Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

[Kor]

Heard a rumor today that the new M3 will have plastic body panels to save weight over metal. Confirm/deny?

[Khyron]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

I will say deny, simply because even Saturn is no longer using them. The panel gaps are just too big because of the expansion/contraction due to temperature changes. Probably an April Fools joke. CF before plastic.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

CF or aluminum

[Kor]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

CF or aluminum

The concept car had carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof and aluminum hood...

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

I believe the regular E92 coupe is using plastic body panels so could be a very distinct possibility.

Edit Taken from Edmunds:

In order to maintain optimal front-to-rear weight distribution in the pudgier convertible, plastic quarter panels are used up front. According to BMW, these new panels are not only 50 percent lighter than equivalent steel versions, they're also dent-resistant.

[zoik]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

they're dent resistant but can crack and shatter on impact!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

True but it could cost less to replace then repairing a traditional metal fender.

[zoik]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

well at least you can repair a traditional metal fender. it can take a good beating. the plastic ones are an instant replace. i personally prefer a dent instead of a hole in the fender. plus just the shear fact that it's made by BMW it doubt it would be anywhere cheap.

[Kor]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

Let this be a lesson to you all, I know my rumors!

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

Official Production M3 photos, no mention of plastic fenders but it will have a CF roof.

[Kor]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

1. Previous M3 was better looking
2. M Coupe is better looking

[R_Ethug]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

yea i agree kris
IMO it looks like it lost some of its coolness.. it looks just like any other new 3 series other than the side vent logo crap and the hood opening bump..

[100%VAGitarian]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

i will third that. the e46 was my last favoite m3. they look plastic in the pics...

[Tuna]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

I like the older one better honestly. But then again, i'm not all that crazy about some of the new Audi's you guys rave about so maybe i'm just Jaded.

[R_Ethug]

Re: Confirm/Deny new M3 will have plastic body panels a la Saturn

true jason.. after i posted about kris' comments i have a b7 rs4 wallpaper and i looked at it then back at the BMW and they are both well funky

my b5 IMO has a timeless style to it.. although now i think the B6 audis are the best looking of the bunch.. then agian i'll be saying the b7s are timeless once the b8/9s come out hahaha
then again i'm also really pro-audi everything hahahaha.. i doubt i'll ever move back to anything but audis.. maybe a passat but thats it for dubs.. i'm more into a fast/sporty family car now lol.. or a big pimping old man ride..