BMW enhances carbon fibre repair training program for bodyshops

BMW Australia has launched an enhanced carbon fibre repair program for its bodyshop network, aiming to give its staff in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the material works in theory and in practice.

The bolstered program follows the introduction of BMW’s globally-certified training standard in June 2020 which helped enable its bodyshops across Australia to repair customer vehicles to “beyond OEM standards”.

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The first session, which was held at a purpose-built facility in Melbourne this month, focused on how to repair carbon fibre composites. At present, seven of BMW’s bodyshops are certified to repair carbon fibre components, with the aim of the whole network becoming trained over the coming years.

Carbon fibre, renowned for its combination of low weight, immense strength and ability to disperse energy, was used extensively in the i3 almost a decade ago and now also features in the iX – which launched in Australia late last year.

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It’s also prominently used in the safety cell passenger compartment of BMW’s flagship vehicles, such as the 7 and 8 Series and its high performance M models.

Glen Keddie, Bodyshop Network development manager for BMW Group Australia, said the company’s new training program has kept BMW at the forefront of repair capability in Australia.

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“Carbon fibre requires specialist handling and skills, both in its diagnosis and its repair, to ensure it retains the qualities for which it is recognised so it can contribute to ongoing cabin integrity and therefore safety of the vehicle for occupants,” Keddie said.

“And although our network already has a strong level of competency in this area, this training takes up it to the next level to ensure our BMW Bodyshop professionals can deliver an even higher level of repair for our customers.”