BMW restricts unskilled production of patented aluminium structural parts

BMW North America has decided to regulate more than 100 aluminium structural components for its patented cars “due to complexity of the repair and the requirement of highly specialised tools, training, and repair procedures,” as was cited in a bulletin published by the company on March 16.

For manufacturing these parts, a mechanic must undergo vigorous training, take body and paint classes and own attested tools like a specific frame bench, glue cartridge gun, belt sander, riveting tool, oscillating tool, saw blade and welder.

The bulletin clearly stated: “BMW of North America will be restricting certain aluminium structural parts to ensure the correct repair process is followed and crash performance is not compromised.”

The OEM circulated an email confirming the addition of more aluminium parts in the upcoming days. The bulletin explains the entire scenario in much greater detail, lodging the names of restricted aluminium parts in a continuous streak. Currently, the prohibited components include M8 frame rails, spring support, wheelhouses, wheel arches, side member, and body base frame parts.

As early as 2021, BMW posted a new ordering and approval decorum for almost 75 aluminium parts on its restricted list “to ensure the repair facility purchasing the restricted part is properly equipped and trained to perform the repair.”

The bulletin has mentioned a particular request registering process that repair units would adopt by the beginning of August. A dealer of aluminium parts or components will have to submit all of his data to BMW before the company scrutinises and selects its particular representatives. The parameters of judging an individual’s capability will solely depend on his access to proper training and tooling systems. 

BMW’s bulletin “Carbon Fiber Parts Restrictions Ordering Process & Parts List” came just after the April bulletin about the projected BMW parts restriction. During that phase, BMW claimed that repair shops did not need to be certified to produce flagship aluminium components but could only take body, tool and paint training to be equipped enough for necessary repairs.

Following the BMW model, Volkswagen and Volvo have restricted some of their flagship aluminium parts to certified shops. Lucid, Tesla and Rivian limit all their patented parts to self-franchised divisions.