[The Automotive Enthusiast]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Looks like some tweaks were made for 2017.

BMW's 2017 2-Series coupe and 3-Series sedan have earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 2016 3-Series was excluded from the top ranks due to its 'marginal' rating in the small-overlap crash test. Its structure "didn't hold up," according to the institute, with intrusion exceeding 12 inches at the footrest.

For 2017 models built after November, BMW modified the front suspension and adjoining structure to better control wheel movement in the small-overlap impact scenario. The changes resulted in maximum intrusion of six inches and a 'good' rating, necessary to qualify for the top safety award.

The 3-Series' optional curve-adaptive LED headlights earned an 'acceptable' rating, while the 2-Series' upgraded curve-adaptive HIDs received 'good' marks. For both vehicles, however, the headlights on basic trim levels received a 'poor' rating.

Other automakers are presumably scrambling to implement better lighting after the new headlight assessment program knocked many vehicles out of the TSP+ ranks for 2017.

Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/bmws-201...#ixzz4W8Ud9JLN

[bmwcoder]

Yea! I wait new G20 BMW...

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I wonder why the 2 series adaptive Xenons got a better rating than the adaptive LED's on the 3 series? Are the LED's not aimed high enough? Not bright enough?

[Maynard]

Thanks for posting the updated info. This was one of the main reasons for choosing the 2, and as my fellow drivers get more and more interested in their cell phones, it only keeps being more reassuring.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

I wonder why the 2 series adaptive Xenons got a better rating than the adaptive LED's on the 3 series? Are the LED's not aimed high enough? Not bright enough?

Because unfortunately the Xenons are better.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

Because unfortunately the Xenons are better.

In what regard?

[440xiGCMsport]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

In what regard?

PROJECTORS

[motorwerkeman]

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

[Fabs///M]

Interesting...........

[WI_Rob]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

Keep in mind that the crushing and breaking of the wheel doesn't necessarily indicate a more brittle wheel. It may have more to do with the way this car's suspension holds the wheel in place between the barrier and the now-stronger crash cage...

Yeah it looks bad when stuff "shatters" but there are a lot of variables in play when comparing videos.

This car protects occupants really well.

[greekcs]

I'd like to see the passenger side tested as well.

[RighteousDevil]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

Alloy wheels are supposed to shatter in accidents, instead of getting pushed through the firewall like the old steel wheels would. I'd be more worried about the ones that didn't shatter.

[vladberca]

There is one thing about passive protection.
Very important are also the active systems that help you to avoid the crashes.
But over all these systems it's the driver behaviour, if he stays focused or is sending sms, doing the makeup and so on....

[ethernet]

Interesting information. Also impressive they actually went back and made changes to the suspension to get a better rating (also not surprising either). Curious if F8x cars are tested or if they fall under the umbrella of the F3x cars?

[Touring]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

Probably on purpose

[ERdiesel]

This says 2017 models built after November but I took delivery of my 2017 340 in October. Is it possible that my car will NOT have the additional safety improvements? Or would all 2017 including those built prior to November have it

[jpnh]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

Wheel isnt going to be salvageable regardless of whether it shatters or not

I'd rather that the wheel gave than for there to be intrusion into the space my feet would occupy

[aerostar]

Originally Posted by motorwerkeman

Kudos to BMW for the improvements.

One thing I notice - Style 397 wheels shatter apart like brittle china in all of these crash videos - most other manufacturer's wheels hold up much better in the same test.

I'd rather have a wheel absorbing more force and shattering rather than getting punted through the wheel well and sitting on my lap while the paramedics are rushing me to the hospital.

[Germanauto]

You can tell from the moment you close the door of a BMW that you are sitting in an incredibly safe and well-engineered automobile. Everything feels solid, and when you are driving you feel confidence and security no matter the weather.

I'm sure we've all driven a Camry or something similar in the rain...you learn very quickly not to corner at over 20 mph, step on the gas from a stop, or drive over 70 on the highway. And yes, I'm talking about the newest iterations not just old models.

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

I wonder why the 2 series adaptive Xenons got a better rating than the adaptive LED's on the 3 series? Are the LED's not aimed high enough? Not bright enough?

Both. I was surprised at how much worse my 2016 340's LEDs are than my previous adaptive Xenons. Luckily, you can fix the aiming issue yourself in about 2 minutes (including waiting 1.5 minutes to put the headlights into adjustment mode or whatever it's called) but they are still dimmed for the US market.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

You can tell from the moment you close the door of a BMW that you are sitting in an incredibly safe and well-engineered automobile. Everything feels solid, and when you are driving you feel confidence and security no matter the weather.

I'm sure we've all driven a Camry or something similar in the rain...you learn very quickly not to corner at over 20 mph, step on the gas from a stop, or drive over 70 on the highway. And yes, I'm talking about the newest iterations not just old models.

I would say otherwise in my 320. Previous models felt better put together and gave the driver more core confidence. That will hopefully change soon though.

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

I would say otherwise in my 320. Previous models felt better put together and gave the driver more core confidence. That will hopefully change soon though.

I agree, the F30 stinks. I suppose my statement is more true for Bimmers BEFORE the E89 Z4. That was the first of a long string of BMW redesigns that ended up being bastardized versions of their predecessors. The E90s and E70s that got me hooked to the brand do not apply!