Car electronics

[Brian Ellis]

An article in the magazine of the Institute of Engineers and Technologists, E&T, has stated that 50% of the value of an average car on the market today is in the electronics. The author has neither justified nor expanded the statement, so substantiation is not possible. However, by "electronics", I assume this includes software.

Obviously, sophisticated cars would have more than the average and simple cars less.

[gt40]

I really find that hard to believe, but if it were true it certainly would explain the price of vehicles today.

[VJ]

It sounds a lot...

However, I know that the central engine computer on my previous VW Polo costed about 1/7 th of the price of the car (it was replaced twice due to issues - luckily under warranty, but the dealer just told me the price). And that is just one component about the size of a standard dvd rom drive! I also had various options on it, but the standard car did have the same computer, so on the basic model it would have been over 1/6th of the price.
Replacing the lambda prope on my current car was also expensive, and not only in labour. So if you add in other computers (ABS cotroller, ...), various sensors (engine, abs, airco, ...), wiring, displays, the 50% still seems high but not impossible... eps. if you then add in the software cost...

[Kooldino]

50% is certainly possible.

Let's take even a basic $14K Honda Civic.

ECU - 800
MAF/MAP sensor - 250
O2 sensors - 300 for the pair
Wiring harness - 1000
Crank sensor - 100
Cam sensor - 100
ABS sensors - 300
Airbag sensors - 300
TPS - 100
Throttle stepper motor - 200
Injectors - 300
Ignition coils - 200
Coolant sensor - 50
Oil pressure sensor - 50
Fuel level sensor - 100
Fuel Pump - 250
Brake fluid sensor - 50
Whatever sensors I'm forgetting - 600
Switches, sensors, and motors for Power Windows/locks/mirrors/keyfob/wireless alarm - 800

[Kooldino]

Lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lights, etc) - 400
Windshield wiper motors and electronics - 250
Audio system - 300
Gauge cluster - 600
Alternator - 200

That's all I can think off of the top of my head. Prices are educated guestimates. Someone add that up.

[VJ]

It of course also depends on what is understood under "electronics"... I personally don't consider the lights to be it, but I can understand why one would.

[Kooldino]

IMO, anything that has voltage running through it is electronics when it comes to a car.

[gt40]

ah, don't forget that replacement parts are charged out at 500-1000% their actual value.