Body Shell - BMW 1999-2005 M3 Service Manual

Body - General
3 of 8
http://ebahn.bentleypublishers.com/BMW/3/E46/Repair%20Manuals/4...

Body shell

The BMW 3 Series chassis is a unibody
design constructed of high strength
steel. Attaching parts, such as the front
fenders, rear quarter panels, doors,
trunk lid and hood are also constructed
of steel.
Computer aided design (CAD)
techniques have been used in refining
E46 body models to reduce vehicle
weight while retaining strength and
increasing torsional rigidity. For good
handling purposes, the more rigid the
structure the more precisely the
suspension can operate. High strength
steels now account for 50% of the body
shell weight. The body shell's resistance
to twisting forces has been almost
doubled over the previous 3 series
models. To help insure long-lasting
strength, 85% of the body (in surface
area) is made of galvanized steel. This
resists corrosion and maintains body
strength over time.
2/25/2009 10:37 PM