BMW Group working all-out on the regular use of CFP in series production.
CFP body components offer a lightweight potential of 30-50 percent.
Innovative processes at the Landshut Plant:
Automated CFP production.
The roof of the M3 CSL - an outstanding example of lightweight CFP technology in series production.
The BMW Group is working all-out on the processes and technical skills required for the series production of body structures and components made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFP). Particular highlights in this context are the special design and configuration of the individual components built for specific models, simulation and testing procedures, as well as process-related issues such as the automation of production and the ongoing development of the materials used.
An outstanding example of how this innovative lightweight composite material may be used in series production is the CFP roof of the BMW M3 CSL proudly boasting the very special look of this material: This roof is made at BMW's Landshut Plant in the world's first highly automated production process for CFP body components.
Already used today to meet the most extreme requirements
So far carbon-fiber or composite carbon materials have been used mainly for individual components in aerospace and motorsport. Particularly where the material used has to withstand heavy loads whilst keeping weight to a minimum and thus offering supreme stiffness and strength, designers and construction engineers now use carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics to an increasing extent. The monocoque of the WilliamsF1 BMW FW 25 Formula One racing car, for example, is naturally made of this ultra-strong lightweight material.
Low weight, superior strength
Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics offer a significant potential for reducing vehicle weight also in "regular" production cars, CFP being highly suited for body components due to its superior strength and stiffness. The body of a modern automobile, depending on the model, accounts for 15-20 percent of the overall weight of the car. Body components made of CFP, in turn, are up to 30 percent lighter than aluminum and 50 percent or more lighter than steel. So depending on whether CFP is used for individual components or for the entire structure of the body, this highly sophisticated material is able to reduce the overall weight of the car by up to 10 percent, without making the slightest concession in terms of stiffness and body strength. Clearly, this improves the car's performance and agility whilst reducing fuel consumption at the same time.
Photo Captions: Top: BMW Plant Landshut. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) roof of BMW M3 CSL: multi-layer carbon fiber mat
