Expect greatness. Even when it comes to the unexpected.

A BMW is not only a safe investment, but an investment in safety. In its tests, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the BMW 5 Series, 3 Series and X5 - a 'Best Pick' for their performance in the frontal offset crash test. This test, which involves driving at 40 mph into a barrier that impacts only the front end on the driver's side, offers insight into a vehicle's ability to help protect its occupants.

BMW Assist uses advanced technology to bring the focused attention of a response specialist to your aid whenever needed. Combining an integrated wireless phone for communication and a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver to determine the vehicle's location, the BMW Assist system conveniently helps to deliver both occupant security and peace of mind.

3 Series


3 Series Frontal Offset Crash Test Results
Courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

BMW 3 Series
2006

Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle tested: 2006 BMW 325i 4-door
Class: Midsize luxury/near luxury car
Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags

Weight: 3,362 lbs.
Wheelbase: 109 in.
Length: 178 in.
Width: 72 in.
Engine: 3.0 L 6-cylinder
EPA ratings: 21 mpg city | 29 mpg highway


The BMW 3 series was redesigned for the 2006 model year.

Overall Evaluation: Good

Restraints/dummy kinematics - Dummy movement was well controlled. The head curtain airbags on both the driver and passenger sides deployed during the crash. During rebound, the dummy's head contacted the inflated driver head curtain airbag, which kept the head away from any stiff structure that could cause injury.

Injury measures - Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Additional features:

  • Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard); rear seat-mounted torso airbags (optional)
  • Electronic stability control
  • Antilock brakes
  • Programmable daytime running lights

 







 


 







 

5 Series



5 Series Frontal Offset Crash Test Results
Courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

BMW 5 SERIES
2004 models

Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle tested: 2004 BMW 545i
Class: Large luxury car

Weight: 3,832 lbs.
Wheelbase: 114 in.
Length: 191 in.
Width: 73 in.
Engine: 4.4 L V8
EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 26 mpg highway

The BMW 5 series was redesigned for the 2004 model year.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of the 545i in a 40 mph frontal offset crash test into a deformable barrier.

Overall Evaluation: Good

Structure/Safety Cage: Good There was minimal intrusion into the driver footwell area and minimal rearward movement of the instrument panel.

Restraints/Dummy Kinematics: Good Dummy movement well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.

Injury Measures: Right Leg/Foot Acceptable Measures taken from the head, neck, and chest indicate low risk of injuries to these body regions. However, forces on the right tibia indicate the possibility of lower leg injury. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was low.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Active head restraints: designed to move up and forward to support front occupants' heads in low-speed rear impacts (optional)
  • Electronic stability control system designed to minimize possibility of sideways skidding
  • Antilock brakes
  • Daytime running lights

Three aspects of frontal crashworthiness are assessed in the Institute's 40 mph frontal offset crash test: how well each vehicle's structural design (front-end crumple zone and safety cage) prevent intrusion into the occupant compartment; injury risk measured on a Hybrid III dummy representing an average-size male in the driver seat, and how well the belt and airbag perform and interact with the steering column and other vehicle parts to control dummy kinematics (movement).

X5 SAV

X5 SAV® Frontal Offset Crash Test Results
Courtesy of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

BMW X5 SAV
2007 models

Vehicle Specifications
Vehicle tested: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i 4wd
Class: Luxury SUV
 
Weight: 5,090 lbs.
Side airbags: head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase: 115 in.
Length: 191 in.
Width: 76 in.
Engine: 4.8 L V8
EPA ratings: 15 mpg city | 21 mpg highway

The BMW X5 was redesigned for the 2007 model year. Frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW as part of frontal crash test verification.

Overall Evaluation: Good

Restraints/Dummy Kinematics: Good Dummy movement was well controlled. The driver side curtain airbag deployed during the crash.

Injury Measures: Good Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Additional Safety Features:

  • Electronic stability control system designed to minimize the possibility of sideways skidding
  • Antilock brakes
  • Daytime running lights (dealer-installed option)


Three aspects of frontal crashworthiness are assessed in the Institute's 40 mph frontal offset crash test: how well each vehicle's structural design (front-end crumple zone and safety cage) prevent intrusion into the occupant compartment; injury risk measured on a Hybrid III dummy representing an average-size male in the driver seat, and how well the belt and airbag perform and interact with the steering column and other vehicle parts to control dummy kinematics (movement).