Buh Bye BMW? 2008 M5 Order Canceled. [Safety concerns after IIHS test results]

[MJ]

I am so disturbed by the side impact debacle, I am seriously considering walking away from my week 36 build Space Grey M5. After FIVE M5s I truly feel let down. I never thought I had to worry about a last place crash test. I just thought the German engineers had my back. Or in this case my ribs and internal organs.

If I were to walk away from the 2008 on order what should I consider? I am truly looking for input as this has seriously rattled my confidence...

MJ
1992 325i
1998 540i6
2000 X5
2000 M5
2001 M5
2001 Z8
2002 M5
2003 M5
2003 X5
2004 X5
2006 M5
2007 X5
2008 M5????

[TQ2K]

IMHO I wouldn't worry too much about the test results.

[John P. Reyes]

Originally Posted by MJ

I am so disturbed by the side impact debacle, I am seriously considering walking away from my week 36 build Space Grey M5. After FIVE M5s I truly feel let down. If I were to walk away from the 2008 on order what should I consider? I am truly looking for input as this has seriously rattled my confidence...

Consider seeing a psychiatrist if you let some test dissuade you into getting one of the best cars of the decade.

[Barry Lausch]

Consider a good stiff drink.................ask me tomorrow

[allenman]

you are.

[P-Easy]

Volvos are pretty safe..

But seriously, I would'nt worry about it. I still think BMWs are pretty safe.

[Wayward]

Here you go.

It's great in a crash, and here's the bonus -- it'll look good on you.

A big plus is of course, that in a pinch, you might be able to give a lawnmower a nice run -- but the best part is that the grass clippings they drop in front of you should pretty much deflect off the nicely sloped hood.

In any event, each time one of 'em mows you down, you get a free haircut out of the deal .
______________________________

[wilsodh]

Originally Posted by MJ

If I were to walk away from the 2008 on order what should I consider? I am truly looking for input as this has seriously rattled my confidence...

I dunno what to advise you to get, but I share in your amazement that bmw has so taken their eye off the ball. Yet another example of how they've lost their way. I'm obviously not a big fan of the e60, but if I was, this would rattle me too. I frankly don't view this is a joking matter. If I were in charge at bmw, a few heads would roll over this.

Dave

[m5baller]

Originally Posted by MJ

I am so disturbed by the side impact debacle, I am seriously considering walking away from my week 36 build Space Grey M5. After FIVE M5s I truly feel let down. I never thought I had to worry about a last place crash test. I just thought the German engineers had my back. Or in this case my ribs and internal organs.

If I were to walk away from the 2008 on order what should I consider? I am truly looking for input as this has seriously rattled my confidence...

MJ
1992 325i
1998 540i6
2000 X5
2000 M5
2001 M5
2001 Z8
2002 M5
2003 M5
2003 X5
2004 X5
2006 M5
2007 X5
2008 M5????

Based on your concerns from "test Results", you have only one choice. . . the Kia Well, you could go with the Buick

Seriously, with that impressive list of BMW's you've owned, are we to take this question seriously Now, I too am disapointed with the results, however, there are so many variables that play in these tests AND, it was one test. What is the context of this test. Redundancy, provides more accurate results.

But, then again, how would you feel if the 5 series rated in the top ten? Would you drive differently? You must personaly know, with the years of BMW's ratings on highway saftey, there is no way, the safety engineering has slipped that dramaticaly. IMHO

P.S. You know you want that '08

[M5DAL]

Quote:

How side tests are conducted: A vehicle's side evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph. The barrier represents the front end of a pickup or SUV. Overall ratings reflect injury measures recorded on two instrumented SID-IIs dummies, assessment of head protection countermeasures, and the vehicle's structural performance during the test. Injury measures obtained from the two dummies, one in the driver seat and the other in the back seat behind the driver, are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or passenger in a real-world crash would sustain serious injury to various body regions. The movements and contacts of the dummies' heads during the test also are evaluated. Structural performance is based on measurements indicating the amount of B-pillar intrusion into the occupant compartment.

I am no engineer, but the chances of a barrier driving into your side are remote IMV. If the US Insurance Council thinkds this is relevant so be it. The fact that a Kia appears to be safer than a 5 series or a Merc should rightly ring alarm bells.

I am quite prepared to take the risk every day out there in my M5 Knowing I can stop, the fact that I have great tires and DSC and so forth far outweigh the risk of being hit by a barrier! I will take my chances...

Anyone that buys a Kia in deference to a 5 series based on this test deserves one.

BTW I have to go a 3" dog just ate my wife.......