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

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2017 BMW 3 series

Midsize luxury car
2017 BMW 3 series
2017 BMW 3 series

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Crashworthiness
  • Small overlap front
    G
  • 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
A
with optional
equipment

Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
ease of use
M

Ratings shown are the latest available for this model year.
See below for ratings based on manufacture date.
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 Side Roof strength Head restraints & seats Front crash prevention
Small Moderate
2017
G
G
G
G
G
Crash avoidance rating
Advanced
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 2017 models built after November 2016

Overall evaluation
G
Structure and safety cage
G
Injury measures
Head/neck
G
Chest
G
Hip/thigh
G
Lower leg/foot
A
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. For the 2016 model year, 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.

Beginning with 2017 models built after November 2016, BMW made further changes to the suspension and modified the adjoining structure. Wheel movement was much better controlled and the car's performance in the small overlap test was greatly improved. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.)

Structure

The driver space was maintained well, with maximum intrusion of the lower interior of 16 cm at the footrest. Upper interior intrusion measured 3 cm at the upper hinge pillar and instrument panel.

Injury measures

Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the right lower leg would be possible in a crash of this severity. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.

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. The side torso airbag also deployed.

Tested vehicle specifications

Tested vehicle 2017 BMW 330i 4-door
Weight 3,537 lbs.
Side airbags front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 111 in.
Length 183 in.
Width 71 in.
Engine 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
EPA ratings 23 mpg city / 34 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID CEN1639
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm) 5
Footrest (cm) 16
Left toepan (cm) 11
Brake pedal (cm) 12
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm) 1
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column 0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm) 3
Upper dash (cm) 3
Lower instrument panel (cm) 3

Driver injury measures

Test ID CEN1639
Head
HIC-15 549
Peak gs at hard contact no contact
Neck
Tension (kN) 1.4
Extension bending moment (Nm) 22
Maximum Nij 0.42
Chest maximum compression (mm) 19
Femur (kN)
Left 3.4
Right 3.4
Knee displacement (mm)
Left 4
Right 4
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left 1
Right 1
Maximum tibia index
Left 0.65
Right 0.82
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left 3.4
Right 4.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 140
Right 68

Applies to 2012-17 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. Moderate overlap 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 vehicle 2012 BMW 328i 4-door
Weight 3,417 lbs.
Side airbags front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 111 in.
Length 183 in.
Width 71 in.
Engine 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder
EPA ratings 24 mpg city / 36 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occcupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTF1118
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 ID VTF1118
Head
HIC-15 132
Peak gs at hard contact 15
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 - left 0.38
Maximum tibia index - right 0.30
Tibia axial force - left (kN) 3.2
Tibia axial force - right (kN) 3.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left 60
Right 61

Applies to 2012-17 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 vehicle 2012 BMW 335i 4-door
Weight 3,560 lbs.
Side airbags standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase 111 in.
Length 183 in.
Width 71 in.
Engine 3.0 L turbocharged 6-cylinder
EPA ratings 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway

How this test is conducted

Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side

Test ID VTS1120
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 ID VTS1120
Head HIC-15 323
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 ID VTS1120
Head HIC-15 125
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 2012-17 models

Overall evaluation
G
Curb weight 3,516 lbs
Peak force 17,527 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio 4.98
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 2012-17 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 type Power leather seats
Geometry
Backset (mm) 44
Distance below top of head (mm) 23
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g) 11.9
Head contact time (ms) 68
Force rating 1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N) 51
Max neck tension (N) 631

Applies to 2017 models

System details

  • Optional Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation

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 2017 models

System details

  • Optional Frontal Collision Warning with Extended Collision Mitigation

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)
  • 320i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 320xi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 328d trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 320dxi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330e trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330xi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340xi trim equipped with Lighting package
Low-beam headlight type LED reflector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? Yes
Automatically switches between low beams and high beams (high-beam assist)? Yes
Overall rating
A
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 High-beam assist credit

Low beams

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

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

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 right and sharp left curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway, on both left curves and on the sharp right curve.

How this test is conducted

Trim level(s)
  • 320i trim equipped with Premium package
  • 328i trim equipped with Premium package
  • 330i trim equipped with Premium package
Low-beam headlight type LED reflector
High-beam headlight type LED 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 exceeded glare limits.

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)
  • 320i trim
  • 328i trim
  • 330i trim
Low-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type Halogen 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 exceeded glare limits.

High beams

On the straightaway, visibility was good 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)
  • 320i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 320xi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 328d trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 320dxi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330e trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 330xi trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340i trim equipped with Lighting package
  • 340xi trim equipped with Lighting package
Low-beam headlight type LED reflector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? Yes
High-beam assist? Yes
Overall rating
Applies to 2017 models
A
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 78.1 m None
Straightaway left edge 35.0 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 75.2 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 36.6 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 60.0 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 37.9 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 175.7 m
Straightaway left edge 151.6 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 88.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 77.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 64.8 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 60.5 m
Trim level(s)
  • 320i trim equipped with Premium package
  • 328i trim equipped with Premium package
  • 330i trim equipped with Premium package
Low-beam headlight type LED reflector
High-beam headlight type LED reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating
Applies to 2017 models
P
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 73.0 m None
Straightaway left edge 21.0 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 46.3 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 32.0 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 31.8 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 28.4 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 141.7 m
Straightaway left edge 90.1 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 55.5 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 50.8 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 43.8 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 43.2 m
Trim level(s)
  • 320i trim
  • 328i trim
  • 330i trim
Low-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive? No
High-beam assist? No
Overall rating
Applies to 2017 models
P
LOW BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)		 Amount glare
exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge 53.1 m None
Straightaway left edge 28.1 m None
250m radius right curve, right edge 39.3 m None
250m radius left curve, left edge 29.1 m None
150m radius right curve, right edge 31.5 m None
150m radius left curve, left edge 29.1 m None
HIGH BEAMS Average minimum useful
illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge 145.2 m
Straightaway left edge 122.3 m
250m radius right curve, right edge 55.6 m
250m radius left curve, left edge 54.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge 42.5 m
150m radius left curve, left edge 42.6 m

Applies to 2015-17 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation
M
Vehicle trim 328xi
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.

1 2 3


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

Seat position 23

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

Applies to 2016-17 models

How this rating is determined

Overall evaluation
P
Vehicle trim 328i
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.

1 2 3


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

Seat position 23

1
Lower anchor A
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 4-6
Force (lbs) could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees) could not measure
Lower anchor B
Open access rated No
Depth (cm) 4-6
Force (lbs) could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees) could not measure
Tether anchor
Location Rear deck
Confusing hardware present No
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