Latest crash test results - BMW 3 Series

Overall 5/5 stars
Front impact 100%
Side impact 94%
Child protection 80% 4/5 stars
Pedestrian 11% 1/4 stars

The latest incarnation of the 3 Series has received five stars for occupant safety in Euro NCAP’s crash tests, and has also been awarded four stars for child protection. However, testers were disappointed with its poor performance in pedestrian protection, where the car gained just one star.

In the front impact tests, there was little deformation to the car’ body and the doors could be opened easily after the crash. The loads recorded during the test by the adult dummies were very low and testers noted that much had been done to protect the driver’s and front passenger’s knees and upper legs. Extensive foam padding in the footwells protected the occupants’ feet.

The BMW’s side-impact protection system, including seat-mounted thorax and pelvis airbags and a head curtain airbag, worked well during the tests and effectively reduced the chance of serious injury.

During the crash tests, both child dummies were well protected but testers noted the lack of any stickers warning against placing a child seat opposite the front passenger airbag.

The 3 Series scored just four points out of a possible 36 for pedestrian protection. The bonnet top offered a small area of cushioning and the protection provided by the bonnet's leading edge and the bumper was non-existent.

BMW 3 Series Review