BMW 3-Series Convertible Features BMW 3-Series Standard Features BMW 3-Series Safety & Technology Return to BMW 3-series
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 brakes (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 pedestrians.
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.
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 seat belt.
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. 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. (Optional on 325iC; not available on 318iC).
Safety cage
The 3-Series Convertibles provide BMW's impressive active and passive safety features throughout: Specially designed front and rear impact absorbers prevent body damage in minor impacts up to 2.5 mph. In front or rear collisions at speeds up to 9 mph, front/rear crumple tubes help prevent major damage to structural members. This extra protection also means more economical repairs. The side impact protectors and highly stable supports and cross members help to reinforce the rigid steel body as a protective passenger "safety cage" for greater protection of occupants. Cross bar supports of seats add rigidity and sturdiness. A reinforced windshield frame adds to safety in the event of a rollover.
BMW 3-Series Convertible Features
BMW 3-Series Standard Features
BMW 3-Series Safety & Technology
Return to BMW 3-series