BMW moves to plastic for some coupe body panels

BMW has transitioned to using plastic front quarter panels (fenders) on its 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe in order to save weight and increase durability. The weight savings is minimal -- about 6.6 pounds -- but it helps BMW achieve its much-touted 50:50 weight balance more easily. The new material also offers greater freedom in design, being easier to mould and shape than steel - an important factor giving the designer new freedom in the design process. BMW says the fenders are painted with the exact same paint used for the steel unibody and look the same as steel panels. In low-speed collisions, the new panels are also less likely to permanently deform. After the jump we have two images: one illustrating how light the new panels are, and another shows the difference between the sedan and coupe's fenders (with the latter having a deeper character line)...