Body Shell

Body Shell







The body shell is made of steel and acts as a safety cage for the occupants. The E38 uses an aluminum radiator support panel for additional weight savings.

The front and rear of the body shell have tubular impact structures (E31/36) built into the frame. Impacts which overcome the 5 MPH bumper shock absorbers cause the structures to deform and absorb the energy of the crash. The crash structure deformation "localizes" the impact damage which simplifies the body repair.

The E38 body shell rigidity is increased 100% over the E32. This gain in structural rigidity contributes to the improved handling characteristics without adding significant weight to the structure.