[adelphi_sky]

The reality is as time moves on, things improve, people become wiser, and so the industry has to adjust. 5 Years ago, the F30 would have been called the safest 3-series to date. Actually, I think it was called that last year. I wouldn't be too hard on BMW. There are a hell of a lot more cars that will do worse. Luxury or otherwise. BMW gives us the ability in performance to avoid these types of accidents with their agility, DTS, DSC, etc. While it is disappointing to some, it's far better than some alternatives. Besides, as much as I have read in this forum, safety is the last thing on people's minds. Especially when have of the threads are about 0-60 times, tuning to go faster, and the sound the exhaust makes.

[Vintage]

you do not get to pick how or when your accident happens - that is why they are called accidents. if you could choose, no accidents would ever happen so it is best to plan for the worst and drive as safe as possible knowing that you often have little to do whether you are in a horrendous wreck. take it from me

[zerep1]

Originally Posted by jmatero

The automakers are not happy about this test but the reality is, it represents the type of crashes on the rise in the US.

i really do not see how this accident is relevant to real world conditions

[Prince_of_Persia]

There you go, now BMW has an ugly looking front hood for safety reasons during an accident and they didnt even get a good score here.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by Ghines1279

Eh, that was kind of a weird test. You have to think that with all that energy focused on just that one side, it did pretty good. I would think most car makers are worried about rear end, T bones, and full head on collisions.

How is it a weird test? Collisions don't always happen on center when they do occur.

[BimmersMania]

This is a good test.

[jmatero]

Originally Posted by zerep1

i really do not see how this accident is relevant to real world conditions

It is very relevant. The biggest increase in crashes in the US are clipping or "slight overlap". Most are related to driver distraction. Lane departure warning, cars that self-brake, etc are all designed to save your rear. The IIHS creates tests that best exploit weaknesses in design that are directly related to the $$$$ they're paying out in injury and collision claims.

The volvo S60 aced the test because of this:

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by mhabs

Not really applicable in this test, but a heavier car will do better in a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. For all the complaints of the E9x being "too heavy", it's probably a tradeoff that I'd be willing to accept for a car of this size (and is smaller than the F30).

The weight difference between the E90 and F30 is too small to be relevant in a test like this.

[phx08]

Not sure how people think that this does not represent real life crashes. People try to avoid objects when a crash is imminent, they don't try to hit [objects] straight on...its a natural reaction to avoid. With that said when you avoid you are most likely going to hit an object with the side or some odd place on your car. That is what this crash test is trying to replicate.

[FogCityM3]

True, and the whole hood design was due to Euro regulations regarding safety of pedestrians. Unintended consequences of this type of regulation?..may this is one of them.

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

There you go, now BMW has an ugly looking front hood for safety reasons during an accident and they didnt even get a good score here.

[FogCityM3]

True, was thinking more in context of M cars, where have been rumors of using aluminum chassis/body panels. The new M3 will Supposedly (with a capital S), be significantly lighter (200-250 lbs) vs current, if one is to believe some of the reports.

Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen

The weight difference between the E90 and F30 is too small to be relevant in a test like this.

[Evice]

There is nothing to freak out about this. There is Good score just because they were a bit better at sliding thru the object the car is hitting.

As everything does, this will improve overtime as well.

[leetennis]

What a great test and new challenge for car manufacturers to overcome.

Particularly tough to dissipate energy in a wheel arch cavity, worst suggestion of all is for the wheel to actually come off! Mind boggles what could happen to have an intentional wheel dismount, cars swerving everywhere.

What the test can't take into account is in some circumstances you can take action like hitting the brakes. How does a heavy volvo fair in the initial speed shedding phase compared to BMW creating a different impact speed therefore a different outcome.

[Alan l.]

New tests like these can only be beneficial for us the consumer. Cars will be better engineered to handle this new partial front impact test in the coming years...

Obviously you aren't going to do well for a test you never studied for which is the case of the first round of cars in this test. Give it some time.

Alan

[DrivenByE30]

Originally Posted by gator15

As a current F30 owner, I have to disagree. I do not feel duped and in fact, feel quite safe in my 328i. True, on this new test, the F30 did not perform that well, but the other cars that I would considering buying, the Audi and the Merc did even worse. If you watch the crash, the upper parts of the body are well protected and there is little movement. Frankly, if I can leave a crash as severe as this one with broken legs/ankles and no chest or head trauma, I would feel pretty lucky.

I highly doubt that older models would perform better than the F30 in this test. The weight difference between the E90 and F30 has little to do with why the F30 did poorly in this test. Crash tests are all about crumple zones, not weight. Obviously, the F30's crumple zone in this test is poorly designed for the footwell. I am sure that in future models, BMW will keep this test in mind as they design their cars.

I agree with you, as an F30 owner, yes i am paying through my nose for this expensive car, but safety wise, i feel this car is the safest 3 series that has EVER been !
i dont feel cheated or duped.

This is a harsh new test to past, but from here on, and the purpose of this test is to pressure auto manufacturer to pay attention to those particular case of crashes.

Originally Posted by whoever

I'm serious considering going back to Honda and get a manual Accord, assuming it's similar to Accura. Just waiting for more testing coming out.

Go for the TL since it did well on this test, and furthermore, it's practically an Accord rebadged under Acura

Honestly one of the best FWD cars out there, the TL is a great car with a Batman design! if i wasn't so biased toward RWD, this could be the car i would have gotten myself.

Originally Posted by ;12500885

The true disappointing thing is that although these tests are standard, they aren't real accurate representations of real-life crashes.

People don't just barrel into something at 40mph. They hit the brake. That totally changes the forces, angles and dynamics of how the occupants are positioned and moving.


If they want to hit the barrier at 40mph that's fine, but start at 60 and hit the brakes so that it's going 40 when it hits the barrier, then you can see that the occupant may already be leaning slightly forward and see if the dip in the front end plays a significant role in the forces on the vehicle.

That's a very nice idea !!! i totally support you in adding this test!
hitting the brake before impact changes the occupants position.

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

The reality is as time moves on, things improve, people become wiser, and so the industry has to adjust. 5 Years ago, the F30 would have been called the safest 3-series to date. Actually, I think it was called that last year. I wouldn't be too hard on BMW. There are a hell of a lot more cars that will do worse. Luxury or otherwise. BMW gives us the ability in performance to avoid these types of accidents with their agility, DTS, DSC, etc. While it is disappointing to some, it's far better than some alternatives. Besides, as much as I have read in this forum, safety is the last thing on people's minds. Especially when have of the threads are about 0-60 times, tuning to go faster, and the sound the exhaust makes.

Completely agree with you !! the 3 series is one of the best car out there, expensive for what it is... but still, as an overall package, this is hard to beat!

I am not going to sell my F30 over this issue... to get what ?? an S60 LOL :P

Originally Posted by jmatero

It is very relevant. The biggest increase in crashes in the US are clipping or "slight overlap". Most are related to driver distraction. Lane departure warning, cars that self-brake, etc are all designed to save your rear. The IIHS creates tests that best exploit weaknesses in design that are directly related to the $$$$ they're paying out in injury and collision claims.

The volvo S60 aced the test because of this:

1) This is a great test.
2) Very happy the S60 did very well !
3) I have a feeling Volvo designed their car for those type of tests well before we have those tests
4) once the S60 out, Volvo might have pressure the Institute to carry those tests, allowing to "officially" test all cars for this crash that Volvo as designed.
5) This makes for the greatest commercial and clear proof for the Volvo brand... regaining once again in everyone's mind the status of Safest Car Brand!!

I sense a smart Troll that is Volvo, staying and putting themselves ahead of the curve !! Very smart move !

Instead of spending millions in commercials, they have actually invested into designing a front side frame and spending money in pressuring the institute to test that structure that no other cars has

[Bimmeration]

i'd think so. especially that the f30 has given me more of a girlish feel. soft, if you will.

[BMWFB02]

I guess from now on I can't text while driving at 86 mph, I'll probably do it just below 70 mph or the street speed limit.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by alex2364

Or just hit it front and center.

..... very interesting thought ~

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

There you go, now BMW has an ugly looking front hood for safety reasons during an accident and they didnt even get a good score here.

..the hood design, if I remember correctly, is for pedestrian impact, not slight offset crash ~

[jwilly]

Hmmm...

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=695666

Joel

[ucla95]

Originally Posted by PAMidge

The true disappointing thing is that although these tests are standard, they aren't real accurate representations of real-life crashes.

People don't just barrel into something at 40mph. They hit the brake. That totally changes the forces, angles and dynamics of how the occupants are positioned and moving.


If they want to hit the barrier at 40mph that's fine, but start at 60 and hit the brakes so that it's going 40 when it hits the barrier, then you can see that the occupant may already be leaning slightly forward and see if the dip in the front end plays a significant role in the forces on the vehicle.

If the impact is at 40mph, regardless of braking from 60 or not wouldn't the level of intrusion/deformity be the same?

[jmatero]

None of this means the F30 isn't safe. It just means that the IIHS has identified a crash type that is increasing in frequency (and they are paying $$$$ out in damages).

The more distractions to driving, the more of these types of crashes. I would argue the availability of lane departure/blind technology, voice command improvements, and the iDrive screen being so high on the dash put the 3-series high on the accident avoidance list. However, it appears most manufacturers need to follow Volvo's lead and better tie the outer/front passenger compartment to the front structure.