BMW’s New Cars Won’t Make Extensive Use Of Carbon Fiber

BMW wasn’t the primary automaker to experiment with carbon fiber in road-legal automobiles. Again in 1992, the legendary McLaren F1 was among the many early adopters. The lesser-known Jaguar XJR-15 even preceded the BMW V12-powered supercar by a few years. Whereas these two have been extraordinarily costly and uncommon exotics, the 2013 i3 wasn’t. The quirky hatchback is mostly thought of the primary mass-produced mainstream automobile to make use of carbon fiber.

BMW had beforehand labored with carbon fiber. In 2003, the E46 M3 CSL’s roof was comprised of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Subsequent makes use of included the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, the previous-generation 7 Collection, and the iX. A wide range of M fashions nonetheless make the most of carbon fiber to this present day. Moreover, the M Efficiency Elements catalog is crammed with carbon parts for a wide range of non-M merchandise.

Nonetheless, Munich now says Neue Klasse fashions are “unlikely to make intensive use of carbon fiber.” It’s an attention-grabbing assertion given the advantages of the light-weight materials. BMW itself factors out {that a} carbon physique part is 20-30% lighter than an equal aluminum half and as much as 50% lighter than metal.

Nonetheless, that shouldn’t come as a giant shock. In 2017, BMW bought its 49% stake within the SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber three way partnership, although it retained an 18.3% share within the SGL Carbon firm. Wanting again, BMW calls it an “attention-grabbing experiment,” one which’s “unlikely to repeat, particularly as vitality prices proceed to rise worldwide.”

So what comes after carbon fiber? Though BMW isn’t fully giving up on CFRP, it has already signaled {that a} substitute is within the works. Natural fiber composites for series-production automobiles are deliberate. The flax-based light-weight parts are stated to chop CO₂e emissions by as a lot as 40% in comparison with a carbon roof.

To make it occur, BMW has been collaborating with Bcomp, a Swiss firm specializing in bio-based applied sciences during which the automaker holds a stake. It’s unclear whether or not solely M automobiles will undertake pure fiber composites or if common fashions may also make the most of these renewable uncooked materials parts.

Though the know-how has already been previewed on a current-gen M4’s roof and diffuser, BMW says solely future fashions will swap to pure fiber composites. These eco-friendly components gained’t be restricted to the outside, however may also be featured in some areas of the cabin.

Supply: BMW