Bodyshell
Body
119
Introduction of the New E-Class Coupé, Model Series 207
b
Bodyshell
The main features considered during development of
the bodyshell for the new E-Class coupé include all the
safety-relevant bodyshell elements for passive safety
described in the chapter on safety systems as well as
the following:
• A further increase in the rigidity and strength of the
passenger cell and the deformation resistance of
the front end and rear structure in comparison to
the predecessor model series
• MAG weld seams largely dispensed with to
improve manufacturing quality
• Ease of repair due to detachable front and rear end
assemblies with a simultaneous reduction in the
weight of the flexural members through the use of
an extruded aluminum section (at the front) and
ultra high-strength steel (at the rear)
• Good installation conditions for drive assemblies
and the front axle due to a bolted frame-type
integral support and a front end assembly
• The torsional stiffness of the bodyshell has been
increased by approx. 13%.
Sheet steel was used as the material for the vast
majority of the bodyshell. The front fenders, the
engine hood and the trunk lid are made of aluminum.
The percentage by weight of high-strength, modern
high-strength and ultra high-strength sheet steel in the
bodyshell has increased significantly compared with
the predecessor model series.
A high-strength steel frame-type integral support
holding the front axle, steering and engine is bolted
onto the front longitudinal members.
The spare tire well is made of glass fiber matting-
reinforced thermoplastics (GMT).
Front end
Model series C 207 features a front end assembly
mounted on the vehicle, which consists of:
• An extruded aluminum section
• A single-part aluminum crash box connecting the
front longitudinal members
• A multi-piece framework of aluminum sheet for
holding the headlamps, the bumper, the washer
fluid reservoir and the engine hood catches
The entire front end assembly is bolted to the front
end structure, as are the individual components of the
front end assembly to each other. If any parts are
damaged, this makes it possible to replace them
inexpensively and with no welding required.
The following components of the front end have been
improved or added in the interests of crash safety:
• An additional high-strength steel strut between the
damper strut tower and the windshield
crossmember on the driver side. This improves the
load distribution of the forces acting and reduces
the rearward movement of the steering and pedals
• The use of impact elements on the extension of the
side longitudinal members provide strength in the
early stages of a frontal collision
• A pedal floor panel crossmember with extended
frame structure on the driver and passenger sides
to protect the footwell
• Linking of the front end to the passenger cell by
optimization of the panels in terms of number,
thickness and weight
– This printout will not be recorded by the update service. Status: 01 / 2009 –
