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G
ood
A
cceptable
M
arginal
P
oor
BMW
3 series 4-door sedan

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2016 BMW 3 series

Midsize luxury car
2016 BMW 3 series
2016 BMW 3 series

Print full report for this vehicle

Crashworthiness
  • Small overlap front
    M
  • Moderate overlap front
    G
  • Side
    G
  • Roof strength
    G
  • Head restraints & seats
    G

Crash avoidance & Mitigation
Front crash prevention
Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
with optional
equipment

Headlights
M
with optional
equipment

Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
ease of use
M
Check for NHTSA recalls

The photos and videos shown here may be of a different model, model year or body type from the one selected. The ratings of one vehicle often apply to other models if they are built on the same platform. In addition, a test of a vehicle from one model year may apply to earlier or later model years if the vehicle hasn't been significantly redesigned.

Model year Front overlap SideRoof strengthHead restraints & seatsFront crash prevention
SmallModerate
2016
M
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
2015
M
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
2014
M
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
2013
M
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Basic
2012
M
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
2011
G
G
A
G
Crash avoidance rating
2010
G
G
A
G
Crash avoidance rating
2009
G
G
A
G
Crash avoidance rating
2008
G
G
A
A
Crash avoidance rating
2007
G
G
A
A
Crash avoidance rating
2006
G
G
A
A
Crash avoidance rating
2005
G
P
Crash avoidance rating
2004
G
P
Crash avoidance rating
2003
G
P
Crash avoidance rating
2002
G
P
Crash avoidance rating
2001
G
Crash avoidance rating
2000
G
Crash avoidance rating

Applies to 2016 models

Overall evaluation
M
Structure and safety cage
P
Injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Hip/thigh
G
Lower leg/foot
M
Restraints and dummy kinematics
G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Beginning with 2016 models, a front suspension change was made to better control wheel movement during small overlap frontal crashes. The change, however, wasn't enough to improve the car's performance in the small overlap test.

Structure

The driver's space was not maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 31 cm at the footrest. Upper interior intrusion was much less, measuring 8 cm at the upper hinge pillar and 5-6 cm at the instrument panel. The dummy's right foot was trapped between the brake pedal and toepan, and the pedal had to be cut off to free the foot.

Injury measures

Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left lower leg, left foot, and right lower leg would be possible in a crash of this severity.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

The dummy’s movement was well controlled. The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag, which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. The side curtain airbag deployed and has sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle2016 BMW 328i 4-door
Weight 3,505 lbs.
Side airbagsfront and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase111 in.
Length183 in.
Width71 in.
Engine2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
EPA ratings23 mpg city / 35 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test IDCEN1531
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)9
Footrest (cm)31
Left toepan (cm)28
Brake pedal (cm)18
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)0
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)8
Upper dash (cm)6
Lower instrument panel (cm)5

Driver injury measures

Test IDCEN1531
Head
HIC-15276
Peak gs at hard contactno contact
Neck
Tension (kN)no data
Extension bending moment (Nm)no data
Maximum Nij 0.00
Chest maximum compression (mm)21
Femur (kN)
Left2.6
Right3.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left4
Right5
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left0
Right1
Maximum tibia index
Left0.89
Right1.03
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left6.1
Right6.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left220
Right95

Applies to 2012-16 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Leg/foot, left
G
Leg/foot, right
G
Restraints and dummy kinematics
G
Important: Frontal crash test ratings should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW as part of frontal crash test verification.

Injury measures

Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity. Head acceleration from the roof rail hit was low.

Restraints and dummy kinematics

Dummy movement was well controlled. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle2012 BMW 328i 4-door
Weight 3,417 lbs.
Side airbagsfront and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase111 in.
Length183 in.
Width71 in.
Engine2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
EPA ratings24 mpg city / 36 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occcupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test IDVTF1118
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)4
Left (cm)4
Center (cm)3
Right (cm)1
Brake pedal (cm)2
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)0
Right (cm)0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)0
Rearward (cm)-5
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)0

Driver injury measures

Test IDVTF1118
Head
HIC-15132
Peak gs at hard contact15
Neck
Tension (kN)1.1
Extension bending moment (Nm)8
Maximum Nij 0.20
Chest maximum compression (mm)26
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)1.4
Femur force - right (kN)1.7
Knee displacement - left (mm)1
Knee displacement - right (mm)2
Maximum tibia index - left0.38
Maximum tibia index - right0.30
Tibia axial force - left (kN)3.2
Tibia axial force - right (kN)3.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left60
Right61

Applies to 2012-16 models

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
G
Torso
A
Pelvis/leg
G
Head protection
G
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
G
Torso
G
Pelvis/leg
G
Head protection
G
Side crash test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW as part of side crash test verification.

Injury measures

Driver — Measures taken from the dummy indicate that rib fractures would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

Passenger — Measures taken from the dummy indicate a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.

Head protection

Driver — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Passenger — The dummy’s head was protected from being hit by any hard structures, including the intruding barrier, by a side curtain airbag that deployed from the roof.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle2012 BMW 335i 4-door
Weight 3,560 lbs.
Side airbagsstandard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase111 in.
Length183 in.
Width71 in.
Engine3.0 L turbocharged 6-cylinder
EPA ratings23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test IDVTS1120
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.		-16.5

Driver injury measures

Test IDVTS1120
Head HIC-15323
Neck
Tension (kN)1.2
Compression (kN)0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)41
Lateral force (kN)1.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)40
Average deflection (mm)36
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)3.37
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)0.72
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)2.8
Acetabulum force (kN)1.7
Combined force (kN)4.5
Left femur
L-M force (kN)0.3
L-M moment (Nm)157
A-P moment (Nm) 64

Passenger injury measures

Test IDVTS1120
Head HIC-15125
Neck
Tension (kN)0.4
Compression (kN)0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)14
Lateral force (kN)0.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)21
Average deflection (mm)17
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)1.69
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)0.18
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)1.2
Acetabulum force (kN)0.6
Combined force (kN)1.8
Left femur
L-M force (kN)0.5
L-M moment (Nm)128
A-P moment (Nm) 44

Applies to 2012-16 models

Overall evaluation
G
Curb weight3,516 lbs
Peak force17,527 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio4.98
Tested vehicle
2012 BMW 335i 4-door
Roof strength test ratings can be compared across vehicle categories.

In the test, the strength of the roof is determined by pushing a metal plate against one side of it at a slow but constant speed. The force applied relative to the vehicle's weight is known as the strength-to-weight ratio. This graph shows how the ratio varied as the test of this vehicle progressed. The peak strength-to-weight ratio recorded at any time before the roof is crushed 5 inches is the key measurement of roof strength.

A good rating requires a strength-to-weight ratio of at least 4. In other words, the roof must withstand a force of at least 4 times the vehicle's weight before the plate crushes the roof by 5 inches. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required strength-to-weight ratio is 3.25. For a marginal rating, it is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.

How this test is conducted

Applies to 2012-16 models

Overall evaluation
G
Dynamic rating
G
Seat/head restraint geometry
G
Important: Ratings for head restraints & seats should be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Seat type

Power leather seats

How this test is conducted

Seat typePower leather seats
Geometry
Backset (mm)44
Distance below top of head (mm)23
Seat design parameters
Pass/failPass
Max T1 acceleration (g)11.9
Head contact time (ms)68
Force rating1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)51
Max neck tension (N)631

Applies to 2014-16 models

System details

  • Optional Collision Warning with City Braking function

Package name

  • Optional Driver Assistance Plus

Overall evaluation

Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
with optional
equipment
3 points total

Forward collision warning

This system meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria for forward collision warning.
 1 point

Low-speed autobrake

In the 12 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 7 mph. 		1 point

High-speed autobrake

In the 25 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 6 mph. 		1 point

How this rating is determined

Applies to 2013-16 models

System details

  • Optional Collision Warning with braking function

Package name

  • Optional Active Cruise Control

Overall evaluation

Crash avoidance rating
Basic
with optional
equipment
1 point total

Forward collision warning

This system meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's criteria for forward collision warning.
 1 point

Low-speed autobrake

In the 12 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 0 mph. 		0 points

High-speed autobrake

In the 25 mph IIHS test, impact speed was reduced by 0 mph. 		0 points

How this rating is determined

Ratings are given for 3 different headlight variations available for this vehicle.
Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 328 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340 trim equipped with Lighting package
Low-beam headlight typeLED reflector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?Yes
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)?Yes
Overall rating
M
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination Rating includes credit for high-beam assist

Low beams

On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams never created excessive glare.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right and gradual left curves and fair on the sharp left and sharp right curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 328 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 330 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 340 trim
Low-beam headlight typeLED reflector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?No
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)?No
Overall rating
P
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination

Low beams

On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never created excessive glare.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim
  • 328 trim
  • 330 trim
Low-beam headlight typeHalogen reflector
High-beam headlight typeHalogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?No
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)?No
Overall rating
P
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:
car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler car-simpler 0 ft 100 ft 200 ft 300 ft 400 ft 500 ft 600 ft Low beams Optimal low-beam illumination High beams Optimal high-beam illumination

Low beams

On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never created excessive glare.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 328 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330 trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340 trim equipped with Lighting package
Low-beam headlight typeLED reflector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?Yes
High-beam assist?Yes
Overall rating
Applies to 2016 models
M
LOW BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		Acceptable glare?
Straightaway right edge67.4 mYes
Straightaway left edge36.0 mYes
250m radius right curve, right edge62.8 mYes
250m radius left curve, left edge37.2 mYes
150m radius right curve, right edge51.9 mYes
150m radius left curve, right edge39.8 mYes
HIGH BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge165.3 m
Straightaway left edge163.1 m
250m radius right curve, right edge78.6 m
250m radius left curve, left edge77.5 m
150m radius right curve, right edge58.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge60.7 m
Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 328 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 330 trim equipped with Premium package
  • 340 trim
Low-beam headlight typeLED reflector
High-beam headlight typeLED reflector
Curve-adaptive?No
High-beam assist?No
Overall rating
Applies to 2016 models
P
LOW BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		Acceptable glare?
Straightaway right edge51.2 mYes
Straightaway left edge17.3 mYes
250m radius right curve, right edge38.3 mYes
250m radius left curve, left edge23.9 mYes
150m radius right curve, right edge29.3 mYes
150m radius left curve, left edge20.9 mYes
HIGH BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge141.7 m
Straightaway left edge80.2 m
250m radius right curve, right edge61.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge51.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge46.6 m
150m radius left curve, left edge43.0 m
Trim level(s)
  • 320 trim
  • 328 trim
  • 330 trim
Low-beam headlight typeHalogen reflector
High-beam headlight typeHalogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?No
High-beam assist?No
Overall rating
Applies to 2016 models
P
LOW BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		Acceptable glare?
Straightaway right edge39.0 mYes
Straightaway left edge20.4 mYes
250m radius right curve, right edge35.7 mYes
250m radius left curve, left edge23.3 mYes
150m radius right curve, right edge26.4 mYes
150m radius left curve, left edge23.5 mYes
HIGH BEAMSAverage minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge118.2 m
Straightaway left edge98.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge55.8 m
250m radius left curve, left edge55.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge42.2 m
150m radius left curve, left edge41.8 m

Applies to 2015-16 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation

M
Vehicle trim328xi
Seat type leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

123


Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
Tether anchor
Lower anchors
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
not too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors

Seat position 21

3
Lower anchor A
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)15
Clearance angle (degrees)0
Lower anchor B
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)13
Clearance angle (degrees)0
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No

Seat position 22

2
Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No

Seat position 23

1
Lower anchor A
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)18
Clearance angle (degrees)0
Lower anchor B
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)17
Clearance angle (degrees)0
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No

Applies to 2016 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation

P
Vehicle trim328i
Seat type leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

123


Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
Tether anchor
Lower anchors
Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
No hardware available

Details by seating position

1
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors
2
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
none available
3
Tether anchor
easy-to-find location
no other hardware could be confused for anchor
Lower anchors
too deep in seat
too much force needed to attach
difficult to maneuver around anchors

Seat position 21

3
Lower anchor A
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)could not measure
Lower anchor B
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)could not measure
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No

Seat position 22

2
Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No

Seat position 23

1
Lower anchor A
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)could not measure
Lower anchor B
Open access ratedNo
Depth (cm)4-6
Force (lbs)could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)could not measure
Tether anchor
LocationRear deck
Confusing hardware presentNo
Has contrasting label
within 3 inches of tether anchor		No
1
Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
2
Rollover sensor: designed to deploy the side curtain airbags in the event of an impending rollover (beginning with 2014 models)
3
Driver and front passenger knee airbags: separate airbags in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes
4
Electronic stability control
5
Antilock brakes
6
Programmable daytime running lights

©1996-2016, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute | www.iihs.org