Euro NCAP Crash Test Results

Test results and safety ratings

BMW 3 Series 2012

320d , 4 door saloon

Test Date: May 2012

BMW 3 Series crash test picture
Overall Star Rating Crash Rating 5 Stars
Adult Occupant 95%
Child Occupant 84%
Pedestrian 78%
Safety Assist 86%

Compare with other cars in the Large Family Car category

Driver head - Good
Driver neck - Good
Driver chest - Good
Driver abdomen
Driver right femur - Good Driver left femur - Good
Driver right lower leg - Good Driver left lower leg - Adequate
Driver right foot - Good Driver left foot - Good
Passenger head - Good
Passenger neck - Good
Passenger chest - Good
Passenger abdomen
Passenger right femur - Good Passenger left femur - Good
Passenger right lower leg - Adequate Passenger left lower leg - Adequate
Passenger right foot Passenger left foot
Side impact head - Good
Side impact chest - Good
Side impact abdomen - Good
Side impact pelvis - Good
Green = Good Good
Yellow = Adequate Adequate
Orange = Marginal Marginal
Brown = Weak Weak
Red = Poor Poor

Adult occupant

The passenger compartment of the 3 Series remained stable in the frontal impact. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. BMW showed that a similar level of protection would be provided for occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions. In the side barrier test, all body regions were well protected and the car scored maximum points. In the more severe side pole test, protection of the chest and abdomen was adequate and that of the head and pelvis was good. The seat and head restraint provided good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

Child occupant

A switch is available as an option to deactivate the passenger airbag, allowing a rearward facing child restraint to be used in the passenger seat. This was not assessed as it is not standard equipment. There were clear warnings of the dangers of using a rearward facing restraint in that seating position without having deactivated the airbag.

Pedestrian

Both the bumper and the front edge of the bonnet provided good protection to pedestrians and the car scored maximum points in these areas. In almost all areas where a child's head might strike, the bonnet provided good protection but was predominantly poor in those areas likely to be struck by an adult's head.

Safety assist

Electronic stability control is standard equipment on the 3 Series and met Euro NCAP's requirements. A seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver, front passenger and rear seats. A speed limitation device is available but was not assessed by Euro NCAP as it is offered as an option.

applies to all BMW 3 Series of the specification tested