BMW Standards and Norms: Quality Assurance and Material Testing in the Automotive Industry

AA-0053 – Resistance to Sunscreen

Testing the resistance of painted interior surfaces to sunscreen. Focus: Durability of the paint finish during long-term exposure to cosmetic products.

AA-0055 – Resistance to Chemicals

Evaluates the chemical resistance of surfaces to cleaning agents, acids, or alkaline solutions – to ensure durability in use.

AA-0061 – Formaldehyde Emission

Analysis of formaldehyde emission from non-metallic materials using HPLC – evaluation of volatile organic compounds regarding health and environmental standards.

AA-0079 – Stone Chip Resistance

Simulation of real road conditions to test the resistance of paints and coatings to mechanical stresses.

AA-0101 – Reflectometer Value (Gloss)

Measurement of gloss level using a reflectometer to assess optical properties and aesthetic quality.

AA-0134 – Dry Scratch Resistance

Scratch resistance test under dry conditions with a Crockmeter – evaluation of the mechanical resilience of coatings.

AA-0136 – Resistance to Pressure Water Jet

Evaluation of material robustness against pressure water jets, e. g., during intensive cleaning processes.

AA-0180 – Cross-Cut Test

Adhesion strength evaluation of coatings by cross-cut – adhesion of paints on different substrates.

AA-0203 – Hydrolysis Test

Moisture resistance under high temperature/humidity – simulates long-term effects on material properties.

AA-0213 – Condensation Water Constant Climate Test

Resistance to condensation water and constant climatic conditions – often for interior materials.

AA-0224 – Cyclic Corrosion Test

Simulation of changing corrosive conditions to evaluate durability under real operating environments.

AA-0236 – Color Fastness Test with Xenotest

Lightfastness under simulated UV conditions – evaluation of color stability during prolonged sun exposure.

AA-0257 – Structure and Gloss Evaluation

Analysis of surface structure and gloss to assess aesthetic and functional quality (optical & tactile).

AA-0324 – Salt Spray Fog Test

Corrosion resistance of coatings to salt spray fog – relevant for aggressive environments (e. g., coastal regions).

AA-0328 – Peel Strength of Adhesive Tapes

Adhesion strength of adhesive tapes on various surfaces – ensuring long-term stability under mechanical stress.

AA-0340 – Adhesion Test (Scalpel Cut)

Adhesion testing by defined scalpel cuts – suitability of the coating for the respective substrate.

AA-0403 – Color Comparison and Metamerism Test

Visual color comparison under different lighting conditions for the detection of color deviations and metamerism effects.

AA-0469 – Resistance to Corrosion Test Oils

Evaluation of material stability upon contact with oils used in corrosion tests (lubricants).

AA-0471 – Abrasion Resistance Test with Abrex

Determination of abrasion resistance with Abrex devices – simulates wear due to repeated abrasive contact.

AA-0570 – Wear Resistance of Flocked Materials

Abrasion resistance and durability of flocked materials – long-term stability of decorative interior elements.

AA-C166 – Emission Test

Analysis of material emissions (pollutants) for interior applications – conformity with environmental and health standards.

AA-P276 – Temperature Change Test

Resistance of materials to rapid temperature changes – evaluation of durability under extreme conditions.

GS93008-1+2+4 – Materials and Emissions

Analysis of ingredients and emissions of materials/components in the automotive sector – ensuring legal and environmental compliance.

GS93011-2 – Combustion Residues in Elastomers

Evaluation of combustion residues of halogen-containing elastomers – chemical composition & environmental compatibility.

GS93011-3 – Identification of Removable Materials

Analysis of removable/recyclable materials – contribution to sustainability in material selection.

GS93011-5 – Low-Temperature Test

Material properties at extremely low temperatures via DSC – stability and functionality in cold conditions.

GS93011-7 – Paint Compatibility

Testing for discolorations due to material contact/environmental influences – prevention of undesirable color changes.

GS93026-1 – Interior Textiles

Requirements/tests for textile interior materials – durability, abrasion resistance, aesthetic properties.

GS94007 – Coatings on Plastic Parts

Testing of painted plastic parts: adhesion, resistance, optical quality – interior & exterior applications.

GS94011 – Test Environment for Automotive Parts

Test environments/methods: temperature, humidity, load – standardized framework conditions for component tests.

GS95003-4 – Chemical Requirements for Electronics

Chemical composition of electronic components – conformity with environmental and safety requirements.

GS95003-5 – Supplementary Chemical Requirements for Electronics

Additional tests for chemical stability/environmental compatibility of electronic components.

GS95011-3 – Protective Coating for Electronics

Durability/resistance of conformal coatings on vehicle electronics.

GS95024-3-1 – Environmental Requirements for Electronics

Resistance of electronic components to moisture, heat, chemicals – environmental influences.

GS97017 – Chroming of Components

Requirements and resistance of chromed components – aesthetics and corrosion protection.

GS97033 – Decorative Trims in the Interior

Optical/mechanical properties of decorative interior trims – durability & design quality.

GS97034-1 – Hand Cream Test

Resistance of interior materials to hand creams – suitability for cosmetic contact.

GS97034-2 – Fingernail Test

Scratch resistance through simulated fingernail use – longevity under mechanical stress.

GS97034-3 – Shoe Sole Test

Abrasion resistance of floor coverings via simulated shoe soles – durability in the vehicle.

GS97034-4 – Resistance to Hot Substances

Material stability upon contact with high temperatures – prevention of deformations/damage.

GS97034-5 – Resistance to Cold Substances

Stability upon contact with cold media/low temperatures.

GS97034-6 – Resistance to Alcoholic Substances

Material reactions upon contact with alcoholic liquids (cleaning alcohols, among others).

GS97034-7 – Resistance to Acidic Substances

Resistance upon contact with acidic chemicals (e. g., in cleaners).

GS97034-8 – Resistance to Basic Substances

Material durability upon contact with basic liquids/chemicals.

GS97034-9 – Resistance to Oils and Lubricants

Resistance upon contact with lubricants/oils – typical in the automotive sector.

GS97038 – UV Resistance of Components

UV resistance in the interior – ensuring color/material stability under sun exposure.

GS97058 – Odor Intensity of Materials

Evaluation of odor neutrality and consumer acceptance in the interior.

PA0015 – Chemical Composition of Components

Analysis of chemical composition for compliance with legal/ecological requirements.

PA-P028 – Material Aging due to Light and Heat

Evaluation of material aging under light/heat influence – durability & long-term stability.

PA-P208 – Durability of Mechanical Connections

Durability/stability of mechanical connections under load.

PA-P295 – Adhesive Properties at Different Temperatures

Properties of adhesives at varying temperatures – stability in use.

PA-P315 – Moisture Absorption of Materials

Determination of moisture absorption and its effects on material properties.

PR121.2 – Vibration and Noise Testing

Noise/vibration development of components – minimization of NVH in the vehicle.

PR209 – Surface Adhesion of Coatings

Evaluation of the adhesion of coatings on metals – stability and longevity.

PR231 – Heat Resistance of Plastic Parts

Resistance of plastic parts to high temperatures.

PR303.4 – Resistance to Aggressive Liquids

Chemical resistance to aggressive liquids – operational safety.

PR303.5 – Degradation of Plastics by Fuels

Chemical degradation upon fuel contact – material compatibility.

PR307.4 – Aging Test for Sealing Materials

Aging resistance of seals under pressure/temperature.

PR308.2 – Scratch Resistance of Decorative Surfaces

Evaluation of the scratch resistance of decorative surfaces.

PR309 – Elasticity and Fracture Resistance

Determination of elasticity/fracture resistance in rubber materials.

PR321.4 – Testing of Welded Joints

Strength/durability of welded joints.

PR357 – Abrasion Test for Textile Surfaces

Abrasion resistance of textile materials in automotive applications.

PR397 – Corrosion Resistance of Metal Parts

Resistance to salt spray fog – corrosion protection evaluation.

PR506 – Sound Absorption Testing

Sound absorption behavior of interior materials.

PR556 – Light Reflection Analysis

Analysis of light reflection to prevent glare in the interior.

PR557 – Color Constancy

Color constancy under varying lighting conditions.

PR562 – Odor Testing

Evaluation of the odor neutrality of interior materials.

TP303.5 – Resistance to Oils

Chemical compatibility of materials with oils.

TP306.4 – Mechanical Load Capacity of Connections

Stability of connections under mechanical load.

VDA270 – Odor Testing of Materials

Odor evaluation by a trained test panel with grading.

VDA275 – Determination of Formaldehyde Emissions

Measurement procedure for molded parts of the vehicle interior – mass-related formaldehyde value.

VDA277 – Total Carbon Emissions

Headspace-GC of non-metallic materials – carbon emission.

VDA278-BMW – Thermal Desorption Analysis

Thermal desorption analysis for the determination of emissions – environmental protection requirements.

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DAF Standards: Test Methods for Quality and Resistance

CMT0021 – Resistance to Automotive Fluids

Material resistance upon contact with engine oil, coolant, brake fluid – suitability for vehicle use.

GME 60276 – Testing of Materials for GM Europe

Odor behavior of body interior materials at higher temperatures/climatic exposure.

GMW 15634 – Specific Test Procedures for GM

Determination of VOC emission components (similar to VDA 278).

GMW 3205 – Odor Testing

Odor behavior of automotive interior materials at elevated temperature/high humidity.

KEUR00821-020 – Dimensional Stability after Heat Aging

Dimensional stability after thermal aging – shape/size resistance.

KEUR00821-024 – Resistance to Fungal Attack

Resistance to mold/fungal attack – important in humid environments.

KEUR00821-025 – Cleanability of Interior Trims

Cleanability of interior materials – removability of dirt without surface damage.

KEUR00822-107 – Color Fastness to Light

Color change upon light exposure – lightfastness/color stability.

KEUR00822-108 – Color Fastness to Rubbing

Color transfer/change due to rubbing – no bleeding/fading.

KEUR00822-115 – Adhesion Strength of Coatings

Adhesion of coatings on substrates – longevity of coated materials.

KEUR00822-116 – Abrasion Resistance

Resistance to abrasion – robust with frequent contact/wear.

KEUR00822-120 – Impact Strength

Impact resistance without fracture – relevant for safety-critical components.

KEUR00822-122 – Elasticity and Deformation Testing

Flexibility/deformation behavior under load – suitability for applications.

KEUR00824-101 – Color Fastness

Resistance of colors to light, rubbing, moisture – color stability.

KEUR00824-110 – Heat Aging Resistance

Material properties after high temperature exposure – longevity.

KEUR00824-401 – Resistance to Fuels

Resistance to various fuels – crucial for component-proximate contacts.

KEUR00824-402 – Resistance to Lubricants

Stability upon contact with lubricants – no material impairment.

KEUR00824-405 – Temperature Cycle Resistance

Resistance to repeated temperature cycles – without damage.

KEUR00824-825 – Surface Scratch Resistance

Resistance to scratches – relevant for visible surfaces.

KEUR00824-826 – Resistance to Environmental Pollutants

Resistance to environmental pollutants under real conditions.

KEUR00824-827 – Chemical Compatibility

Interactions with chemicals – resistance in the target environment.

KEUR00824-840 – Odor Testing

Evaluation of odor emissions – prevention of unpleasant interior odors.

KEUR00824-841 – UV Resistance

Resistance to UV radiation – aging resistance to sun.

KEUR00824-843 – Aging Resistance to Heat and Humidity

Stability at simultaneous high temperature and humidity – realistic conditions.

KEUR00824-844 – Surface Finish

Quality/uniformity of surfaces – functional & aesthetic.

KEUR00824-846 – Abrasion Resistance

Evaluation of resistance to abrasion.

KEUR00824-849 – Long-Term Stability of Materials

Resistance under long-term load/real environmental conditions – durability over the lifespan.

LAK60100 – Paint Adhesion and Resistance

Adhesion strength and resistance of coatings under environmental/mechanical loads.

MAT30341/30349 – Material Testing for Plastics

Mechanical, thermal, chemical properties – suitability in automotive/manufacturing.

MAT45606 – Material Stability during Temperature Changes

Stability/performance during rapid temperature changes – thermal loads.

MAT53820 – Thermal Aging and Resistance

Properties after prolonged high-temperature exposure – especially for thermally stressed components.

DBL5306 – Material and Component Requirements

Testing of materials/components according to Daimler standards – quality & safety.

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Daimler Standards: Quality Standards and Test Procedures for Vehicle Components

DBL 1000 – Emission and Odor in the Interior

Requirements for the emission behavior of components in contact with interior air.

DBL 5307 – Low Flammability of Interior Trim Parts

Minimization of fire hazard by testing for low flammability.

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DIN and ISO Standards: International Standards for Material Testing and Quality Assurance

DIN 34804 – Change in Appearance of Black Coating Systems

Evaluation of changes in appearance of black surface coating systems on fasteners.

DIN 5033-3 – Color Measurement – Color Valence Equations

Mathematical foundations for calculating color values and standardizing color measurements.

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Volkswagen (VW) Standards: Test Regulations for Materials and Components

PV 1200 – Testing of Climatic Change Resistance

Cyclic climatic change test (+80 °C/−40 °C) on vehicle parts.

PV 1210 – Corrosion Resistance

Alternating climatic/corrosive stresses (salt, humidity, temperature) for painted metallic materials.

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Additional Automotive Standards (Cross-Manufacturer Test Methods)

SAE J1351 – Odor Testing

Odor testing at high temperatures for insulation materials (American region).

SAE J1756 – Determination of Fogging Properties

Gravimetric & photometric method for determining fogging deposits.

BO 131-03 – Interior Odor Testing

Interior trim/components/assemblies & air duct components for the passenger compartment.

BZ 156-01 – Emission Testing

Emission determination from materials in the vehicle interior (Ford).

PSA D40 5535 – Emission Testing

Emission determination from interior materials (Peugeot/Citroën).

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