View Single Post
      12-20-2012, 10:08 AM   #108
Jonjt
Lieutenant
37
Rep
513
Posts

Drives: 09 E92 335i M-sport
Join Date: May 2012
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Remonster View Post
Think about this, M gmbh took the BMW E90 platform and decided to throw out its rear subframe and engineer an entirely new aluminum one. Do you think they would have gone through that trouble if the end result wasn't much, much better than sticking with steel?

Weight saving wasn't their only design goal, does the rear end of the E9x M3 feel loose and floppy to you? Aluminum can be plenty stiff when designed properly and used in appropriate quantities.
As I responded to Evan, I will respond to you. There is much more that goes into the creation of a subframe than choosing the material. We are talking about two different cars here, with many variables to tweak, besides the material they are using. BMW most likely did not just change the material, they probably designed a subframe that is of a different geometry, in addition to being of a different material. The combination of the two things is what produced a lighter and stiffer subframe.

As for the M3, that chassis is far superior to the non M 3 series. But, it's because BMW choose to redesign the entire subframe. It's of a different geometry, it's of a different material (IIRC) AND, its because BMW choose to use different bushings and bearings to carry the load. You are so incredibly oversimplifying the car design process by saying that the upcoming M2/M3/M4 have lighter/stiffer/better subframes just because it's made from aluminum.

Last edited by Jonjt; 12-20-2012 at 10:34 AM..
Appreciate 0