BMW 3 series
2012-13 models
 |
2013 BMW 3 series |
SMALL OVERLAP FRONT TEST
OVERALL EVALUATION:
| Structure/safety cage | Injury measures | Restraints/dummy kinematics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head/neck | Chest | Hip/thigh | Lower leg/foot | ||
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Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
Good
Acceptable
Marginal
Poor
Test details:
The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year.
Structure — The driver space was not maintained well. The footrest was pushed in toward the driver 40 cm, while the instrument panel intruded as much as 16 cm.
Restraints/dummy kinematics — The dummy’s head loaded the frontal airbag which stayed in front of the dummy until rebound. However, the steering column moved upward 16 cm, resulting in little airbag cushioning for the chest. Additionally, the seat belt allowed excessive forward excursion of the dummy’s head and torso. The side curtain airbag deployed but does not have sufficient forward coverage to protect the head from contact with side structure and outside objects.
Injury measures — Measures from the dummy indicate that injuries to the left lower leg would be likely in a crash of this severity. Injuries to the right lower leg would be possible. The risk of significant injuries to other body regions is low.
Left to right:
- Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.
- The dummy's position in relation to the door frame, steering wheel, and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well.
- During the crash, the seat belt allowed the dummy to move too far forward, as is evident from the gap between the seat back and the dummy's torso.
- Intrusion into the occupant compartment was extensive as the left front wheel was forced rearward and inward into the driver's footwell during the crash. Left lower leg injury risk was high.
Additional features:
- Side airbags: front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags: separate airbags in the lower instrument panel designed to minimize knee injuries in frontal crashes
- Electronic stability control
- Antilock brakes
- Daytime running lights
Tested vehicle specifications:
- 2012 BMW 328i 4-door
- Class: Midsize luxury/near luxury car
- Weight: 3,404 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
