New BMW M3 Will Use Emissions-Free Natural Fiber Composite

BMW has confirmed that its lightweight natural fiber composites developed through its official motor racing program will be carried over “in future BMW M product ranges.” The flax-based component, first used by BMW in the construction of its all-electric Formula E single-seater before going to DTM and GT4 variants of its M4 coupe, could aid performance of BMW’s road cars while reducing carbon emissions during production.

Before you get too excited though, the likelihood of these natural fibers appearing on the likes of the M5 or M8 any time soon is unlikely. However, BMW has confirmed the composite is production-ready (or, “reached series maturity,” if we must use the expression). And the next-generation M3 with its Neue Klasse architecture (recently previewed with the M350) is due to launch next year. This seems like a more fitting platform.

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How The Natural Fiber Composite Works

First showcased by Switzerland’s bio-based engineering firm Bcomp, the natural fiber components are made with flax cultivated from the stems and seeds from the blue-flowered herbaceous plant. Not only is the resulting thread extremely lightweight – which in turn reduces vehicular mass and helps keep front-rear weight balance in check – sourcing these renewable raw materials also reduces emissions across the BMW Group’s supply chains and manufacturing processes.

Indeed, BMW states that use of this natural fiber composite “in the roof of the next-generation BMW Group portfolio” reduces CO2 emissions during production by up to 40 percent over the more traditional carbon fiber construction, which is made using thin, heat-treated plastic polymer. Significantly, the natural fiber construction does not negatively impact the roof’s structural rigidity, meaning such an evolution of the panel would meet the safety regulations for road-going vehicles.

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BMW has held a stake in the clean company Bcomp through its electrified BMW i Ventures division. In 2019, the brand used a flax-built cooling shaft on its iFE.20 Formula E racing car.

New Natural Fiber Panels To Debut This Weekend

BMW is set to further showcase this lightweight material – in place of carbon fiber plastic – on its factory-entered M4 GT4 at this weekend’s Nürburgring 24 Hours. Though no exact details have been provided, tellingly, BMW’s official announcement also included teaser images of the M4’s rear diffuser and what appears to be the hood scoop. The Bavarian brand, which has won the event outright a record-setting 20 times, has also suggested that the flax-based materials can be used on interior components in the cabin, most likely across the dashboard, door panels and the M division’s steering wheels.

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As part of its ongoing bid to reduce carbon emissions worldwide, the BMW Group has experimented with recycled materials during production. Moreover, while the German brand has confirmed that production of its straight-six and V8 engines will continue into the near future, development of hydrogen propulsion – a collaborative project with Toyota – has increased.

Source: BMW