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Both the 2017 BMW 3 Series and BMW 2 Series Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Ratings

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The results of the small overlap front crash test for the 2017 BMW 3 Series Photo: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

The results of the small overlap front crash test for the 2017 BMW 3 Series
Photo: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

When it comes to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) safety tests, one small degree of error can prevent certain vehicle models from earning a far better rating. That is precisely what happened to the BMW 3 Series. When the 2016 BMW 3 Series was tested by the IIHS, it received a “marginal” rating for the small overlap front crash test. This ultimately prevented the model from receiving a higher safety ranking from the organization. Now, BMW seems to have corrected the issue for its 2017 3 Series model.

Both the 2017 BMW 3 Series and 2 Series have earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.


More BMW Safety Tests: Both the 2017 BMW 3 Series and BMW 2 Series Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Ratings


During the small overlap front crash test for the 2016 BMW 3 Series, the vehicle suffered a great deal of intrusion during the crash. As such, the knees of the driver would have theoretically absorbed a majority of the force caused by the damage.

“The dummy’s right foot was trapped between the brake pedal and toe pan, and the pedal had to be cut off to free the foot,” the IIHS issued in a statement.

This is a video of the small overlap front crash test for the 2016 BMW 3 Series:

Roughly a year later, this is a video of the small overlap front crash test for the 2017 BMW 3 Series:

BMW made several changes to the front suspension and surrounding structure for its 2017 models. As a result, the 2017 BMW 3 Series suffered a good deal less intrusion during the simulated crash. Therefore, the 2017 BMW 3 Series received a “good” rating in the small overlap front crash test, as opposed the “marginal” rating from the previous year.

Along with an upgrade to the headlights of the BMW 3 Series that helped it to earn an “acceptable” rating for the IIHS headlight testing, the rating increase for the small overlap front crash test helped the 2017 BMW 3 Series earn the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.


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The 2017 BMW 2 Series also received upgrades to its headlights, which helped it earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS as well. However, it should be noted that the superior headlights of the 2 Series and 3 Series only come with an upgraded package. The standard headlights for both vehicles earned a “poor” rating from the IIHS.

Between the 2016 model year and the 2017 model year, it would seem that BMW invested time and money into implementing safety upgrades for the models in its fleet, an investment that has paid off for the brand and those who drive its vehicles.

News Source: autoevolution

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