Group standard VW 50185

Issue 2024-02
Class. No.: 50321

Descriptors: Arizona, Brazil, China, Florida, India, aging, climate, hot country, open-air weathering, weather
resistance

Resistance to Open-Air Weathering of the Whole Vehicle and of Parts

Test Requirements

Previous issues
VW 50185: 2000-10, 2009-07, 2016-08, 2020-11, 2020-12, 2023-03

Changes
The following changes have been made to VW 50185: 2023-03:
a) Section 4.2 „Resistance to open-air weathering“, paragraph 1 changed;
b) Table 4 „Intervals of operating parts in the vehicle“, second-to-last line updated;
c) Section 5.3.2.6 „Lighting and illuminated elements“ added;
d) Section 5.3.3.3 „Glazed test boxes“: new test box type added, new boxes reduced to 2 types;
e) Table 5 „Dimensions and glazing angles of the test boxes“: box type for vans added.

Contents
Page
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................... 2
2 Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. 2
3 Designation ................................................................................................................ 3
4 Requirements ............................................................................................................. 3
4.1 General requirements ................................................................................................ 3
4.2 Resistance to open-air weathering ............................................................................. 3
4.3 Extended resistance to open-air weathering .............................................................. 4
4.4 Preliminary evaluation of resistance to open-air weathering using simulation
methods ..................................................................................................................... 5
5 Test ............................................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Proving grounds and testing period ........................................................................... 6
5.2 Weather data .............................................................................................................. 6
5.3 Aging of the test objects ............................................................................................. 7
5.3.1 Structure ..................................................................................................................... 7
5.3.2 Requirements for the vehicles .................................................................................... 7
5.3.2.1 General requirements ................................................................................................ 7
5.3.2.2 Ground surface beneath the vehicle .......................................................................... 7
5.3.2.3 Orientation of the vehicles .......................................................................................... 7

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5.3.2.4 Requirements for parts ............................................................................................... 8

5.3.2.4.1 General requirements ................................................................................................ 8
5.3.2.4.2 Static part testing ....................................................................................................... 8
5.3.2.4.3 Parts to be moved during testing ............................................................................... 8
5.3.2.5 Convertible top and large sunroofs to be opened .................................................... 10
5.3.2.6 Lighting and illuminated elements ............................................................................ 10
5.3.3 Parts and material specimens .................................................................................. 10
5.3.3.1 General requirements .............................................................................................. 10
5.3.3.2 Shelves and storage compartments ......................................................................... 10
5.3.3.3 Glazed test boxes .................................................................................................... 11
5.3.3.4 Weathering of dashboards with add-on parts .......................................................... 13
5.3.3.5 Weathering of steering wheels ................................................................................. 14
5.3.3.6 Weathering of luggage/load compartment covers and rear shelves ........................ 15
5.3.3.7 Weathering of other parts and of material specimens .............................................. 16
6 Cleaning of test objects ............................................................................................ 16
7 Evaluation ................................................................................................................ 17
8 Documentation of the test results ............................................................................. 18
9 Returning the test objects ........................................................................................ 18
10 Applicable documents .............................................................................................. 18
Appendix A ABC evaluation key (evaluation categories) ............................................................ 20

1 Scope
This standard defines the requirements for testing the resistance to open-air weathering of
– whole vehicles
– interior components
– exterior components
– specific components in the engine compartment
– charging accessories for private use (not public use)
– add-on parts in installed condition in the vehicle.

This standard applies to the development and production conformity monitoring of vehicles, parts,
and materials.
This includes, among other things:
– Textiles
– Fiber materials
– Sandwich composite structures
– Coatings (e.g., protective coatings and decorative coatings)
– Films
– Foams
– Metals
– Polymers
– Glass
– Ceramic
– Natural materials (e.g., leather, wood)

2 Abbreviations
The following abbreviations apply when using this document:
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TSG Tempered safety glass

FBW Open-air weathering
GS Gray-scale grade
LAH Performance Specification
MPV Multipurpose passenger vehicle
LSG Laminated safety glass
ASSY Assembly

3 Designation
Example of a drawing note for a part:
Resistance to open-air weathering of the part as per VW 50185

4 Requirements

4.1 General requirements

Resistance to open-air weathering is typically tested on whole vehicles. When testing parts, suita-
ble aging based on the as-installed position and temperature scenario in the vehicle must be en-
sured, using appropriate auxiliary constructions (see section 5.3.3).

4.2 Resistance to open-air weathering

Resistance to open-air weathering must be ensured for a period of 2 years in proving grounds re-
leased by the Volkswagen AG (see table 3). It is up to the person responsible for open-air weather-
ing at the respective brand to choose the proving ground.
In consultation with the brand coordinator or the person responsible for open-air weathering at the
respective brand, the purchaser must choose one of the following test standards for each vehicle
project:
a) dry, hot climate,
b) humid, warm climate,
c) dry, hot and humid, warm climate.
Flaws must be evaluated according to the evaluation key in appendix A.
Regardless of the status of a release, these complaints must be tracked according to the following
categorization:
C0 complaint: This complaint is permitted to occur, but must be documented.
C1 complaint: A complaint within the first year must be resolved.
A complaint after the first year is permitted to occur, but must be documen-
ted.
B0 to A1 complaint The complaint must be resolved.
In order to fulfill the requirements for resistance to open-air weathering, none of the following com-
plaints are permitted to occur in vehicles, components (ASSYs), or parts in the course of testing,
depending on their categorization:
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– Part deformations in the form of dents, waves, waviness, offset, gap changes
– Color changes, gloss level changes, inhomogeneous brightness change, or haze. The follow-
ing requirement for evaluation using the gray-scale grade as per DIN EN 20105-A02 applies
as a guideline for evaluating a homogeneous change in brightness:
– GS ≥ 4,5 in the 1st year of the open-air weathering
– GS ≥ 4,0 in the 2nd year of the open-air weathering
– GS ≥ 3,5 from the 3rd year of the open-air weathering onward
NOTE 1: An area on the part that is completely covered during the entire weathering may be
used as a reference to determine the GS.
– Insufficient secure fit or changed adjustment or actuation forces or changed noises
– Material decomposition
– Debonding (delamination)
– Cracks, fractures, or holes
– Deficient function
– Corrosion
– Accumulations of deposits or bloom, if these are recurrent or not removable in conventional
customer use

4.3 Extended resistance to open-air weathering

Extended resistance to open-air weathering requirements must be fulfilled for certain materials and
parts (see table 1).

Table 1 – Extended resistance to open-air weathering

Part, material Test characteristic
Vehicle key Positioning in the center console with-
out cover or in the key storage location
if marked in the vehicle
Materials and technologies with which there is not suffi-
3 years
cient experience in terms of open-air weatheringa)
Vehicle color (body color) Weathering as per Technical Supply
Specification TL 211 and TL 218
Device weathering as per TL 52217
Plastic outer lenses for lighting sensor systems and opti-
cal sensor systems in the exterior
4 years
Window glass containing plastic (e.g., side window
glass, sunroof glass)
Functional glasses (e.g., „liquid crystal glass, LSG“) 3 years
a) Materials and technologies for which there is sufficient experience in terms of open-air weathering:
– Materials whose binder base is being successfully used and whose pigmenting is new (e.g., new base coat color, colored
PP or PMMA)
– New commercial types of known polymers and from known raw-material manufacturers
The Materials Development/Materials Engineering department responsible for release and the open-air weathering owner respon-
sible for release at the respective brand will specify whether or not there is sufficient experience in terms of open-air weathering
for the material or technology in question.

B- or A-complaints must not occur during the extended weathering period (see appendix A).
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4.4 Preliminary evaluation of resistance to open-air weathering using simulation

methods
The requirements as per DIN 75220 apply.
Resistance to open-air weathering must be verified by means of open-air weathering of ASSYs
and parts in their installed condition on vehicles, on the open-air weathering grounds used by the
Volkswagen Group.
The preliminary evaluation of resistance to open-air weathering, e.g., on complete parts or compo-
nents in a non-installed condition, must be carried out as per section 5.3.3. If the evaluation of the
resistance to open-air weathering is performed for the „B-release“ or „Launch Release“ milestones,
the supplier must notify the purchaser of the material and commercial type.
If new materials, new production methods, or new places of manufacture are being used, the sup-
plier must carry out a preliminary evaluation employing short-term test methods as per table 2 be-
fore any open-air weathering testing is performed by Volkswagen Group brands. These are part of
the initial sample inspection report and build sample inspection report.

Table 2 – Short-term test methods

Test Test stand- Requirement
ard/specification
Xenon arc light aging for parts of the vehicle interior PV 1303 As per LAH,
Xenon arc light aging to determine tack on PP plastics PV 1306 drawing, or Group
standard
Weathering in dry, hot climate (exterior) PV 3929 As per LAH,
Weathering in humid, warm climate (exterior) PV 3930 drawing, or as per
TL 52217
Aging of automotive parts in solar simulation units PV 8228 As per LAH,
drawing, or Group
standard, and fol-
lowing agreement
with the purchas-
er
Environmental cycle resistance of vehicle parts PV 1200 As per LAH,
Material requirements for leather – only the following ma- TL 52064 drawing, or Group
terial characteristics have to be tested: standard

– Resistance to water
– Heat resistance
– High-temperature light exposure
– Color fastness to rubbing
– Wear behavior
– Shrinkage behavior
– Cream resistance
Heat aging test as per drawing or following agreement with E.g., as per
the brand coordinator or the open-air weathering owner at DIN 53497,
the respective brand if verification was provided demon- method B
strating that this would simulate an open-air weathering
damage type
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For parts in the engine/motor compartment, the tests listed in table 2 do not apply to the risk as-
sessment, but rather those short-term test methods required in pertinent TLs, LAHs, and drawing
notes.

5 Test

5.1 Proving grounds and testing period

In order to get initial results early, the test objects must be sent to the proving grounds at the start
of summer. The proving grounds as per table 3 must be used for this.
In consultation with the brand coordinator or the open-air weathering owner at the respective
brand, the test may be concluded early after 2 full summers and 1 winter (i.e., after 18 months).

Table 3 – Proving grounds, restrictions on use, geographic location, and climate

Name Restriction on use Geographic location Climate Summer
Sunrise None Africa, southern hemi- Dry, hot October
sphere to March
APG (Arizona USA April to
Proving Septem-
Grounds) ber
Atlas (Florida No testing of prototypes Humid,
Proving warm
Grounds)
XPG (Xinjiang For projects whose vehicles China Dry, hot
Proving are only sold locally
Grounds)
IPG (India Pre-production vehicles may India Alternating March to
Proving only be tested here following between August
Grounds) agreement with the brand dry, hot and
coordinator or open-air humid,
weathering owner at the re- warm
spective brand.
The test duration must not
be shortened to less than
24 months.
TAB (Test For projects whose vehicles Brazil, southern hemi- Humid, August to
Area Brasil) are only sold locally in Latin sphere warm January
America

5.2 Weather data

The proving grounds operators must continuously record and document the weather data, and
make it available to the users of the proving grounds.
Documents must be archived in digital form with Classification System for Documents (CSD) cate-
gory 9.2.
The following weather data must be recorded:
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– Air temperature
– Global radiation
– Ultraviolet radiation: UV-A and UV-B, or as a combined measurement
– Wind speed
– Wind direction
– Amount of rainfall
– Relative humidity

5.3 Aging of the test objects

5.3.1 Structure
NOTE 1: The setup and the preparation of the vehicles for the open-air weathering test are de-
fined in a Process Standard or must be agreed upon with the head of the „Open-Air Weather-
ing“ Volkswagen Group Working Group.

5.3.2 Requirements for the vehicles

5.3.2.1 General requirements

In order to assess worst-case conditions, the darkest possible vehicle body colors must be used,
preferably black.
Air exchange and air circulation in the vehicle interior must be prevented throughout the entire test-
ing period. All vents, doors, windows, and sliding sunroofs must be sealed for this purpose. Solar
roofs must be deactivated.

5.3.2.2 Ground surface beneath the vehicle

The following requirements apply to the ground surfaces:
Dry, hot climate: Asphalt
Humid, warm climate: Grass
NOTE 2: Grass is intended to increase the effect of humidity. Asphalt is intended to increase the
thermal load on the vehicle.
Any change to the ground surface beneath the vehicle is possible only if suitability of the other
ground surface is verified. This must be agreed upon with the purchaser.
The vehicle aging areas must be prepared such that the vehicles are not „standing in water“ in the
event of heavy rain showers.
The distance between the vehicles, and between vehicles and other objects (e.g., fencing), must
be selected such that even when the sun is low in the sky, none of the vehicles is shaded.
In the case of vehicles parked next to each other, it must be possible to completely open all the
doors at the same time.

5.3.2.3 Orientation of the vehicles

In the Northern Hemisphere, the front of the vehicles must be positioned facing southward. In the
Southern Hemisphere, the front of the vehicles must be positioned facing northward.
Any deviating orientations must be agreed upon between the purchaser and the proving grounds
operator.
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5.3.2.4 Requirements for parts

5.3.2.4.1 General requirements

Parts of standard equipment that are to be evaluated (e.g., rear shelf) should not be influenced by
optional equipment packages (e.g., window sunshades).

5.3.2.4.2 Static part testing

The following parts must be tested in a static state; in doing so, the following requirements apply:
Sun visors: Right sun visor folded down, left sun visor resting against the vehicle head-
liner
In the case of vehicles with a 3rd sun visor, the test must be performed in
agreement with the proving grounds operator.
Head restraints: Front right and rear right head restraints retracted, front left and rear left
head restraints extended, center rear head restraint(s) retracted
Front seat belts: Seat belt height at highest position on the hotter side, at lowest position on
the cooler side
Center armrest: Folded down (horizontal position) and pulled out halfway in the longitudinal
direction
Steering wheel: Height and longitudinal adjustment set to highest position, steering wheel in
12-o'clock position
Ventilation: All vents must be closed.
Sunroof: Interior sliding cover closed halfway
Special test requirements must be agreed upon with the purchaser.
NOTE 3: The head of the „Open-Air Weathering“ Volkswagen Group Working Group must be in-
formed about this.

5.3.2.4.3 Parts to be moved during testing

The following parts must be moved over the maximum adjustment range 1x per week during the
open-air weathering. The following requirements apply (see table 4):

Table 4 – Intervals of operating parts in the vehicle

Intervals
Parts
during operation
1x per week with – All window regulators
the engine/motor – Tailgate/trunk lid
running – Mirrors
– Fuel filler door/charging door
– All doors
– Trailer hitch
– Headlamp and sensor washer systems
– Seat belt height adjustment
– Seat:
– Seat adjustment
– Massage feature
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Table 4 (continued)
Intervals
Parts
during operation
1x per week with – Easy Entry in the 2nd seat row (usually only present if the vehicle
the engine/motor has a 3rd seat row)
running – Head-up display
– All touch screens
– Infotainment
– Folding table: 1x per week folded out during the day for at least 8 h
Position – Charging door:
changing – 1 week open with vehicle connector plugged in
weekly – 1 week closed, with vehicle connector stowed in the luggage com-
partment
– Luggage/load compartment cover, net partition:
- one week pulled out;
– one week rolled up;
- exception in the test box (for comparison testing):
Pulled out or without regular operation (alternatively, in another vehi-
cle);
– Exterior mirrors:
1 week folded in, 1 week folded out
– Beverage holders, center console, ashtray:
1 week open, 1 week closed
– 2nd seat row backrest:
If the backrest is split and the parts can be folded separately, the center
seat must alternate between 1 week folded down and 1 week in seat-
ing position.
– 3rd seat row backrest:
If the backrest is split and the parts can be folded separately, one seat
must be permanently folded down and the other seat must alternate
between 1 week folded down and 1 week in seating position.
If the backrest is not split, the bench seat must alternate between
1 week folded down and 1 week in seating position.
NOTE 1: If a luggage/load compartment cover is present, the exten-
ded position can only be reached if both seats are folded down.
– Seat armrests:
1 week up, 1 week down
– Window shades (side windows and rear window):
One sunshade must always be closed, alternating between them in 1-
week intervals.
25 times per week Sunroofs with integrated switching functions (switch-off mode: „mil-
ky/cloudy“), tilting sunroofs and sliding sunroofs
Extended 2 days Spoiler
per week
Parts aged on their own must be set up in such a way that the use conditions are simulated as
precisely as possible. The proving grounds operator must be provided with an additional Work In-
struction for measuring and operating these parts.
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5.3.2.5 Convertible top and large sunroofs to be opened

The parts must undergo the following weekly test cycle:
Day 1: Between 07:00 and 09:00: Open and close 3x in succession.
Between 14:00 and 16:00: Open and close 3x in succession.
Day 2: Between 07:00 and 09:00: Open – close – open
Then leave open for 8 h.
Between 15:00 and 17:00: Close – open – close
Days 3 to 7: Roof closed
The following requirements apply:
– Before opening, the roof must be cleaned of any soiling (sweeping, not scrubbing).
– Aerodynamic systems (e.g., wind deflectors) must be tested in their extended condition with
the roof open.
– The side windows must be up while the roof is open.
– Variable luggage systems are always actuated at the same time when the roof is being
opened and closed.
– If opening the roof is not possible due to weather conditions, the opening cycle must be made
up for on another day during the same week.
Electrical actuations must be carried out with the engine running.

5.3.2.6 Lighting and illuminated elements

The evaluation of the brightness and the color values of the lighting and of the illuminated elements
must be carried out at low light. This can be, e.g., shortly before sunrise, shortly after sunset, or
caused by high shading (e.g., in the garage of the proving grounds).

5.3.3 Parts and material specimens

5.3.3.1 General requirements

If materials are tested in the form of sample panels, the worst-case operating conditions must al-
ways be tested in addition.
NOTE 4: The setup and the preparation of the parts and material specimens for the open-air
weathering test are defined in a Process Standard or must be agreed upon with the head of the
„Open-Air Weathering“ Volkswagen Group Working Group.

5.3.3.2 Shelves and storage compartments

Closed shelves (90° and 5° with respect to the horizontal) must be used for standard aging tests.
The shelves are used for the open-air weathering of skin parts and add-on parts.
The aging type for parts and material specimens must be selected such that the radiation load and
temperature load is comparable to the situation on and in the vehicle. If necessary, the bottom of
the part must be insulated with suitable materials (see section 5.3.2.2). This must be ensured by
comparative temperature measurements and documented.
Shelves and storage compartments must be oriented as specified in section 5.3.2.3.
The following requirements apply when using shelves:
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– 90° shelf: Wheel trim elements, radiator grilles, front and rear emblems, turn signal repeaters,
plastic fenders, charging accessories (e.g., home charging station)
– 5° shelf: Headlamps, rear combination lamps, wipers
Parts subject to high thermal loads (e.g., roof trim strips, plenum chamber covers, protective side
moldings) may only be tested on the vehicle, because for these parts the thermal load when aging
on shelves does not correspond to the actual load in the installed condition.
The distance between the parts, and between parts and other objects (e.g., fencing), must be se-
lected such that even when the sun is low in the sky, none of the parts is shaded.

5.3.3.3 Glazed test boxes

The glazed test boxes are used for open-air weathering testing of parts of the vehicle interior.
The aging type for parts and material specimens must be selected such that the radiation load and
temperature load is comparable to the situation in the vehicle. This must be ensured using compa-
rative temperature measurements under test conditions.
Testing is carried out by the individual Group brands. External tests are only permissible in agree-
ment with representatives of the respective Group brand.
The ground surface is specified in section 5.3.2.2 and the orientation of the test boxes in
section 5.3.2.3.
Boxes of varying dimensions and glazings are available (see table 5). New test boxes must only be
created as per drawing „ENT.346.995.AP for multipurpose passenger vehicles“1) and as per the
specification for boxes for vans2).

The test boxes must be dust-proof and waterproof.

For existing test boxes as per table 5, consec. no. 1 to 5, only the following standard glazings must
be used:
– TSG; thickness approx. 3,1 mm
– LSG; thickness approx. 4,9 mm
For test boxes as per drawing „ENT.346.995.AP for multipurpose passenger vehicles“1) and as per
the specification for boxes for vans2), glass types as per drawing must be used. The spectral char-
acteristics are defined in figure 1.
Further information regarding the test boxes can be requested from the appropriate person respon-
sible.
NOTE 5: The test boxes have proven effective for the standard aging of interior parts (e.g., steer-
ing wheels, dashboards, luggage/load compartment covers, rear shelves).
These parts must be positioned in the test box in a way that corresponds to their position and ori-
entation in the vehicle. The relative orientation of these parts to the window glass is crucial.
Interior equipment parts made of sensitive materials (e.g., wood trims, Alcantara®) must be tested
in the vehicle, because in most cases the load in the glazed test box is too high (exception: materi-
als for the rear shelf and dashboard).

1) The technical documents are archived in the Engineering Data Management System (KVS).
2) The data can be requested from the appropriate person responsible.
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Table 5 – Dimensions and glazing angles of the test boxes

Angle of Width Depth Height 1 Height 2

No. Box type glazing in mm in mm in mm in mm
α A B C D
Passenger car standard
1 30° 1 650 625 443 803
box 1
Passenger car standard
2 36° 1 900 1 100 783 1 583
box 2
Multipurpose passenger
3 30° 1 650 850 633 1 123
vehicle (MPV)
4 Minivan 45° 1 900 850 533 1 383
5 T5/T6 36° 1 900 1 000 683 1 408
6 MPV ENT.346.995.APa) 30° 1 595 795 620 1 097
7 Box for vans 37° 1 900 1 200 750 approx. 1 680
a) The technical documents are archived in the Engineering Data Management System (KVS) under drawing number ENT.
346.995.AP. The temperature curve of this box is slightly increased compared to the one used above (passenger cars). The glaz-
ings are adapted to the conditions at the windshield and rear window.
The vehicle interior dimensions apply.

Figure 1 – Spectral light transmittance of the standard glazings for TSG and LSG

The use of other text boxes or glass types must be agreed upon with the purchaser.
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5.3.3.4 Weathering of dashboards with add-on parts

The following requirements apply (see figure 2):
– The front edge of the dashboard center must line up exactly with the upper edge of the box
(e.g., for ENT.346.955.AP: 580 mm).
– The setup must be parallel to the ground.
– The dashboard must be pre-installed on a dashboard carrier according to its configuration in
the vehicle.
– An aluminum strip approx. 50 mm in width must be mounted over the part.
– The „LSG“ glazing type is the same as the windshield in the vehicle.
NOTE 6: To mount a dashboard on a stand, the mounting rack ENT.346.995.KD is available in
the KVS storage system.
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Figure 2 – Test setup using a dashboard as an example

5.3.3.5 Weathering of steering wheels

The following requirements apply (see figure 3):
– Pre-assembly: Angle and position in as-installed position in the vehicle (e.g., Z = 210 mm,
X = 450 mm to 500 mm)
– The steering wheel must be mounted on a stand and must be spaced as far as possible from
the left and right side walls of the test box.
– A maximum of 3 steering wheels may be tested per box.
– The „LSG“ glazing type is the same as the windshield in the vehicle.
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Figure 3 – Test setup using a steering wheel as an example

5.3.3.6 Weathering of luggage/load compartment covers and rear shelves

The following requirements apply:
– The height of the rear edge of the rear shelf center must line up exactly with the upper edge
of the box (e.g., for ENT.346.955.AP: 580 mm).
– The setup must be parallel to the ground.
– The „TSG“ glazing type is the same as the rear window in the vehicle.
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5.3.3.7 Weathering of other parts and of material specimens

The following requirements apply:
– The specimens must be laid flat on a horizontal table. If the intended use area of the material
is known, then the part must be aged according to its intended as-installed position in the ve-
hicle.
– All other parts (e.g., displays) must be aged according to their as-installed position in the vehi-
cle.
– The upper edge of the table must be adjusted to line up exactly with the front edge of the box.

6 Cleaning of test objects

The cleaning intervals are specified in table 6.
The following requirements apply to wet cleaning:
– Tap water must be used.
– Water temperature: ≤ 60 °C
– The following applies to high-pressure cleaning:
– Minimum nozzle distance: 40 cm
– Only fan nozzles may be used.
– Extended spraying of the same spots is not permitted, especially rubber hoses, seals,
side window glass, tires, decorative films and protective films, cameras, sensors, sound
insulation material, convertible top, or locks.
– When hand washing, a soft sponge and solvent-free cleaning agent must be used.
Accumulations of deposits must be documented. Only then can partial cleaning attempts be carried
out, following consultation with the purchaser.
Matte surfaces must be cleaned with a washing solution containing tensides and glossy surfaces
with paint polish P10 (part no.: 000.096.319.D; order number via distribution centers: Z 381877).
Other polishes may be used if it is proven that they have the same properties.
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Table 6 – Cleaning intensity of test objects

Test
Cleaning area Cleaning intensity
object
Skin Wet cleaning:
At least 1× per week during the summer months, following agreement in the winter months
Cleaning must be performed preferably with a high-pressure cleaner, otherwise with a soft
sponge.
Firmly attached dirt must be soaked with water.
Convertible 1× per week: For textile/PVC tops, the roof must be cleaned dry with a soft brush.
top 1× per month: The roof must be cleaned with water and a soft brush.
Vehicle

Vehicle interi- Vacuuming: 1× per month

or Moist cleaning: 1× per month with lint-free microfiber cloth and water
Impermissible, pronounced deposits (e.g., sticky residue, fogging residue) may only be
cleaned after previous deposit analysis, in consultation with the purchaser.
Interior Moist cleaning: 1× per month with lint-free microfiber cloth and water
window Cleaning of impermissible, heavy fogging deposits may only take place following prior depos-
glasses it analysis, in consultation with the purchaser, using an isopropanol/water mixture (90:10 vol-
ume ratio).
Window Exterior: Moist cleaning 1× per week, interior: As needed
glasses Cleaning of impermissible, heavy fogging deposits may only take place following prior depos-
it analysis, in consultation with the purchaser, using an isopropanol/water mixture (90:10 vol-
Test box

ume ratio).
Material As needed (as for vehicle interior)
specimens Cleaning of impermissible, heavy fogging deposits may only take place following prior depos-
it analysis, in consultation with the purchaser, using an isopropanol/water mixture (90:10 vol-
ume ratio).
Wet cleaning of the test objects during the summer months: At least 1× per week (as in the
Shelves
vehicle)

7 Evaluation
The test objects (vehicles, components, parts, and material specimens) must be evaluated only by
persons who have been specially qualified at the open-air weathering proving grounds as part of
their on-the-job training.
The evaluation is performed only on washed, dry test objects in suitable weather conditions, re-
gardless of the time of day.
Certain flaw types become clearly visible only at certain times of the day (e.g., when the sun is low
in the sky). Therefore, the affected parts may need to be evaluated several times at different times
of the day.
NOTE 1: Cracks in anodized decorative trims become visible only in direct sunlight and when the
parts are exposed to maximum temperature.
Complaints must be characterized as follows:
– Indication of the part
– Description of the type of damage
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NOTE 2: The evaluation of the color change is performed with GS as

per DIN EN 20105-A02.
– Evaluation of the damage according to the latest ABC evaluation key (see table A.1)
The proving grounds personnel will evaluate the test objects as standard every 2 months. Devia-
tions must be agreed upon between the purchaser and the proving grounds operator.
The parties responsible at the proving grounds will create the corresponding inspection plans and
submit them to the purchaser.
Before aging the test objects (particularly the vehicles), their initial condition must be documented
by the purchaser in a (start-of-test inspection) record (checklist and photos).
Complaints regarding the initial condition of parts or vehicles must be marked on the vehicle using
blue arrow stickers with consecutive numbers written in black.
Complaints that occur during vehicle open-air weathering testing must be marked on the vehicle
with white arrow stickers with consecutive numbers written in black, beginning with the number fol-
lowing the highest start-of-test inspection number.
Should parts be replaced during the ongoing test, then these must also undergo a start-of-test in-
spection. In this case, complaints regarding the initial condition must be marked with blue arrow
stickers with consecutive numbers and the start date of the test written in black, and documented.
The start-of-test inspection record must be provided to the proving grounds operator together with
the test object.
If necessary, changes in color or gloss level as per VW 50190 and VW 50195 must be measured
before, during, and after the test.
The arrows used to mark the complaints must be weather-resistant.

8 Documentation of the test results

All test results must be stored in the open-air weathering database.
The photo documentation always consists of an overview photo on which the damage area is
clearly visible and a detailed photo of the damage.
In the case of noises or functional complaints, video documentation must also be carried out.
The damage evaluation according to the evaluation key (see appendix A) must be indicated.
NOTE 1: Documentation is carried out according to CSD category 5.3 in digital form via the open-
air weathering database.

9 Returning the test objects

Following completion of open-air weathering testing, the aged test objects are returned to the pur-
chaser or, following consultation with the purchaser, properly scrapped on-site.

10 Applicable documents
The following documents cited in the standard are required for the application of this standard:
Some of the cited documents are translations from the German original. The translations of Ger-
man terms in such documents may differ from those used in this standard, resulting in terminologi-
cal inconsistency.
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VW 50185: 2024-02

Standards whose titles are given in German may be available only in German. Editions in other
languages may be available from the institution issuing the standard.

PV 1200 Vehicle Parts; Testing the Environmental Cycle Resistance

(80 °C/-40 °C)
PV 1303 Non-Metallic Materials; Xenon Arc Light Aging of Vehicle Interior Parts
PV 1306 Non-Metallic Materials; Exposure Test for Determining the Tackiness of
Polypropylene Parts
PV 3929 Non-Metallic Materials; Weathering in Dry, Hot Climate (Exterior)
PV 3930 Weathering in Humid, Hot Climate (Exterior)
PV 8228 Whole-Vehicle Sunlight Simulation; Vehicle Parts, Whole Vehicle
TL 211 Coating of Plastic Exterior Parts; Requirements
TL 218 Body Color Multi-Layer Paint on Metallic Body Skin Parts; Requirements
TL 52064 Leather; Material Requirements; Updated translation
TL 52217 Artificial Weathering in the Vehicle Exterior; Requirements
VW 50190 Vehicle Interior Equipment Components; Measurement-Based Evalua-
tion of Color and Gloss Level; Visual Evaluation of Chrome Surfaces
VW 50195 Colorimetric Evaluation of Exterior Automotive Paint Finishes
DIN 53497 Testing of plastics - Hot storage test on mouldings made of thermoplastic
moulding materials without external mechanical stressing
DIN 75220 Ageing of automotive components in solar simulation units
DIN EN 20105-A02 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part A02: Grey scale for assessing
change in colour
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VW 50185: 2024-02

Appendix A (normative) ABC evaluation key (evaluation categories)

Table A.1 – ABC evaluation key (evaluation categories)

Complaint A complaint B complaint C complaint

category A1 A0 B1 B0 C1 C0
Complaint
140 80 60 40 20 10
points
Complaint Safety risk; Unaccepta- Major im- Unpleasant, Obvious de- Accumula-
evaluation unsaleable ble, certain pairment; annoying; ficiencies tion of defi-
vehicle; to cause clearly not comply- that will be a ciencies;
breakdown customer not comply- ing with cause for expected
complaints; ing with specified complaints that these
extreme sur- specified standards; by demand- will be a
face com- standards quality defi- ing custom- cause for
plaint ciency ers complaints
present by demand-
ing custom-
ers
Effects on Breakdown Complaint Dissatisfaction Lack of enthusiasm
the custom- Vehicle is Vehicle re- The customer will have the The customer criticizes the
er not quires unex- complaint resolved on the level of quality.
available. pected re- occasion of his/her next
pairs. visit to the repair shop.
Customer The custom- The custom- The custom- The custom- Only very
response er decides er decides er decides er notices demanding
on an un- on an un- on a visit to the deficien- customers
scheduled scheduled the repair cy. notice the
visit to the visit to the shop within Quality com- deficiency.
–
repair shop repair shop a couple of mitment not
within a few within a few months or fulfilled
days. weeks. for next in-
spection
service.
Prior
complaint 100 70 60 to 50 40 to 30 20 10
points