My black 96 W210 has "lacquer check" only on the hood surface. These look like 1 - 2" lines that are quite visible. Paint on the rest of the car is in excellent condition.

I was thinking about getting it repainted but someone mentioned that MBUSA might pay (fully or partially) if I complain about it. Has anyone had any experience with this? Do you think they would pay?

Are you the original owner? It sounds like a re-paint of the hood to me. If it's non-metallic black, that is 040 black, it wasn't clearcoated from the factory. If the hood is now clearcoated that's a sure sign that the hood has been repainted - and they didn't bother to do it with original single stage urethane. Polish it a little - if you don't get any black on the cloth it's been clearcoated - and you wouldn't have a case with MBUSA. It's very strange that the hood would do it but not the trunk or the roof.

I am the second owner so I really don't know if it has had any repaints. The previous owner has stated that this car has never been involved in an accident and/or has never been repainted (for what that's worth).

Not sure if it was clearcoated but it is the non metallic black.
A paint shop mentioned that the cracks happen as a result of the heat from the engine causes the hood to expand and contract.

Frustrated....

I suppose it's possible but I've never seen a factory paint job crack from heat, assuming it still has the hood pad and hasn't had an engine fire or something. In my experience an awful lot of 5 to 10 year old cars have had a hood repaint and they just don't hold up as well as the factory paint. I'd say take it to the dealer, make your claim and see what they say.

I thought all MB's made after 1986 had a clearcoat? A friend of mine has an 040 500E that I'm pretty sure has a clearcoat. Did they change this for the W210? Just for my own knowledge really.

Regarding paint checking I've also seen this on the smoke silver cars of the early to mid 90's. Unfortunately it will need a repaint and I doubt MB will help you since it's out of warranty. But it's always worth asking.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

All metallics are clearcoated - but some of the solid colors have not been - e.g. 040 black, 147 artic white, 143 white. Others solids, e.g. 149 polor white, 568 signal red, are clearcoated. I think 904 midnight blue has gone both ways over the years. Most manufacturers clearcoat everything today. There is a perception that clearcoat is state of the art but I think it more of an environmental compromise. The single stage urethanes generally hold up very well. I used to own a 1971 040 black with original paint that was in great condition. 040 black, which is true black, has been in continuous production since the early 50s.