Pedestrian safety was a factor, but so was assembly cost. BMW outsourced the entire assembled fender. Good article on the Automotive Engineering website.
BMW X5 Plastic Fender Module
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Plastic Omnium, an established supplier of front end modules (FEM) as part of HBPO (Hella Behr Plastic Omnium), has developed the world’s first fender modules for the new BMW X5.
It says they offer better panel fit, improved pedestrian impact protection, weight reduction and greater freedom in the design of the front end as well as simplified supply chain and logistics and greater ease of assembly.
Pre-painted thermoplastic fenders are fixed to a structure that mounts the headlamps and washers, fog lights, indicators, windscreen washer reservoir, charge air and oil coolers and air guides, wheel housing, head impact absorber and airbag sensors. Modules are sequence delivered to the X5 assembly line fully assembled and ready to fit.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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09-18-2009, 09:51 PM
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