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BMW 5 series

1997-2003 models

MODERATE OVERLAP FRONT TEST

OVERALL EVALUATION: Good

Structure/safety cage	Injury measures				Restraints/dummy kinematics
Structure/safety cage	Head/neck	Chest	Leg/foot, left	Leg/foot, right	Restraints/dummy kinematics

Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.

Good Good Acceptable Marginal Poor Poor

Test details:

The BMW 5 series was redesigned for the 1997 model year.

Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to 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.

Watch crash test footage for this vehicle on YouTube Tested model year and trim level only; see "Tested vehicle specifications" below

Left to right:

Action shot taken during the frontal offset crash test.
The dummy's position in relation to the steering wheel and instrument panel after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space was maintained very well.
There was only minimal intrusion into the driver footwell area.
Beginning with 1998 models, separate side airbags are designed to protect front-seat occupants' heads.

Additional features:

Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags (standard, all model years); front head tubular airbags (standard, 1998-2003 models); rear seat-mounted torso airbags (optional, 1998-2003 models); rear head tubular airbags (optional, 2002-03 models)
Electronic stability control (optional on 1999 models and standard on 2000-03 models)
Antilock brakes
Daytime running lights

Tested vehicle specifications:

1997 BMW 540i 4-door
Class: Large luxury car
Weight: 3,827 lbs.
Side airbags: front seat-mounted torso airbags
Wheelbase: 111 in.
Length: 188 in.
Width: 71 in.
Engine: 4.4 L V8
EPA ratings: 18 mpg city | 24 mpg highway

See all test results for BMW 5 series

Last updated: November 28, 2005