BMW 5 SERIES
3,746 pounds
BMW has an approach called "EfficientLightweight." Which, in the case of the new 5 Series,
has resulted in a weight reduction of up to 137 pounds from the previous generation car.
This is a multi-material approach. That is, there is the use of high- and ultra-high strength
steels for the roof, side members and rear. The trunk, trunk lid, engine cross member, rear
side members, roof and doors are made with aluminum. There is a cast magnesium instru-
ment panel support, which is 4 pounds lighter than the steel component used on the previous
generation model.
And they're even using kenaf fiber for the inner trunk lid lining, which provides a weight
save of about 1 pound.
The BMW EfficientLightweight approach—largely predicated on
mix
ed materials—reduces the weight of the new 5 Series by as
much as 137 pounds compared to the previous gen vehicle.
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LIGHTWEIGHTING