The Bmw 3 Series Sedan, a popular choice in the compact luxury car segment, has undergone rigorous testing to evaluate its safety performance. This analysis delves into the safety ratings of the BMW 3 Series sedan, focusing on data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to provide a detailed understanding of its crashworthiness and safety features. Our focus keyword is bmw 3 series sedan and we aim to provide a superior and SEO-optimized article for English-speaking readers.
Small Overlap Front Crash Test: Driver-Side Evaluation
The small overlap front crash test represents a challenging scenario where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a barrier. For the BMW 3 Series sedan, specifically the 2016 model, this test revealed some areas of concern.
BMW 3 Series sedan small overlap front crash test action shot, highlighting vehicle deformation during impact.
The structural performance in the small overlap test for the 2016 BMW 3 Series sedan was rated as “Marginal.” This indicates that the vehicle’s structure did not adequately resist intrusion in this type of crash. Specifically, the safety cage integrity was deemed “Poor,” suggesting a significant weakness in maintaining occupant survival space.
BMW 3 Series sedan driver-side footwell intrusion after small overlap crash test, showing compromised driver space.
Measurements taken after the test revealed substantial intrusion into the lower occupant compartment. The left front wheel was forced rearward and inward, leading to a compromised footwell area. This intrusion is a key factor in the “Marginal” rating for lower leg/foot driver injury measures. While head/neck, chest, and hip/thigh injury measures were rated “Good,” the lower leg/foot protection was “Marginal” and driver restraints and dummy kinematics were rated “Good”.
BMW 3 Series sedan frontal and side curtain airbags performance in crash test, demonstrating effective head protection.
Despite structural issues, the frontal and side curtain airbags performed effectively in protecting the driver’s head, preventing contact with hard structures or external objects.
Extensive lower occupant compartment intrusion in BMW 3 Series sedan small overlap crash test, indicating potential lower extremity injuries.
However, the extensive intrusion into the lower occupant compartment, as a result of the left front wheel being forced rearward and inward, presented a significant risk of injuries to both lower legs and the left foot. Notably, the dummy’s right foot became trapped, further highlighting the potential for lower extremity injuries in a real-world small overlap crash.
Technical Measurements – Small Overlap Front Test
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
| Structure and safety cage | Poor (P) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Hip/thigh | Good (G) |
| Lower leg/foot | Marginal (M) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Lower hinge pillar max | 9 |
| Footrest | 31 |
| Left toepan | 28 |
| Brake pedal | 18 |
| Rocker panel lateral average | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max | 8 |
| Upper dash | 6 |
| Lower instrument panel | 5 |
Driver Injury Measures – Small Overlap Front Test
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 276 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | No contact |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 21 |
| Femur – Left (kN) | 2.6 |
| Femur – Right (kN) | 3.2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | 0.89 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | 1.03 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 220 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 95 |
Moderate Overlap Front Crash Test: Original Evaluation
In the moderate overlap front crash test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts the barrier. The BMW 3 Series sedan performed significantly better in this test. The rating applies to models from 2012 to 2018.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Chest | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, left | Good (G) |
| Leg/foot, right | Good (G) |
| Driver restraints and dummy kinematics | Good (G) |
The BMW 3 Series sedan achieved a “Good” overall rating in the moderate overlap front test. All measured injury criteria for the driver were rated as “Good,” indicating a low risk of significant injuries in this type of frontal collision. The structure and safety cage also held up well, earning a “Good” rating.
Technical Measurements – Moderate Overlap Front Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| Footrest | 4 |
| Left Footwell | 4 |
| Center Footwell | 3 |
| Right Footwell | 1 |
| Brake pedal | 2 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Left | 0 |
| Instrument panel rearward movement – Right | 0 |
| Steering column movement – Upward | 0 |
| Steering column movement – Rearward | -5 |
| A-pillar rearward movement | 0 |
Driver Injury Measures – Moderate Overlap Front Test
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 132 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | 15 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | 26 |
| Femur force – left (kN) | 1.4 |
| Femur force – right (kN) | 1.7 |
| Maximum tibia index – left | 0.38 |
| Maximum tibia index – right | 0.30 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | 60 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | 61 |
Side Impact Crash Test: Original Evaluation
The side impact test assesses the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision. This rating also applies to the 2012-2018 BMW 3 Series sedan models.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Structure and safety cage | Good (G) |
| Driver injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Acceptable (A) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Driver head protection | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger injury measures | |
| Head/neck | Good (G) |
| Torso | Good (G) |
| Pelvis/leg | Good (G) |
| Rear passenger head protection | Good (G) |
The BMW 3 Series sedan achieved a “Good” overall rating in the side impact test. Driver injury measures were largely “Good,” with the exception of “Acceptable” for torso protection. Rear passenger injury measures were all rated “Good,” indicating effective side impact protection for both front and rear occupants.
Technical Measurements – Side Impact Test
Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side)
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement (cm) |
|---|---|
| B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver’s seat | -16.5 |
Driver Injury Measures – Side Impact Test
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 323 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 1.2 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 41 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 1.8 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 40 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 36 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 2.8 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 1.7 |
Passenger Injury Measures – Side Impact Test
| Injury Measure | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Head HIC-15 | 125 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | 0.4 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | 0.2 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | 14 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | 0.8 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | 21 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | 17 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | 1.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | 0.6 |
Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test evaluates the structural integrity of the roof in rollover accidents. This rating is applicable to the 2012-2018 BMW 3 Series sedan.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Curb weight | 3,516 lbs |
| Peak force | 17,527 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | 4.98 |
The BMW 3 Series sedan achieved a “Good” rating in roof strength, with a strength-to-weight ratio of 4.98. This indicates that the roof can withstand a force nearly five times the vehicle’s weight, providing good protection in rollover scenarios.
Head Restraints & Seats
The evaluation of head restraints and seats focuses on their ability to protect against whiplash injuries in rear-end collisions.
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Good (G) |
| Dynamic rating | Good (G) |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | Good (G) |
The BMW 3 Series sedan with power leather seats received a “Good” rating for head restraints and seats. Both dynamic rating and seat/head restraint geometry were rated “Good,” signifying effective whiplash protection.
Technical Measurements – Head Restraints & Seats
| Evaluation criteria | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | 44 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | 23 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | 11.9 |
| Head contact time (ms) | 68 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | 51 |
| Max neck tension (N) | 631 |
Headlights Evaluation
Headlight performance is critical for nighttime driving safety. The BMW 3 Series sedan headlight ratings vary depending on the trim level and headlight type.
LED Reflector Headlights with Lighting Package (Marginal Rating)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Marginal (M) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | Yes |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
The LED reflector headlights available with the Lighting package on trims like 320, 328, and 340 received a “Marginal” overall rating. Low beam visibility was inadequate on straightaways and left curves, while high beam visibility was better, rated “Good” on straightaways and gradual curves.
LED Reflector Headlights with Premium Package (Poor Rating)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
The LED reflector headlights included with the Premium package on trims like 320 and 328, and standard on the 340 trim, received a “Poor” overall rating. Both low and high beam visibility were inadequate in most scenarios.
Halogen Reflector Headlights (Poor Rating)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall rating | Poor (P) |
| Low-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| High-beam headlight type | Halogen reflector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | No |
The halogen reflector headlights, standard on the 320 and 328 trims, also received a “Poor” overall rating. Visibility with both low and high beams was inadequate across all test conditions.
Headlight Performance Summary
| Headlight Type | Overall Rating | Low Beam Performance | High Beam Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Reflector (Lighting Package) | Marginal (M) | Inadequate to Fair | Good to Fair |
| LED Reflector (Premium Package) | Poor (P) | Inadequate | Inadequate to Fair |
| Halogen Reflector | Poor (P) | Inadequate | Inadequate |
Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
Front crash prevention systems aim to mitigate or prevent frontal collisions. The BMW 3 Series sedan offers different systems with varying levels of effectiveness.
Collision Warning with City Braking Function (Advanced)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Advanced |
| System details | Optional Collision Warning with City Braking Function |
| Package name | Optional Driver Assistance Plus |
The optional Collision Warning with City Braking Function, part of the Driver Assistance Plus package (2014-2016 models), is rated “Advanced.” This system meets forward collision warning requirements and demonstrated impact speed reduction in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Collision Warning with Braking Function (Basic)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Basic |
| System details | Optional Collision Warning with Braking Function |
| Package name | Optional Active Cruise Control |
The optional Collision Warning with Braking Function, associated with the Active Cruise Control package (2013-2016 models), is rated “Basic.” While meeting forward collision warning requirements, this system failed to slow the vehicle in both 12 mph and 25 mph tests.
Front Crash Prevention System Summary
| System | Overall Rating | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Collision Warning with City Braking | Advanced | Effective speed reduction |
| Collision Warning with Braking | Basic | Forward collision warning only, no auto-braking in tests |
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors, also known as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), are evaluated for their ease of use. The BMW 3 Series sedan’s LATCH system received varied ratings.
LATCH System Rating – 2015-2018 Models (Marginal)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Marginal (M) |
For 2015-2018 models, the LATCH system was rated “Marginal.” While featuring two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position with a tether anchor, the lower anchors were found to be too deep in the seat and difficult to maneuver around.
LATCH System Rating – 2016-2018 Models (Poor)
| Evaluation criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall evaluation | Poor (P) |
For 2016-2018 models, specifically the 328i trim, the LATCH system rating worsened to “Poor.” The issues remained with lower anchors being too deep and difficult to use, but the force needed to attach child seats was also deemed excessive in this evaluation.
LATCH System Summary
| Model Year | Overall Rating | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2018 | Marginal (M) | Tether anchors easy to find | Lower anchors too deep, difficult to maneuver |
| 2016-2018 (328i) | Poor (P) | Tether anchors easy to find | Lower anchors too deep, difficult to maneuver, excessive force to attach |
Conclusion: BMW 3 Series Sedan Safety Performance
The BMW 3 Series sedan demonstrates a mixed safety performance profile. It excels in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraint tests, achieving “Good” ratings. However, the “Marginal” small overlap front crash test rating and “Poor” to “Marginal” headlight ratings (depending on trim) are areas of concern. The LATCH system also presents usability issues.
For prospective buyers of a bmw 3 series sedan, it’s crucial to consider these safety ratings, particularly the small overlap performance and headlight options. While the vehicle offers robust protection in many crash scenarios, the identified weaknesses should be weighed, especially for drivers frequently encountering small overlap crash situations or driving at night. Consulting detailed safety reports and comparing these ratings with other vehicles in its class is recommended to make an informed decision about bmw 3 series sedan safety.
