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Are composite or plastic engine parts that bad?
Nearly every automaker (not just BMW!) is using composite materials (fiberglass reinforced thermoset plastic) instead of cast aluminum for certain parts, especially valve covers and cooling system parts.
VW/Audi cars are known for those composite oil pans that crack easily, BMWs are known for composite cooling system parts that leak, even Toyota, a brand known for reliable cars, is using composite valve covers and cooling system parts.
In infrastructure, plastic and composite materials are used for everything from water and gas mains to high voltage utility pole insulators (instead of ceramic). Modern materials can be strong, lightweight, flexible, and corrosion resistant.
So, are plastic auto parts a bad thing? Or is it just another "they don't build them like they used to" thing from boomers?
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