BMW AA 0570 Wear Resistance Test of Velvet-Coated Plastic Parts

The “BMW AA 0570 Velvet-coated plastic parts abrasion resistance test” standard, developed by BMW, a multinational vehicle manufacturer, describes a test method specifically designed to determine the abrasion resistance of velvety surfaces on plastic components. Velveting is a finishing process in which short fibers, usually made of nylon, polyester, or similar materials, are electrostatically applied to a substrate (usually plastic parts) to create a soft, velvety, suede-like texture. This is commonly used in automotive interiors in the following areas:

• The interior of the dashboard
• Center console storage compartments
• Door pocket linings
• Underneath the sunshades
• Other trim pieces where a superior, non-slip, scratch-resistant, and soft-touch feel is desired.

The test evaluates how well the velvety coating withstands repeated mechanical wear, such as from prolonged use, friction from hands or objects, or contact under everyday driving conditions. Poor performance can lead to fiber loss, visible wear, pilling, or deterioration of aesthetic and functional properties.

This testing method focuses on the abrasion or wear resistance of flocked plastic parts. It is a method in the surface testing category within automotive materials and components. It is aimed at ensuring the surface durability of automotive interior materials. This test is listed alongside other “AA” series interior material tests such as:

• BMW AA 0567 Sweat-resistant color fastness (sweat resistance)
• BMW AA 0568 Dimensional Stability
• BMW AA 0547 Determination of mass per unit area, effective pile thickness and stitch density.
• BMW AA 0602 Determination of pressure sensitivity and pressure retention in upholstery filler.

This test incorporates standardized abrasion equipment (similar to a crockmeter, Taber abrasive device, or special tools defined by BMW), defined cycles/friction force, evaluation criteria (e.g., visual inspection, percentage of fiber loss, color change via grayscale), and acceptance thresholds.

BMW places great emphasis on the perceived quality and long-term durability of interior surfaces. Velvet-covered parts must withstand wear throughout the vehicle's lifespan (typically 10 years or 150.000 km) without shedding fibers or losing their soft appearance. Failure to pass this test may result in supplier rejection, rework, or warranty claims.

According to this standard, tests are carried out by independent accredited laboratories or other organizations specializing in original equipment manufacturer specifications. Suppliers provide samples for verification during the part approval processes. This standard demonstrates BMW's commitment to functional, durable and high-feeling interiors.

In short, the BMW AA 0570 standard is necessary primarily because velvet-covered plastic parts in vehicle interiors face real-world durability issues, and this can directly impact perceived quality, long-term customer satisfaction, and warranty costs for BMW.

The main reasons why this standard is considered necessary are as follows:

• Velvet upholstery is prone to wear and shedding: Velvet surfaces (short fibers electrostatically bonded to plastic) provide the desired soft-touch, velvety, non-reflective, and somewhat sound-absorbing surface. However, the fibers are only attached to a layer of adhesive at their base; they don't penetrate deeply. Over time, repeated contact (e.g., hands reaching into glove compartments or center consoles, items rubbing against storage compartments, cleaning attempts, or minor abrasions from keys, phones, or coins) causes the fibers to loosen, break, matt, or shed completely. This leads to visible wear marks, lint clumps, bald spots, or accumulations of loose fibers in the cabin. These problems cause the interior to look cheap or neglected long before the overall lifespan of the vehicle.
• High customer expectations and superior interiors: BMW owners pay a high price and expect the interiors to remain in perfect condition for 10-15 years or 150.000 km. Visible deterioration of soft-touch velvet-trimmed areas (common in glove compartments, armrests, and door pockets) is one of the most noticeable signs of aging. Complaints about flaking or wear of the velvet trim can damage brand perception, especially since these parts are highly visible or accessible during normal use. This wear test simulates years of such contact to ensure the parts meet BMW's stringent durability thresholds before being approved for production.
• Avoiding warranty claims and supplier liability: If velvet-coated components fail prematurely (e.g., excessive fiber loss after 3-5 years), this often leads to customer dissatisfaction, dealer visits, and potential warranty repairs or goodwill gestures. By implementing this standard in its supplier qualification and part approval processes, BMW shifts the burden of proving robust adhesion and wear performance to suppliers, thereby reducing the risk of field failures, recalls, or costly field repairs.
• Simulation of real-life conditions in accelerated testing: Daily use involves thousands of wear cycles resulting from skin oils, friction, temperature variations, and occasional aggressive contact. Testing (typically done using a standardized abrasive tool with defined force, cycles, and evaluation criteria such as visual grading, percentage of fiber loss, or grayscale change) mimics this accelerated wear. Without such a standard, suppliers could use cheaper adhesives or lower-quality fibers that perform adequately in short-term tests but fail in the long term, which is what BMW wants to avoid in order to maintain consistent quality across its global supply chain.

Consequently, the BMW AA 0570 standard is in demand because while velvet upholstery may look and feel luxurious when new, it can become a weak point in terms of durability if not rigorously verified. With this test, BMW is implementing high standards that protect both the brand's reputation for engineering excellence and the investment owners make in their vehicles.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "BMW AA 0570 Wear resistance test of velvet-coated plastic parts" standard.