Page 56 - Australasian Paint & Panel magazine May-June 2022

Tech Talk • BMW 3 Series
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PAINT&PANEL MAY / JUNE 2022
SERIOUS EVOLUTION
FOR 3 SERIES
T HE BMW 3 SERIES HAS DOMINATED ITS MARKET NICHE FOR SEVEN GENERATIONS SINCE ITS DEBUT IN 1975, The second incarnation codenamed E30 was launched the same year that Paint & Panel was first published. In terms of repair and safety features it was certainly a different time, when comfort and
driving experience were the key selling points. While still vital today, the driving public now expects exceptional levels of safety without realising how this adds to the complexity and cost of repairs.
BMW E30 SAFETY FEATURES
• Passenger comfort and driver altertness are ensured by the new airflow regulated heater with the fresh air temperature control of the 7 series.
• Safety padding along the top of the windscreen with recessed sun visors.
• The increased brake booster unit cuts down brake-pedal force by 15% thus reducing
driver fatigue. Improved braking.
• Strengthening of the structural supports and optimisation of the rib components have resulted in improved body stability. This, coupled with crush zone having programmed buckling points has increased passive safety of the rigid passenger cell.
• Safety is also decisively raised by the larger curvature radius and soft materials of the new interior design and by streamlining the outside body in the interests of improved aerodynamics.
• Additional safety for the driver is provided by the new steering system. The divided steering shaft ensures that in
the event of a head-on collision, axial displacement of the steering shaft is severely limited.
• Windscreen - safety laminated glass.
• Airbags: 0
• Rear seat belts
• Anti-lock braking system - optional extra
WHAT YOU NEEDED TO FIX IT (E30)
• ‘Inorderthefacilitaterepairs the entire body structure was constructed from as many singlepanelsaspossible.Even in the pressing procedure mobile measuring robots ensure production to extreme
tolerances.Over200spot welding robots used in factory,’ stated the release in 1982.
• Backthentherewereno approved OEM networks, no training, no manufacturer repair methods. A basic jigging
system,atapemeasureanda great deal of skill was needed. Oxy, brazing and basic MIG machineswerethegoasfaras welding was concerned. Hardly any repairers had spray booths or mixing rooms.