Rear crash protection: BMW
For each seat/head restraint, rear-end crash protection is an assessment of occupant protection against neck injury in rear impacts at low to moderate speeds. Although such injuries usually aren't serious, they occur frequently.
The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.
In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results.
More about the procedures for rating seat/head restraints
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
| Model | Seat type | Overall rating | Dynamic rating | Seat/head restraint geometry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 series 2012-2013 |
Power leather seats |
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| 3 series 2009-2011 |
Power leather seats (AHR) |
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| 3 series 2006-2008 (mfg. after Feb 2006) |
Power leather seats |
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| 3 series 2006 (mfg. before Mar 2006) |
Manual leather seats |
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| 3 series 2002-2005 |
All seats |
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| 3 series convertible 2007-2008 |
Power leather seats |
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| 5 series 2011-2013 |
Comfort Seats |
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| 5 series 2011-2013 |
Standard Seats |
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| 5 series 2008-2010 (mfg. after Aug 2007) |
Comfort seats (AHR) |
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| 5 series 2008-2010 (mfg. after Aug 2007) |
Standard seats (AHR) |
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| 5 series 2004-2008 (mfg. before Sept 2007) |
Base seats |
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| 5 series 2004-2008 (mfg. before Sept 2007) |
Comfort seats (AHR) |
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| 5 series 2004-2006 |
Sport seats |
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not tested (see note) |
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| X1 2013 |
Manual leather seats |
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| X3 2011-2013 |
Power leather seats (AHR) |
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| X3 2008-2010 |
Comfort seats (AHR) |
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| X3 2008-2010 |
Standard seats (AHR) |
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| X3 2004-2007 |
Seats with adjustable lumbar |
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| X5 2008-2013 |
Comfort seats (AHR) |
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| X5 2008-2013 |
Standard seats (AHR) |
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| X5 2007 |
Comfort seats |
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| X5 2001-2006 |
Base seats |
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not tested (see note) |
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| X5 2001-2006 |
Comfort seats |
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| X5 2001-2006 |
Sport seats |
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not tested (see note) |
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Note: Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall. Seat/head restraints with good or acceptable geometry are also tested dynamically.
Rear crash protection test details (technical information)
Geometric ratings of other BMW models
Ratings of seat/head restraints in newer model cars are based on restraint geometry and a dynamic test. The Institute has been publishing model-by-model ratings of the the geometry of the head restraints in older models since the mid-1990s. Geometry is the necessary first step toward a seat/head restraint that provides effective protection in rear-end crashes at low to moderate speeds.
More than one rating: Ratings are for individual vehicle models. More than one rating may be shown for a model because vehicle seat options can affect head restraint geometry.
No rating shown/no model year listed: The Institute has not evaluated the head restraints in every vehicle model during every model year. If a rating box is blank or if a model year is not listed, no rating is available. If a box is shaded gray, the model was not manufactured that year.
AHR: active head restraint. These are designed to move closer to the backs of occupants' heads in rear-end crashes. These are not rated for geometry at this time.
| Model | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1997 | 1995 | |
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| 3 series | 2-dr |  |
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| 4-dr | see table above | see table above | see table above | |
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| 5 series | see table above |  |
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| 5 series with sport seat | see table above | ||||||||
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| 7 series | |
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| 7 series with sport seat | AHR | ||||||||
| 8 series | |
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| Mini Cooper | |
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| M3 2-dr | |
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| M3 convertible | |
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| X5 | see table above | see table above | see table above | see table above | |||||
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