All Season Traction.
One of the most significant automotive features to come along in recent years, All Season Traction senses rear-wheel traction loss or spin and automatically makes instant corrections to reduce or stop wheelspin. This remarkable system helps increase directional stability and traction on almost any surface--packed snow, rain- or oil-slicked roads, ice, sandy or rough surfaces, or under hard acceleration or cornering.
Big brakes.
Confident stopping power comes from the large disc brakes. BMW's advanced anti- lock braking system (ABS) with sensors on each wheel helps prevent wheel lock-up under hard braking. This can help the driver avoid objects and drive out of potentially dangerous situations.
BMW believes in safety F.I.R.S.T. Road-hugging suspension.
Safety is one of BMW's top priorities at every stage in the car's design and development. BMW's Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology is a comprehensive system of active and passive safety features designed to work together to help avoid accidents, and also to help protect occupants during and after an accident.
Underneath the stunning shape of the 8-Series, an extremely rigid body structure surrounds occupants with a protective steel safety cage. Front and rear sections of the body are computer-designed "crumple zones" that collapse at a pre-determined rate, absorbing impact energy before it reaches occupants. BMW's construction already meets U.S. 1997 side impact standards. In a severe frontal impact, BMW's dual airbag restraints inflate within split seconds. After any severe impact, a sensor unlocks all doors, and turns on interior lights and hazard flashers. F.I.R.S.T. also means protection for other road users. Body contours are rounded, and outside mirrors are hinged to aid in reducing accident consequences for a pedestrian or cyclist. The 8-Series includes many details designed to help maximize safety and comfort.
Driving fun--and an offer--you won't get from any other car.
BMW's philosophy has always been that the exhilaration of driving an exceptional performance car is one of life's pleasures. And the closer the bond between car and driver--the greater the interaction and control--the more enjoyment and driving confidence one derives. This harmony and responsiveness also contributes to becoming a safer, better driver. Nothing represents this philosophy better than the BMW 8-Series--sports cars that are disguised as elegant coupes. For those interested in increasing their driving skills, BMW offers one-and two-day courses at the BMW Skip Barber Driving School, as well as BMW Comparison Driving events. The new 850CSi comes with a unique added feature: a free trip to BMW M GmbH, BMW's Motorsport division in Germany, and enrollment in a full day of advanced driver training with their professional instructors.
Diagnostic system.
BMW's diagnostic system continuously monitors various electronic sensors for operational faults. All electronic microprocessors are linked to a diagnostic connector under the hood, to which the BMW Service Technician connects the Service Tester for read-out and diagnosis, thereby reducing service analysis time and customer inconvenience.
ABS.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied. As a result, the vehicle not only stops within a shorter distance on most surfaces, but allows the driver to maintain greater control. Each wheel is constantly monitored by an electronic sensor for its rotation speed; the signal compares the speed at which the car is actually travelling vs. wheel rotation. If the wheel's rotation decreases excessively, the electronic control unit determines the risk of the wheel locking and immediately reduces hydraulic pressure in the respective brake line.
All Season Traction (ASC+T).
This system processes data from the ABS wheel-speed sensors. Anytime a drive (rear) wheel begins to lose traction, All Season Traction can act on the engine's electronic accelerator and ignition timing, as well as on each rear brake individually, to reduce engine torque and wheelspin. This action controls the drive wheels to the precise degree necessary for optimum tire grip. Thus any tendency for the wheels to spin is quickly brought under control, enhancing driving stability on slippery surfaces (or, for that matter, even on dry roads under extreme acceleration or cornering). A console switch allows the driver to switch off All Season Traction, if desired, in deep snow or when chains are used.
F.I.R.S.T.
F.I.R.S.T. stands for "Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology," a safety system offering comprehensive protection for the car's occupants, other road users and the car itself. Active Safety is achieved by BMW's responsive handling, sophisticated safety technologies such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), and substantial power reserves, which provide superior acceleration to overtake other vehicles as quickly as possible. Passive Safety features include an extra-rigid passenger cell, computer-designed crumple zones front and rear, and driver-and passenger-side airbags. Rounded body contours of the entire front end of the car help protect other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Airbag.
The airbag safety system is designed to minimize head and upper-body injuries in a severe head-on collision. In the event of a front-end collision exceeding a certain limit, a self-checking control unit with integrated impact sensors activates inflation of the airbags within milliseconds, to cushion the driver and front passenger. After the collision, the airbags quickly deflate, giving the driver and front passenger full freedom of action. This is a supplemental restraint system designed to work with the BMW safety belt system. Always wear your safety belt.
Safety cage.
Special front and rear impact absorbers eliminate damage to the body panels in minor impacts up to 2.5 mph. In front/rear collisions up to 9 mph, specially designed crumple tubes help prevent major damage to the body, limited to a few easily exchangeable parts. The side-impact protectors and highly stable supports and cross-members help to reinforce the extremely rigid steel body as a protective passenger "safety cage." All BMWs already meet 1997 U.S. side impact requirements.
Passive Safety.
Features that protect driver and passengers to the greatest extent possible in the event of an accident include: a strong steel body unit with integral roof reinforcement; front and rear ends designed to crumple in a computer-programmed pattern for effective energy absorption; hood designed to fold on impact; rigid drive-shaft tunnel and dash panel to help prevent engine and transmission from penetrating into the interior; driver- and passenger-side airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS); collapsible steering column entirely behind the "crush zone"; reinforcing beams in doors; inside rearview mirror designed to break off if struck in a collision; and safety padding at various points in the interior.
Seat-integrated front safety belt system.
The seat-integrated belt system (SBS), exclusive to the 8-Series, provides greater comfort and improved restraint for the wearer. The entire belt system is anchored to the seat itself, which provides easier access to the rear seats. The upper belt anchor, along with the head restraint, adjusts automatically with the seat height to accommodate the occupant's height. Because the belt is positioned consistently on the wearer, it is especially comfortable. And with the seat- anchored shoulder belt able to wrap closer to the body, it helps restrain the wearer firmly in an impact. The seat cushion incorporates an internal "ramp" that enhances pelvic support while reducing the submarining effect, or sliding forward under the belt in the event of a collision.
* Contact your authorized BMW dealer for details.
BMW 840Ci Technology
BMW 850Ci Technology
BMW 850CSi Technology
BMW 8-Series Design
BMW 8-Series Features
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