Aluminium in car Construction

[grober]

Fascinating article on the use of complex aluminium structures in some modern cars. The Mercedes SLS and 2012 SL [ R231] onwards employ this method of construction page 47 onwards. In the event of an accident insurance companies tend to write them off due the specialist nature of their repair.

https://www.european-aluminium.eu/media/1543/1_aam_body-structures.pdf

 

[Deleted member 126251]

I'd better check my insurance replacement value.

 

[grober]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

sorry this ones in German but you will get the idea

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

Just as car electronics have become so complicated that its difficult to fault find / repair them without very specialist equipment , it would appear their body construction is going the same way. The days of simple spot welded steel body pressings are being replaced with hydro extruded or cast aluminium components glued, riveted, screwed , friction or Mig welded together making repair a daunting task outwith the factory environment.

 

[190]

Front wings on a C class are aluminium and being bolt on that seems sensible as would any other easily removable panel or component including wheels and suspension where weight reduction is a big plus. In spite of some recent reductions in weight, cars are still very heavy compared to 20 or 30 years ago. I suppose much of that will be stiffer body structures but even if technology is helping in that respect, they have been fighting a loosing battle against the marketing dept who want to fill cars with toys. I'm thinking back to my first proper family sized car which was a Mk3 Humber Sceptre weighing only 992 Kg.

 

[GeeJayW]

Bigger dimiensions, passenger protection cell, side impact protection, airbags, carpets and sound deadening, air conditioning, power steering, catalytic converters, DPFs, big brakes, crumple zones, electric windows, electric seats, wide tyres, add blue tanks... etc. All this stuff adds up to lots of extra weight (and a lot more safety and comfort) compared to typical cars back in the day.

 

[grober]

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies