[Jason]

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced the 2011 BMW 5 Series as a Top Safety Pick. The F10 earned the top rating of “Good” based on its performance in each crash test.

The F10 previously received a full five stars in EURO NCAP's tests - http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395607

“2010 TOP SAFETY PICK” Award for 5 Series Sedan

* 29.07.2010
* Press Release

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – July 29, 2010 10:00am EDT… BMW of North America today announced that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) declared the 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan a 2010 Top Safety Pick. The new 5 Series earned the top rating of “Good” based on its performance in each of the Institute’s crash tests.

Receiving the 2010 Top Safety Pickfor the 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan is one of numerous awards BMW has earned from the IIHS over the years. In fact, as a result of tests conducted in 2008, the 2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan as well as the X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles® earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick.

“Safety has long been a priority for BMW, so earning a Top Safety Pick from IIHS means a great deal,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC. “The press has praised the car and our consumers have eagerly awaited its arrival in showrooms. This award demonstrates that we left no stone unturned in the development of the all-new 2011 5 Series Sedan.”

“The new 5 Series integrates the latest crash avoidance technology with outstanding crashworthiness in a beautiful package that inspires confidence and peace of mind,” added Tom Baloga, Vice-President of Engineer US for BMW. “Advanced materials, sophisticated design techniques, and state-of-the-art testing succeeded in delivering a fantastic new 5 Series that will become the benchmark for every premium model in this segment.”

The Institute rates vehicles “Good,” “Acceptable,” “Marginal” or “Poor” based on performance in high-speed Frontal Offset and Side Impact crash tests as well as an evaluation of the vehicle’s Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraints, which protect against neck injuries in rear impact crashes. A stringent new Roof Strength test was added in 2009. In order for a vehicle to become a Top Safety Pick, it must earn “Good” ratings in all four Institute tests. Additionally, as of 2007, winning vehicles must also offer electronic stability control – a standard feature on all BMW vehicles since model year 2000, known as Dynamic Stability Control. The IIHS requires this feature based on Institute research indicating that stability control significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.

[E39hijinks]

The results: Excellent in every category. Roof, front, and side.

However, I am dissapointed that the although still rated "excellent," the F10's roof can only take 15,000 lbs before crushing a certain amount where the Hyundai Genesis can take 19,000 lbs and the Mercedes E-Class 20,000 lbs.

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/roof/detailsbyclass.aspx?10

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=1374


Also in the side-test, the E-Class roof structure didn't bend at all. (Same with the C-Class)-- a result which I've never seen any other car tested by the IIHS do-- I've yet to take a look at the technical measurements, will do so soon.

I'm not complaining, the new F10 is obviously an exceptionally safe car (the ratings prove it) but it seems Mercedes has edged BMW out in terms of body strength.

edit:

I took a look at the tech info. The F10 seems to have a slightly more stable passenger compartment in a frontal collision -- just barely and a somewhat stronger footwell. The dash and A-pillar both see ZERO movement after the crash. The mercedes saw some negative movement -- about 1 cm or so.

The E-Class's side structure, however, moved 5cm less towards the centerline of the steering wheel. This means you have 5 more CM of protection in the E-Class in a side collision!

[BMW269]

Best thing is not to crash. But still nice to feel in a safe car.

[BMWI6]

The roof structure seems to be the weak point in this car as proven in the several crash pictures I have seen. I'm sure it's a safe car, but as another user said, Mercedes is definitively making a safer products with more rigid pillars.

[E60orBust]

"Oh S***, I can't watch this, hey everybody i can't watch this!" - Abe (NWS!)

[bavarian19]

[stickypaws]

Stiil not a Merc, but so much better than the E60 which was pathetically bad in side impacts.

BMWs haven't done well in rear collisions (which are a high percentage of accidents) in the past. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/head_res...aints.aspx?bmw
But recently all have gotten better.

But good to hear this new testing. The F10 eliminates the major flaw in the past 5ers. Glad that BMW is taking safety seriously now.

[numba1guju]

Originally Posted by E60orBust

"Oh S***, I can't watch this, hey everybody i can't watch this!" - Abe (NWS!)

[gorban]

There are still some very important safety features lacking in the F10. Rear side airbags in the doors (which was available in the E60) and rear safety belts that streches and then losens on impact. This is especially important if you have older kids in the back that doesn't use a child seat anymore. In a severe frontal crash you may end up surviving in the front seat but you children dies in the back. There are plenty of such examples from real life crashes.

Saab, Volvo, Audi, MB, Lexus etc. all have these features and it's a shame that BMW doesn't prioritize this.

[kinan_sleiman2006]

Perfect safety car..

[EdM5]

The roof structure a weak point right?

Check these pix:

http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/schwe...-t2822383.html

Apparently the 535i driver lost the car at high speed in wet conditions and the car rolled a few times. Roof seems okay though.

[Lukeswarm]

I can vouch for Mercedes in head on collisions... Not crashed a BMW yet

[Oulixes]

It is interesting that Hunday is now comparable to Mercedes and BMW in the posted safety parameters.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by Lukeswarm

I can vouch for Mercedes in head on collisions... Not crashed a BMW yet

Yet?
Let's hope you aren't ever a test sample.

MB was the first to develop the safety cage concept with crumple zones, seat belt pre-tensioners, traction control, and also the airbag. Although you never hear about that, and Volvo gets a lot of the attention because they advertised their safety records as their trademark. With Benz, it more or less just came with the territory.

[gatoman39]

Originally Posted by BMWI6

The roof structure seems to be the weak point in this car as proven in the several crash pictures I have seen. I'm sure it's a safe car, but as another user said, Mercedes is definitively making a safer products with more rigid pillars.

Lets see... C/D just tested the braking distance from 70-0 for the E350 and the 535i.
MB 70-0 183 feet.
BMW 70-0 163 feet.

I will take braking performance over rigid pillars all day and twice on sunday.

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

Lets see... C/D just tested the braking distance from 70-0 for the E350 and the 535i.
MB 70-0 183 feet.
BMW 70-0 163 feet.

I will take braking performance over rigid pillars all day and twice on sunday.

...good point gato ~Frost