SentryGlas Plus for intrusion-resistant side windows
Glazing technologies specialist at BMW, Dr. Katrin Ludwig, told LGN: "We had a great experience with intrusion-resistant side windows with SentryGlas® Plus for the BMW 7, launched in 2002. Consumer appreciation for this option has been marked by increased sales. From a quality point of view, the side windows with DuPonts ionoplast interlayer really look good they are very clear, like real glass should be." BMW previously offered an intrusion resistant sidelite solution incorporating polycarbonate, which was thicker and heavier.
Dr. Ludwig continued: "Experience has shown that the side windows with SentryGlas Plus do indeed provide a high standard of intrusion resistance similar to the previous polycarbonate based windows. Yet because the laminated glass solution is so much thinner, it can be incorporated into standard side window frames (with the help of additional side frame sealing). This is clearly a cost-efficient solution for both the customer and BMW as a manufacturer.
"Processing-wise, the quality is indeed excellent and there are no processing or manufacturing problems with the laminated BMW side windows incorporating SentryGlas Plus. We are very satisfied indeed." The side windows and the windscreens for the BMW 5 were supplied by Splintex/ Glaverbel of Belgium. Splintexs European Automotive Project Manager, Cédric De Kerchove, told LGN: "BMW had a very positive experience with side windows incorporating SentryGlas Plus with the BMW 7, launched in 2002. The company wanted to do an equally good job with the 2003/4 BMW 5 model. It therefore selected 6 mm laminated glass incorporating a 2 mm interlayer of SentryGlas Plus." The intrusion-resistant side window options are assembled by laminator Romag of Newcastle, UK.
First European HUD
BMW is the first European auto manufacturer to incorporate Head-Up-Display (HUD) technology in the windscreen. HUD is a safety and information feature using an interlayer of PVB that allows data such as speed and navigation data to be displayed on the windscreen in front of the drivers face, so this information can be learned without the driver taking his or her eyes off the road.
DuPont: Latest BMW 5 sets new standards in all-round auto glazing
The latest BMW 5, launched in September 2003, has set new standards in automotive glazing. It offers an option for intrusion-resistant side window laminated glass with DuPont SentryGlas Plus interlayer and an option for Head Up Display (HUD) in the windscreen the first European car model to do so.