
Today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety published the results of its newest crash test- the small overlap frontal crash test. In the test, the 2012 BMW 3 Series earned a grade or “marginal” during the test but when compared to the competition, the BMW did very well and the passenger cell remained relatively in tact. For more information please see our previous story here.
We reached out to BMW North America for a comment on the results of the test.
Overall, BMW is pleased with the performance of its Top Safety Pick-winning 3 Series Sedan in the new IIHS small overlap 40mph frontal crash test. The new test, described by the IIHS President as “severe, ” was performed on eleven segment-similar vehicles, and the substantial damage inflicted on the driver ‘s side of each vehicle is evidence of the test ‘s unusually violent nature. Active and passive elements of BMW ‘s Integrated Safety System successfully shielded the crash test dummy from life-threatening injuries. BMW values the research of the IIHS, and will continue to develop our comprehensive safety engineering philosophy comprised of equal elements for accident avoidance, accident survivability, and post-crash assistance.
Customers with questions may contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117, or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com
Video: BMW Accident Research
The above video is a good example of BMW ‘s focus forward on safety and how they design cars for real world safety.