SAFETY | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Not rated
IIHS
Not rated
NHTSA
Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads
Edmunds
thin pillars in the coupe provide fine visibility to all directions, though wide front headrests can get in the way when backing
ConsumerGuide
system that automatically dries the brakes in wet conditions
Kelley Blue Book
Like most luxury vehicles, the 2011 BMW 1-Series hasn't been crash-tested by NHTSA or the IIHS. Europe's largely analogous NCAP testing reveals the vehicle to be very safe, however, scoring five stars in crash tests.
The large list of standard safety features should also reassure buyers. Front, side, and side-curtain airbags; ABS, traction and stability control; tire-pressure monitoring; and daytime running lights are all standard. The car's thin pillars and tall windshield offer good visibility, though the headrests can get in the way at times when backing up or parking.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of official U.S. crash-test results, the 2011 BMW 1-Series offers enough standard safety equipment to put most buyers' minds at ease.
