2017 BMW X3

midsize luxury SUV / 4-door SUV

Crashworthiness

Rating overview
Evaluation criteria	Rating
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	Superior
Optional system	Advanced

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.

Moderate overlap front: original test

Rating applies to 2011-17 models

Tested vehicle: 2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i dr 4wd

The BMW X3 was redesigned for the 2011 model year. 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	VTF1024
Footwell intrusion
Footrest (cm)	2
Left (cm)	4
Center (cm)	4
Right (cm)	3
Brake pedal (cm)	4
Instrument panel rearward movement
Left (cm)	1
Right (cm)	1
Steering column movement
Upward (cm)	1
Rearward (cm)	-3
A-pillar rearward movement (cm)	1

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTF1024
Head
HIC-15	194
Peak gs at hard contact	no contact
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.8
Extension bending moment (Nm)	7
Maximum Nij	0.17
Chest maximum compression (mm)	30
Legs
Femur force - left (kN)	0.8
Femur force - right (kN)	1.9
Knee displacement - left (mm)	0
Knee displacement - right (mm)	2
Maximum tibia index - left	0.41
Maximum tibia index - right	0.43
Tibia axial force - left (kN)	2.2
Tibia axial force - right (kN)	2.2
Foot acceleration (g)
Left	52
Right	46

About the original moderate overlap front test

Side: original test

Rating applies to 2011-17 models built after March 2011

Tested vehicle: 2012 BMW X3 xDrive35i 4-door 4wd with standard front and rear head curtain airbags and standard front door-mounted torso airbags

The BMW X3 was redesigned for the 2011 model year. Beginning with 2011 models built after March 2011, the computer algorithm that calculates when to deploy the side airbags was optimized to improve occupant protection in side impact crashes. (Information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on the driver door or adjacent B-pillar.) Side ratings are assigned by the Institute based on a test conducted by BMW after the changes were made.

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	VTS1114
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	VTS1114
Head HIC-15	75
Neck
Tension (kN)	1.3
Compression (kN)	0.4
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	37
Lateral force (kN)	1.1
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	36
Average deflection (mm)	32
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	5.60
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.75
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	2.3
Acetabulum force (kN)	1.8
Combined force (kN)	4.1
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.4
L-M moment (Nm)	36
A-P moment (Nm)	13

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Test ID	VTS1114
Head HIC-15	254
Neck
Tension (kN)	0.3
Compression (kN)	1.0
Shoulder
Lateral deflection (mm)	22
Lateral force (kN)	1.1
Torso
Maximum deflection (mm)	28
Average deflection (mm)	17
Maximum deflection rate (m/s)	2.71
Maximum viscous criterion (m/s)	0.33
Pelvis
Iliac force (kN)	0.4
Acetabulum force (kN)	2.5
Combined force (kN)	2.7
Left femur
L-M force (kN)	0.3
L-M moment (Nm)	23
A-P moment (Nm)	34

About the original side crash test

Roof strength

Rating applies to 2012-17 models

Tested vehicle: 2012 BMW X3 xDrive35i 4-door 4wd

Overall evaluation
Curb weight	4,135 lbs
Peak force	19,389 lbs
Strength-to-weight ratio	4.69

About the roof strength test

Head restraints & seats

Seat type: Power leather seats (AHR)

Overall evaluation
Dynamic rating
Seat/head restraint geometry

Technical measurements for this test

Seat type	Power leather seats (AHR)
Geometry
Backset (mm)	40
Distance below top of head (mm)	34
Seat design parameters
Pass/fail	Pass
Max T1 acceleration (g)	16.2
Head contact time (ms)	42
Force rating	1
Neck forces
Max neck shear force (N)	0
Max neck tension (N)	333

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)

xDrive35i trim
sDrive28i trim equipped with HID Lighting package
xDrive28i trim equipped with HID Lighting package

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

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

The low beams created some glare.

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

Technical measurements for this test

Evaluation criteria	Measurement
Trim level(s)	xDrive35i trim sDrive28i trim equipped with HID Lighting package xDrive28i trim equipped with HID Lighting package
Low-beam headlight type	HID projector
High-beam headlight type	HID projector
Curve-adaptive?	Yes
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2017 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	109.2 m	9.6%
Straightaway left edge	64.4 m	9.6%
250m radius right curve, right edge	79.1 m	76.9%
250m radius left curve, left edge	58.7 m	2.3%
150m radius right curve, right edge	61.5 m	150.3%
150m radius left curve, left edge	51.2 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	164.7 m
Straightaway left edge	130.6 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	81.6 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	71.4 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	62.0 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	60.5 m

Trim level(s)

sDrive28i trim equipped with LED Lighting package
xDrive28i trim equipped with LED Lighting package
xDrive35i trim equipped with LED 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 fair on both sides of the road. On curves, visibility was fair on both right curves and inadequate on both left curves.

The low beams created some glare.

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

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)	sDrive28i trim equipped with LED Lighting package xDrive28i trim equipped with LED Lighting package xDrive35i trim equipped with LED 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 2017 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	89.4 m	None
Straightaway left edge	51.2 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	58.2 m	23.3%
250m radius left curve, left edge	46.6 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	46.3 m	139.6%
150m radius left curve, left edge	44.6 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	151.9 m
Straightaway left edge	123.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	71.6 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	70.0 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	52.7 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	56.2 m

Trim level(s)

sDrive28i trim
xDrive28i 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 good 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)	sDrive28i trim xDrive28i trim
Low-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
High-beam headlight type	Halogen reflector
Curve-adaptive?	No
High-beam assist?	No
Overall rating Applies to 2017 models

LOW BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)	Amount glare exceeded threshold
Straightaway right edge	71.7 m	None
Straightaway left edge	34.9 m	None
250m radius right curve, right edge	50.0 m	None
250m radius left curve, left edge	36.6 m	None
150m radius right curve, right edge	40.9 m	None
150m radius left curve, left edge	34.7 m	None

HIGH BEAMS	Average minimum useful illumination distance (5 lux)
Straightaway right edge	143.6 m
Straightaway left edge	107.8 m
250m radius right curve, right edge	56.3 m
250m radius left curve, left edge	52.2 m
150m radius right curve, right edge	47.3 m
150m radius left curve, left edge	42.2 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 Frontal Collision Warning with Extended Collision Mitigation

Package name

Optional Driver Assistance Plus/ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2017 models

Superior

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 11 mph.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 24 mph.

System details

Optional Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation

Package name

Optional Driver Assistance Plus/Active Driving Assistant

Overall evaluation

Applies to 2017 models

Advanced

with optional equipment

This system meets the requirements for forward collision warning.
In the 12 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 8 mph.
In the 25 mph test, impact speed was reduced by 7 mph.

About the original front crash prevention test

Child seat anchors

Rating applies to 2016-17 models

Evaluation criteria	Rating
Overall evaluation
Vehicle trim	xDrive28i
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	xDrive28i
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
	easy 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
	easy to maneuver around anchors

Technical measurements for this test

Lower anchor A
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	40
Clearance angle (degrees)	65
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	35
Clearance angle (degrees)	66
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
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	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	No
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
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)	2-4
Force (lbs)	40
Clearance angle (degrees)	71
Lower anchor B
Open access rated	No
Depth (cm)	2-4
Force (lbs)	23
Clearance angle (degrees)	71
Tether anchor
Location	Middle seatback
Confusing hardware present	Yes
Has contrasting label within 3 inches of tether anchor	Yes
Tether anchors can be accessed while seatback is properly positioned for use of LATCH	Not measured

About the child seat anchor evaluation