Hello everyone,
I am trying to understand why carbon fiber components in BMW 7 series and many other cars are used in conjunction with Steel? Why are carbon fiber stand-alone components not used instead of these hybrids? Are there any intrinsic problems with stand-alone carbon fiber components? 

I would like to mention, that carbon excellent elastic propertys, but isn't very malleable. Although you can achieve highest energy dissipation with carbon crash elements (f1 monocoque) they have to be designed in a a very specific way. That and standards and regulations that were made with metal construction in mind, lead to the fact, that it is quite hard to establish a full carbon safety element.