ANCAP crash test results

BMW X3 | 2007 on

Front and side and head airbags

Occupant protection score: 27.77 out of 37

Important note: The diesel right-hand-drive European model was tested by Euro NCAP. Australasian specifications may vary and therefore models sold in Australasia might provide different levels of protection to those described on this page.

Model history and safety features

The tested model of BMW X3 was introduced in Australia during 2007.

Dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains are standard equipment. Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.

Occupant protection:

The BMW X3 scored 11.77 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver. Passenger leg protection was also marginal.

The vehicle scored 15 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and one point in the optional pole test.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4.000 pts, chest 2.530 pts, upper legs 2.000 pts, lower legs 3.244 pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The clutch pedal moved rearwards by 40 mm and upwards 17 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 15mm forward, 37 mm upward and 1mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 6 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash the driver's door could be opened with high manual effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. Steering column components were a potential source of injury for the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag. The glove box and centre console were a potential knee hazard for the passenger.

Side impact crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 4 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test, since it had head-protecting side airbags and scored four points for the head in the side impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned one further points. A door opened during both tests.

Injury measurements

Body region		Offset crash test at 64 km/h (v4.1)		Side impact crash test at 50 km/h (v4.1)
		Driver	Passenger	Driver
Head HIC		559	270	41
Acceleration (g for 3ms)		62.0	39.2	22.1
Neck - Shear (kN)		0.87	0.58	-
- Tension (kN)		0.89	0.58	-
- Extension (Nm)		5.2	15.2	-
Chest Accln (g for 3ms)		-	-	-
Compression (mm)		32.29	19.96	18.45
Viscous criterion (m/s)		0.11	0.06	0.07
Abdomen - Force (kN)		-	-	0.350
Pelvis - Force (kN)		-	-	0.530
Upper legs - Force (kN)	Left	0.54	0.27
	Right	0.17	1.51
Knee displ (mm)	Left	0.00	0.00
	Right	0.00	0.00
Lower legs - Force (kN)	Left	2.62	2.47
	Right	2.49	2.47
Index (Upper/Low)	Left	0.39/0.39	0.55/0.19
	Right	0.53/0.36	0.57/0.24

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: 1 pt

Seat belt reminders: None eligible (see table below for details)

Modifiers - deductions from offset test scores

Head		No deduction
Chest		No deduction
Upper leg	Variable & conc. loading for driver & passenger	2 pt deduction left & right
Lower leg		No deduction
Foot score		Score 4 points

Modifiers - deductions from side impact test scores

Chest		No deduction
Door opened - side impact test		1 pt deduction
Door opened - pole test		1 pt deduction

Safety features

These specifications are subject to change. Please check with manufacturer for the latest specifications.

Driver airbag	S
Passenger front airbag	S
Side airbags, front seats - chest protection	S
Side airbags, front seats - head protection	S
Side airbags, rear seats - head protection
Driver knee airbag	X
Seat belt pretensioners (front/rear)	S/X
Antilock (ABS) brakes / electronic brake distribution / brake assist	S/S/S
Electronic stability control (ESC, VSC, DSC, ESP, VSA)	S#
3 point centre rear seat belt	S
Active head restraints - front seats	S
Intelligent seat belt reminder - driver	X*
Intelligent seat belt reminder - front passenger	X
Rear seat belt status indicator	X

* Seat belt reminders not eligible for bonus points according to Euro NCAP assessment.
# ESC required by ANCAP for 5 star rating from 2008.

Key:
S = standard on all variants
O = optional on base variant. May be standard on higher variants
V = not available on base variant but standard or optional on higher variants
X = not available on any variant

Pedestrian protection rating:

Child head impacts	3.32
Adult head impacts	1.60
Upper leg impacts	Zero
Lower leg impacts	Zero
Total (out of 36)	4.92

ANCAP printable version (PDF, 200 KB)

Page created: 28 March 2008