Auto Channel

Page 1: Short story
Page 2: Concept
Page 3: Power unit
Page 4: Chassis & suspension
Page 5: Design
Page 6: Body
Page 7: Safety
Page 8: Features
Page 9: Production

Safety

Central electronic controls masterminding the car’s restraint systems.

The electronic restraint and safety systems in the new BMW M3 are matched perfectly to the ultra-strong structure of the body. No less than six airbags as well as belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters on all four seats are activated by the central electronic safety unit as a function of the type and severity of a collision.

Sensors right in the middle of the car, in the B-pillars and in the doors interact with the electronic safety unit to determine which safety feature offers optimum occupant protection in each case, with only those restraint and safety systems being activated that are really required.

The driver and front passenger are adequately protected by frontal airbags as well as hip thorax airbags housed in the seat backrests. These four airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of a collision.

Through its size alone, the curtain head airbag protects the occupants both front and rear, the risk of leg injury in a head-on collision being reduced on the driver’s side by predetermined deformation of the footrest.

Immediately after a collision the electronic safety system will again activate important functions, for example to warn drivers following from behind and facilitate rescue operations. The hazard warning flashers and interior lights, for example, are automatically activated, the central locking is opened, the alternator is switched off and the safety battery terminal released in order to avoid a possible short circuit.

In this case the hazard warning flashers and interior lights, as well as the emergency telephone function, are supplied with power by a separate connection to the on-board network. And last but not least, the fuel pump is deactivated in order to prevent uncontrolled spillage of fuel.

With its robust body and wide range of active and passive safety elements, the new BMW M3 has all the features it needs to fulfil the strictest safety standards and crash test requirements imposed by law the world over.