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Originally Posted by teagueAMX
I agree.
As far as the ductility issue, I believe that's an issue during the forming process, but they apply heat treatment after the part is is formed - don't you agree?
I think the trade off is between strength vs lightness during a side impact and transfer of impact energy to the rest of the frame. I'm really surprised that they would be looking for weight savings on a B pillar, particularly since there's no way to laterally (side impact) strengthen it.
BMW for all apparent fanaticism, hype and marketing for e-dynamics, bio-fuel efficiency and general "green-ness" tends to build a relatively heavy sports car. Compare a e89 Z4 (a car I really like) and a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, which are about the same volume. Comparing apples to apples - DCT vs PDK - and the BMW weighs about 500 lbs US more. Compare an e85/e86 and they were pretty close. The e89 convertible top weighs about 200, so were did BMW pick up the extra 300 lbs?
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Understanding the difference between Munich and Stuttgart is quite simple. Stuttgart has a considerably greater margin on their products so that they can channel this to their to manufacturing/engineering processes. And they are brilliant at it! I am 100% sure there are processes that can produce lighter and stronger alloys but BMW can't afford that with their current margin.