2016 BMW 3 series

midsize luxury car / 4-door sedan

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
Small overlap front: driver-side
Moderate overlap front: original test
Side: original test
Roof strength
Head restraints & seats

Crash avoidance & mitigation

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Headlights (varies by trim/option)
Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle
Optional system	Advanced
Optional system	Basic

Seat belts & child restraints

Evaluation criteria	Rating
LATCH ease of use

Other available safety features

Optional blind spot detection
Optional lane departure warning

Key

G
Good
A
Acceptable
M
Marginal
P
Poor

Superior
Advanced
Basic

Some ratings use a scale of Poor to Good. Others range from Basic to Superior.

Small overlap front: driver-side

Rating applies to 2016 models

Tested vehicle: 2016 BMW 328i 4-door

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Beginning with 2016 models, a front suspension change was made to better control wheel movement during small overlap frontal crashes. The change, however, wasn't enough to improve the car's performance in the small overlap test.

Evaluation criteria	Rating

Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Hip/thigh
Lower leg/foot
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Action shot taken during the small overlap frontal crash test.

The dummy's position in relation to the footwell after the crash test indicates that the driver's survival space wasn't maintained well. This reduction in space was caused by intrusion of the left front wheel.

The frontal and side curtain airbags worked well together to keep the head from coming close to any stiff structure or outside objects that could cause injury.

Intrusion into the lower occupant compartment was extensive as the left front wheel was forced rearward and inward during the crash. Risk of injuries to both lower legs and the left foot was significant, and the dummy's right foot was trapped.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1531
Lower occupant compartment
Lower hinge pillar max (cm)	9
Footrest (cm)	31
Left toepan (cm)	28
Brake pedal (cm)	18
Parking brake (cm)
Rocker panel lateral average (cm)	0
Upper occupant compartment
Steering column	0
Upper hinge pillar max (cm)	8
Upper dash (cm)	6
Lower instrument panel (cm)	5

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	CEN1531
Head
HIC-15	276
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	no data
Extension bending moment (Nm)	no data
Maximum Nij	0.00
Chest maximum compression (mm)	21
Femur (kN)
Left	2.6
Right	3.2
Knee displacement (mm)
Left	4
Right	5
Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%)
Left	0
Right	1
Maximum tibia index
Left	0.89
Right	1.03
Tibia axial force (kN)
Left	6.1
Right	6.0
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	220
Right	95

About the small overlap front test

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2012-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2012 BMW 328i 4-door

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Moderate overlap frontal ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Chest
Leg/foot, left
Leg/foot, right
Driver restraints and dummy kinematics

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1118
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	4
Left (cm)	4
Center (cm)	3
Right (cm)	1
Brake pedal (cm)	2
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	0
Right (cm)	0
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	0
Rearward (cm)	-5
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	0

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1118
Head
HIC-15	132
Peak gs at hard contact	15
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.1
Extension bending moment (Nm)	8
Maximum Nij	0.20
Chest maximum compression (mm)	26
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	1.4
Femur force - right (kN)	1.7
Knee displacement - left (mm)	1
Knee displacement - right (mm)	2
Maximum tibia index - left	0.38
Maximum tibia index - right	0.30
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	3.2
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	3.3
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	60
Right	61

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2012-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2012 BMW 335i 4-door with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front seat-mounted torso airbags

The BMW 3 series sedan was redesigned for the 2012 model year. Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Structure and safety cage
Driver injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Driver head protection
Rear passenger injury measures
Head/neck
Torso
Pelvis/leg
Rear passenger head protection

Technical measurements for this test

Test ID	VTS1120
B-pillar to longitudinal centerline of driver's seat (cm)	-16.5
Negative numbers indicate the amount by which the crush stopped short of the seat centerline.

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1120
Head HIC-15	323
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.2
Compression (kN)	0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	41
Lateral force (kN)	1.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	40
Average deflection (mm)	36
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	3.37
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.72
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	2.8
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.7
Combined force (kN)	4.5
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.3
L-M moment (Nm)	157
A-P moment (Nm)	64

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1120
Head HIC-15	125
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.4
Compression (kN)	0.2
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	14
Lateral force (kN)	0.8
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	21
Average deflection (mm)	17
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	1.69
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.18
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	1.2
Acetabulum force (kN)	0.6
Combined force (kN)	1.8
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.5
L-M moment (Nm)	128
A-P moment (Nm)	44

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2012-18 models

Tested vehicle: 2012 BMW 335i 4-door

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	3,516 lbs
Peak force	17,527 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	4.98

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power leather seats

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power leather seats
Geometry
Backset (mm)	44
Distance below top of head (mm)	23
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	11.9
Head contact time (ms)	68
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	51
Max neck tension (N)	631

About the head restraint & seat test
Currently, IIHS tests apply only to front seats.

Headlights

Ratings are given for 3 different headlight variations available on this vehicle.

Trim level(s)

320 trim equipped with Lighting package
328 trim equipped with Lighting package
340 trim equipped with Lighting package

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was good on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was good on the gradual right and gradual left curves and fair on the sharp left and sharp right curves.

High-beam assist compensates for some limitations of this vehicle's low beams on the straightaway and all 4 curves.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	320 trim equipped with Lighting package 328 trim equipped with Lighting package 340 trim equipped with Lighting package
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	Yes
Overall rating Applies to 2016 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	67.4 m	None
Straightaway left edge	36.0 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	62.8 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	37.2 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	51.9 m	None
150m radius left curve, right edge	39.8 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	165.3 m
Straightaway left edge	163.1 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	78.6 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	77.5 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	58.1 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	60.7 m

Trim level(s)

320 trim equipped with Premium package
328 trim equipped with Premium package
340 trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was fair on the right side of the road and inadequate on the left side. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	320 trim equipped with Premium package 328 trim equipped with Premium package 340 trim
Low-beam headlight type	LED reflector
High-beam headlight type	LED reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	51.2 m	None
Straightaway left edge	17.3 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	38.3 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	23.9 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	29.3 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	20.9 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	141.7 m
Straightaway left edge	80.2 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	61.7 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	51.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	46.6 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	43.0 m

Trim level(s)

320 trim
328 trim

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating
Distance at which headlights provide at least 5 lux illumination:

Low beams
On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

The low beams never exceeded glare limits.

High beams
On the straightaway, visibility was inadequate on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was inadequate in all 4 tests.

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	320 trim 328 trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2016 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	39.0 m	None
Straightaway left edge	20.4 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	35.7 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	23.3 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	26.4 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	23.5 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	118.2 m
Straightaway left edge	98.0 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	55.8 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	55.6 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	42.2 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	41.8 m

About the headlight evaluation

Front crash prevention: vehicle-to-vehicle

Ratings are given for 2 different trim variations available on this vehicle.

System details

Optional Collision Warning with City Braking Function

Package name

Optional Driver Assistance Plus

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2014-16 models

Advanced

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 7 mph.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 6 mph.

System details

Optional Collision Warning with Braking Function

Package name

Optional Active Cruise Control

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2013-16 models

Basic

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow.
In the 25 mph test, this vehicle failed to slow.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2015-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	328xi
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	328xi
Seat type	leather

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	difficult to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	not too much force needed to attach
	difficult to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	15
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	13
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	18
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	17
Clearance angle (degrees)	0
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Rating applies to 2016-18 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	328i
Seat type	leather

This vehicle has 2 rear seating positions with complete child seat attachment (LATCH) hardware.

It has 1 additional seating position with a tether anchor only.

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	328i
Seat type	leather

Rating icon	Rating
G	Good
A	Acceptable
M	Marginal
P	Poor
	Seating positions that rely on borrowed lower anchors or have only a tether anchor available are not rated.
thether anchor symbol	Tether anchor
lower anchor symbol	Lower anchors
shared lower achors symbol	Lower anchor(s) can be borrowed from adjacent positions(s)
	No hardware available

Details by seating position

Position	Rating
1
1	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	too much force needed to attach
	difficult to maneuver around anchors
2
2	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	none available
3
3	Tether anchor
	easy-to-find location
	no other hardware could be confused for anchor
	Lower anchors
	too deep in seat
	too much force needed to attach
	difficult to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)	could not measure
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)	could not measure
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
No lower latch for this seat position
Lower anchor B
No lower latch for this seat position
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)	could not measure
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	4-6
Force (lbs)	could not measure
Clearance angle (degrees)	could not measure
Tether anchor
Location	Rear deck
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	No
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation