BMW Introduces Next-Generation
of Intelligent Airbag System

Woodcliff Lake, NJ, .. Beginning this month, BMW 5 and 7 Series cars will be equipped with the next generation of "intelligent" airbag protection. The new system will automatically assess the severity of an impact and choose between two inflation rates for the front airbags. This feature, combined with the marque's "intelligent" dual-threshold technology and Head Protection System, further reinforces BMW's position as a leader in safety technology.

Inflation Philosophy of BMW Intelligent Airbags:
As Gentle as Possible, as Powerful as Necessary

The cornerstone of the new system is a two-stage gas generator (as opposed to a conventional single-stage unit) which inflates the airbags. In less severe accidents only the-first stage is activated whereas at higher severity also the second stage is activated either with a time delay or simultaneously. Generator power and response in all cases are adjusted to best protect front-seat occupants from coming into contact with the steering wheel or instrument panel.

An Integrated Approach to Occupant Safety

The new, more intelligent front airbag system is part of a holistic approach to occupant safety that is inherent in every BMW automobile. For example, every BMW comes standard with two front and front-side-impact airbags. Moreover, automatic front safety belt tensioners that "cinch" the belts tighter in a severe frontal impact are standard. BMW's airbag/tensioner deployment system is so sophisticated that it differentiates between an impact in which only the tensioners are needed, or both tensioners and airbags. This "intelligent safety system" also recognizes whether or not the passenger seat is occupied; if not, its airbag is not deployed, possibly saving repair (and ultimately insurance) costs. All BMW sedans and new 3 Series coupes also have an innovative door anchoring system that further increases the body's protective effect, significantly reducing the forces on occupants in side-impacts.

BMW also led the industry through the introduction of the world's first Head Protection System in 1997. Today, all BMW sedans and new 3 Series coupes come standard with this innovative safety device. HPS, which is integrated in the vehicle's roofline, supplements the effect of the door-integrated side airbags by stretching diagonally across the front side windows - cushioning the head in an impact.

Another innovation pioneered by BMW in 1994 was the introduction of airbags with Dual Threshold Deployment, a technology where the airbag control unit interacts with a belt latch detector allowing different deployment thresholds. This technology automatically adjusts the airbag deployment threshold based on the severity of impact and whether the front occupants are wearing seat belts. If they haven't buckled up, the airbag will deploy at a lower crash severity.

Dedicated To Leading the Industry in Safety Innovation

In a recent crash test analysis of the BMW 5 Series sedan performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS President Brian O'Neill then concluded that, "if all cars performed this well, we would stop this kind of testing." BMW is committed to building not only the ultimate driving machine, but also delivering the ultimate in safety technology. The new "intelligent" dual-inflation rate airbag technology, when combined with the balance of BMW's safety innovations, will again set the standard in the industry. The new "intelligent" dual-inflation rate airbag technology will be introduced in the BMW Z3 and 3 Series sedan and coupe models later this year.