG cars range from steel unibodies to aluminum spaceframes, so we confirm the structure and Mercedes-AMG's procedures for your car before giving you a plan.
Are you part of the Mercedes-Benz certified collision network?
No. We're an independent body shop and don't claim Mercedes-Benz certification. We work from Mercedes-Benz repair information and use OEM parts where it requires them.
My insurer offered a network shop. Do I have to accept?
No. Texas law lets you choose the repair shop. We work with your insurer and write supplements when the teardown finds more damage.
