Photo: Paultan.org
After learning about the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic body of the i3 for the first time, we all wondered what will that do to the car, apart from making it lighter. The thing is that Carbon Fiber is still a very frail material so, how will BMW avoid turning its occupants into cadavers in case of an accident?
The secret lies in the material’s components. This is no ordinary CF, this is a reinforced material that, in some cases, showed similar resistance as steel counterparts, whilst also being much lighter. That means that in case of a crash, the i3 is similarly safe as a car made out of steel.
Now, let’s presume, the accident isn’t that big that it will total the car. Fender benders are a usual thing in today’s cities and, since this is a city-car, it will probably undergo its fair share of these events during its lifetime.
BMW claims that the repair costs for the i3 are similar to the ones of the 1 Series, the cheapest model in its line-up. However, all of them will have to be done at a BMW service but we think that won’t be a problem. After all, you have an extended warranty on your car and you won’t risk losing it by going to some ‘around the corner’ shop.
Also, the car is made out of various bits and pieces kept in place bit clip-on plastic plantings all around so they can be easily replaced if the need arises. Furthermore, the i3 was built in such a way that, thanks to CFRP, small bumps are easily absorbed, due to its flexibility (greater than in case of steel), and it won’t rust!
Bottom line, this is yet another field in which BMW looked really carefully when building the i3, as we expected from a premium manufacturer too. Nothing was left to faith while creating this car, and the sales (we’re sure) will prove it in plenty!
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