Information on machining/treating magnesium components - AH60.00-P-0023-01R
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E550 and 2008 Mercedes-Benz E550. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
General:
Magnesium has the property of forming a compound with oxygen extremely quickly. Nevertheless it is corrosion-resistant when exposed to air, because it forms a tight, continuous thin oxide skin which protects the metal beneath from further oxidation.
If magnesium is ignited, it burns at approx. > 500°C with dazzling white light and severe heat development (approx. 2400°C).
Magnesium dust combusts and explodes just as easily as aluminum dust.
For additional information see Accident Prevention Regulations or the regulations of the trade association.
Machining/treating magnesium:
- Machining/treating magnesium components by means of an open flame (welding, cutting, soldering, heating, etc.) or by spark-creating grinding is prohibited.
- Any components that suffer structural damage must be replaced completely.
Corrosion protection:
- Faulty coatings and points affected by corrosion should never be repaired for corrosion reasons.
- Repair over large surfaces should not be performed for reasons of corrosion.
- To prevent contact corrosion at the threaded connections on the components
(e.g. inner door parts), coat contact surfaces and bolt shafts with paint after removal or replace bolts.
Do not use zinc dust paint!
- Plastic bushings and disks installed as standard must not be removed and damaged parts must be replaced.
- Due to extremely severe contact corrosion, damaged threads in the magnesium pressure casting may only be repaired with the MB-approved Helicoil thread inserts made of aluminum.