BMW 3-series (e36) - One of the least safe cars - Euro NCAP Results - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

15th October 2004, 16:42

The BMW e36 (3-series) was tested by the Euro NCAP, and is seems that it is one of the least safe cars available.

Here are the results:

http://www.euroncap.com/content/safe...p?id1=3&id2=15

Here is a short quote from the report:

"The 3-series' cabin became structurally unstable during the frontal impact and the driver ran a risk of life-threatening chest injury. The distance by which the steering wheel was displaced backwards posed further risks of injury, while stiff aggressive structures in the lower facia area also added greatly to the chances of the driver sustaining serious knee, thigh and pelvis injuries. In the side-impact test, protection for the driver's abdomen failed to meet coming 1998 legislation for new models."

Cheers. Daniel.

Redshift · 15th October 2004, 16:55

How come you didn't tell me this prior to 10/21/03?

You wanna talk about injuries! Shattered pelvis, extremely severe muscle damage, multiple broken ribs, punctured and deflated left lung, lacerated kidney, and bruised spleen to name the major ones.

UltFamCar · 15th October 2004, 19:01

Redshift,

Woah!

Can you tell us what happened? Sorry to hear about your misfortune and breaks my heart to see that M3.

Regards,
Charles

P.S. I wonder if there are any reports on other models, like the E34's? Thinkng about how safe my 91 E34 M5 is now....BTW, we (me, wife, 2 1/2 year old son, and our unborn child) almost got t-boned by a MDX at an intersection going about 35-40mph last week while we were coming back from the ob/gyn after finding out we're expecting our second child. The MDX driver just basically ran the red, and had it been even 0.5 second later there would have been no way I could've avoided that accident. We were in my wife's E39 Touring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redshift

How come you didn't tell me this prior to 10/21/03?

You wanna talk about injuries! Shattered pelvis, extremely severe muscle damage, multiple broken ribs, punctured and deflated left lung, lacerated kidney, and bruised spleen to name the major ones.

M4ever · 16th October 2004, 22:52

That is scary, but don`t forget the e36 is a 14 years old project.
The e36 is probably a much safer car the than the e30. So is the e46 today. Let`s hope not to test those safety features
Regards
Alex

Redshift · 17th October 2004, 18:06

For details (and beautiful pictures of the car BEFORE it was demolished) click the link in my sig.

M4ever · 17th October 2004, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redshift

For details (and beautiful pictures of the car BEFORE it was demolished) click the link in my sig.

It was indeed beautiful, what a loss!
As I read you`ve been hit by a Silverado pickup - that`s a big (and ugly) truck so I do now understand more the devastating effect. You were lucky to made it out

Regards
Alex

Adam · 8th November 2004, 09:34

Yes those pics are very sad redshift

Do you know what speed the truck was doing when it hit you?

all the best
adam

Redshift · 8th November 2004, 14:42

Cop says ~20. I say BS!

Andy-UK · 8th November 2004, 19:01

The E36 is probably as safe as cars of the same age. Against the likes of the E46 it seems pretty unsafe but that's the progression of safety technology for you.

As in Redshift's case. If something much bigger hits you then it doesn't really matter what your driving. Your going to take a big hit.