BMW considering Carbon Fiber for 1 and 3 series frames

[Kirby]

BMW considers carbon fibre for mid-range car

By David Vink in Frankfurt 19/01/2005

19 January 2005 - BMW is considering the use of carbon fibre in the structural side frame of a 5-door mid-class car, as part of its Z22 technology project.

This was revealed by Steffen Aumann, who is responsible for recycling issues of the BMW 1- and 3-Series, at today’s Plastics in Automotive Interiors conference in Frankfurt. The conference is organised by European Plastics News and Plastics & Rubber Weekly.

Aumann showed favourable life-cycle data on the ecological benefits of using a carbon fibre-reinforced plastics structural side-frame, but pointed out that it is more difficult to recycle such materials. It would therefore be better to extract the material from the light shredder fraction and use it for energy generation, he maintained.

Although it is difficult under current legislation to meet recycling quotas with such lightweight structures, Aumann said: “We will reduce CO2 emissions, so we have to go to lightweight construction. Our customers also like to have a dynamic car.”

 

[epj3]

Isn't it fairly easy to recycle polymers? Look at your recycling bin each week.

 

[Kirby]

I think the issue is separating the carbon fiber from the plastic rresin.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

im not that good with elements so is carbon fiber good or bad...i mean is it better or worse then we what they use now?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

im not that good with elements so is carbon fiber good or bad...i mean is it better or worse then we what they use now?

Can't be better than old fashioned steel, now can it?

 

[Kirby]

Carbon Fiber is good. Much lighter and stronger than steel, pound for pound. It's more expensive (right now) to manufacture because it has to be molded, like fiberglas, not stamped, pressed, hydroformed, etc. like steel.

I saw a segment on TV showing how they make CF stuff. Here's a link to an article.
http://www.superstreetonline.com/techarticles/54702/

 

[Big Daddy]

Oh yeah, carbon fiber is an excellent product. I think like anything prices will come down as it is more widely accepted and used.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Carbon Fiber is good. Much lighter and stronger than steel, pound for pound. It's more expensive (right now) to manufacture because it has to be molded, like fiberglas, not stamped, pressed, hydroformed, etc. like steel.

I saw a segment on TV showing how they make CF stuff. Here's a link to an article.
http://www.superstreetonline.com/techarticles/54702/

I still "like" and feel safer with an actual METAL frame...