The BMW 3 Series has long been celebrated for its performance and luxury. For those prioritizing safety, understanding crash test ratings is crucial. This article focuses on the 2018 BMW 3 Series and its performance in the rigorous small overlap frontal crash test, providing insights for potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts.
The BMW 3 Series sedan underwent a redesign in 2012. While improvements were made in 2016 to the front suspension to manage wheel movement during small overlap frontal crashes, these initial changes were insufficient to significantly enhance performance in this demanding test. Recognizing the need for further refinement, BMW implemented crucial modifications starting with 2017 models manufactured after November 2016. These changes involved further adjustments to the suspension system and reinforcement of the adjoining structural components of the vehicle.
These enhancements proved highly effective. For 2018 BMW 3 Series models, and specifically those built after November 2016 (it’s important to check the certification label on the driver’s side door or B-pillar for manufacturing dates), the small overlap frontal crash test performance saw a dramatic improvement. Wheel movement was significantly better controlled, leading to a much safer outcome for occupants.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted these tests and evaluated the 2018 BMW 3 Series across various criteria. The results for models built after November 2016 are as follows:
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front: Driver-side | Good |
| Structure and safety cage | Good |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good |
| Chest | Good |
| Hip/thigh | Good |
| Lower leg/foot | Acceptable |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good |
The “Good” rating is the highest possible score given by IIHS, indicating a high level of protection for the driver in a small overlap frontal crash. This type of crash is particularly challenging because it concentrates crash forces on a small portion of the vehicle’s front structure, bypassing the main energy-absorbing components.
The structural performance of the 2018 BMW 3 Series in this test was rated “Good,” meaning the vehicle’s safety cage effectively resisted intrusion, maintaining crucial survival space for the driver. Analysis of driver injury measures also yielded positive results. All key areas, including the head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh, received “Good” ratings, signifying a low risk of significant injuries to these body regions in a real-world crash of similar severity. The lower leg/foot area received an “Acceptable” rating, indicating a slightly higher, but still relatively low, risk of injury.
The effectiveness of the 2018 BMW 3 Series’s restraint systems and airbag deployment also contributed to the “Good” overall rating. Dummy kinematics, which refers to the movement of the crash test dummy during the impact, were well-controlled, indicating that the seatbelts and airbags worked effectively to keep the driver in a safe position. Specifically, the frontal and side curtain airbags performed admirably in preventing the dummy’s head from making dangerous contact with hard structures or external objects.
While most injury measures were rated “Good,” it’s worth noting that forces on the right lower leg were recorded as being just high enough to suggest a moderate risk of injury to that area. This “Acceptable” rating for lower leg/foot is a point to be aware of, although it still represents a solid level of protection.
Detailed technical measurements from the crash test provide further insight into the vehicle’s performance:
Technical Measurements for 2018 BMW 3 Series Small Overlap Frontal Crash Test
Measures of occupant compartment intrusion on driver side
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 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) | N/A |
| 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
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Conclusion
The 2018 BMW 3 Series, specifically models built after November 2016, demonstrates significantly enhanced safety performance in small overlap frontal crashes, earning top “Good” ratings from IIHS in critical categories. While the lower leg/foot protection is rated as “Acceptable,” the overall performance positions the 2018 BMW 3 Series as a safe choice within its class, offering peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. For those considering a 2018 3 Series, verifying the build date after November 2016 is advisable to ensure these improved safety features are present.
