Nomenclature

Nomenclature includes the emblems, brand lettering, type designations, model badges, logos, decorative lettering and self-adhesive identification stickers on the cab bodywork. These parts not only determine the professional appearance of MAN and Mercedes trucks, buses and vans, but can also support functional vehicle identification. This includes markings on front grilles, doors, mudguards, bonnets, rear panels and side trims. In the event of accident repair, cab restoration or replacement of a grille, door or bonnet, correct nomenclature is essential to finish the vehicle according to its original specification.

Nomenclature varies according to vehicle series, year of manufacture, cab version, grille variant, body panel and mounting method. Lettering for a MAN TGL, TGM, TGS, TGX or TG3 does not automatically fit an older F90, F2000, M2000 or L2000. Mercedes also differs in dimensions, letter spacing and mounting points between, for example, Atego, Axor, Actros, Arocs, Antos and Econic. Vans such as the MAN TGE, Mercedes Sprinter, Vito, Viano and V-Class also have specific body panels and variants. On buses, brand designations for the MAN Lion’s City, Lion’s Coach, Citaro, Tourismo or Neoplan Cityliner and Skyliner can differ considerably in curvature, mounting surface and typeface.

There are clamped emblems with locating pins, screwed-on badges, clipped logos and self-adhesive lettering with acrylic foam tape. Fitment is determined by factors including pin spacing, hole diameter, panel radius, backing plate thickness and mounting surface tolerances. Therefore, always order parts based on the vehicle chassis number. Visual comparison or selection based solely on the model name is never sufficient, even when a logo or type badge appears identical at first glance.

Common defects include missing letters after using a car wash, broken mounting pins, detached double-sided tape, discoloured chrome finishes, corrosion behind metal emblems and damage caused by collisions or vandalism. Plastic badges can become brittle due to UV exposure, while chrome-plated ABS plastic parts (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) can peel as a result of stone chips, aggressive cleaning agents or thermal stress. On self-adhesive lettering, moisture ingress often causes white edges, reduced adhesion or dirt accumulation.

First check whether the body part is original, has been repaired or has already been replaced. For pinned emblems, measure the centre-to-centre distance between the mounting holes with a vernier caliper and check that the pins are not bent. For adhesive lettering, the paint layer, primer and clear coat must be fully cured; on fresh paint, the tape may detach or damage the finish. Remove old tape mechanically using a plastic scraper and suitable adhesive remover. Do not use metal scrapers: they cause scratches and increase the risk of corrosion on steel cab panels.

For self-adhesive nomenclature, use a positioning template or mark the reference lines with masking tape. Degrease the mounting surface with a silicone-free cleaner and install within the temperature range specified for the adhesive layer; a panel that is too cold significantly reduces initial adhesion. Press the badge down evenly without applying point loads to thin letters or chrome edges. For emblems with pins, the holes must be free from paint build-up, sealant residue and corrosion. Never force the pins, as plastic retainers or grille slats may crack.

At Braem, cab parts and associated nomenclature can be matched technically to the vehicle version, reducing unnecessary reorders and downtime. Preferably combine the replacement of emblems with an inspection of grilles, trim strips, door panels and retaining clips, ensuring that the cab is finished both correctly from a technical perspective and with a neat appearance.