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2009 BMW 3-Series Safety Review

May 2, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Good," frontal offset impact; "good," side impact; Top Safety Pick
IIHS

Four stars, front impacts; five stars, side impacts
NHTSA

Head-protecting tubular side airbags...are standard
ConsumerGuide

You might expect that such sound construction of the 2009 BMW 3-Series would lead to appropriately high crash-test ratings, and in this regard, the 3-Series is good but not quite at the top of its class. Fortunately, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the BMW 3-Series boasts a number of first-rate safety features that help keep occupants safe.

In both IIHS and NHTSA testing, the 2009 BMW 3-Series scores much better than average. In fact, the BMW 2009 lineup of 3-Series vehicles is one of the top performers of any model in IIHS tests, earning the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact categories. The BMW 3-Series also warrants a 2009 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, which cites 2009 BMW 3-Series' "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control" as the primary reasons for the distinction. Although NHTSA is generally regarded as having less rigorous scoring procedures, the BMW 3-Series does not manage to sweep these federal crash-test ratings. In both driver- and passenger-side front impacts, the BMW 3-Series merits four out of five stars for occupant protection. However, the BMW 3-Series lineup achieves some redemption in the side-impact category, where it garners a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2009 BMW 3-Series is a technological showcase, and not just for the convenience features found inside the cabin. The BMW 3-Series also features an array of high-tech safety gear that constantly monitors the vehicle's performance, as well as the usual passive safety features that consumers have come to expect. Cars.com relates that the "standard safety features include: antilock brakes, electronic stability system, [and] side curtain airbags," while ConsumerGuide reports that "front side airbags" are also standard. Edmunds reviewers add that "run-flat tires" come standard, and the "stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use."

BMW has clearly designed the 2009 BMW 3-Series to offer good visibility in all directions. ConsumerGuide reviewers find on their test drive that "thick front pillars can obscure vision to the forward corners," but they also note "rear visibility is fine," a welcome feature for those who loathe navigating parking lots or freeway lane changes.

Conclusion

Despite a crash-test record that isn't quite perfect, the 2009 BMW 3-Series offers safety features that are more than competitive for the class.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Good," frontal offset impact; "good," side impact; Top Safety PickIIHSFour stars, front impacts; five stars, side impactsNHTSAHead-protecting tubular side airbags...are standardConsumerGuide You might expect that such sound construction of the 2009 BMW 3-Series would lead to appropriately high crash-test ratings, and in this regard, the 3-Series is good but not quite at the top of its class. Fortunately, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the BMW 3-Series boasts a number of first-rate safety features that help keep occupants safe. In both IIHS and NHTSA testing, the 2009 BMW 3-Series scores much better than average. In fact, the BMW 2009 lineup of 3-Series vehicles is one of the top performers of any model in IIHS tests, earning the highest possible rating, "good," in both the frontal offset and side impact categories. The BMW 3-Series also warrants a 2009 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, which cites 2009 BMW 3-Series' "good performance in front, side, and rear tests and standard electronic stability control" as the primary reasons for the distinction. Although NHTSA is generally regarded as having less rigorous scoring procedures, the BMW 3-Series does not manage to sweep these federal crash-test ratings. In both driver- and passenger-side front impacts, the BMW 3-Series merits four out of five stars for occupant protection. However, the BMW 3-Series lineup achieves some redemption in the side-impact category, where it garners a perfect five-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2009 BMW 3-Series is a technological showcase, and not just for the convenience features found inside the cabin. The BMW 3-Series also features an array of high-tech safety gear that constantly monitors the vehicle's performance, as well as the usual passive safety features that consumers have come to expect. Cars.com relates that the "standard safety features include: antilock brakes, electronic stability system, [and] side curtain airbags," while ConsumerGuide reports that "front side airbags" are also standard. Edmunds reviewers add that "run-flat tires" come standard, and the "stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as periodically wiping the brake rotors dry when the windshield wipers are in use." BMW has clearly designed the 2009 BMW 3-Series to offer good visibility in all directions. ConsumerGuide reviewers find on their test drive that "thick front pillars can obscure vision to the forward corners," but they also note "rear visibility is fine," a welcome feature for those who loathe navigating parking lots or freeway lane changes. ConclusionDespite a crash-test record that isn't quite perfect, the 2009 BMW 3-Series offers safety features that are more than competitive for the class. 2009 BMW 3-SERIES STYLING | [9 out of 10] Cars.com: "A minor facelift for 2009 as well as fresh rear styling" Motor Trend: "A slightly sharper, more muscular appearance than its predecessor" Edmunds: "Interiors provide a restrained show of luxury " BMW's foray into cutting-edge ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Infiniti's G eschews BMW's confident restraint for daring angles, a raucous exhaust, and an extremely outgoing nature—too bad its NVH levels can't keep up with its attractive interior and spunky driving fun. Audi's new-for-'09 A4 sedan, sharing underpinnings with the A5 coupe, is an admittedly sexy beast with both two and four doors; packaging is more capacious than the BMW, but powertrains fall a tad short next to BMW's gold standard. Mercedes' C- and CLK- sedan and coupe, respectively, tend toward the more cosseting end of the small luxury equation, but as such offer serene rides and beautiful interiors. The Saab 9-3 hangs just slightly below this company in price, but its performance and luxury factors are a decided step down from all of the above.

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See the BMW 3-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (2 total)

  1. By Kurt #1, Posted: 5/5/2009

    Poor Reliability

    I don't believe BMW has made an effort to fix the issues which have occurred since 2006. Because software issues and poor HPFPs, this care is a poor performer and of poor quality. My care has not been repaired as of 6 months ago on just one of the issues; I can't see 2009 being any better. Just an opinion. Do a web search prior to buying this car.

  2. By BMWX3 Bummer #2, Posted: 9/20/2009

    I feel like a complete idiot. Just got into a brand new 2009 X3. What a disaster. The jerky transmission is one thing (latest s/w fix btw) and may bloom into a bigger and more dangerous disaster in the future but the ride of the BMW X3 is unacceptable.
    It rolls, sways, rocks, undulates...whatever you want to call it until it creates nausea. This is a first for a car I believe...drive it without seasickness pills and you will consider upchucking your lunch.
    After sitting in the shop, the upshot is: it is NORMAL. NORMAL? This is what BMW calls NORMAL?
    A car that is so unstable that is actually launches things into the ceiling because it cannot keep it together on a paved road? NORMAL?
    So, the car loses 20% of its 'value' in 1 month and I feel like an idiot for believing that BMW can still make a great car.
    After decades of BMW ownership, this **** car is the limit of endurance. I will never buy another BMW again but I will share my nightmare with as many people as I can.

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