BMW Introduces Next Generation of Intelligent Airbag System
21 May 1999
BMW Introduces Next Generation of Intelligent Airbag System
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 21 -- Beginning this month, BMW
5 and 7 Series cars will be equipped with the next generation of "intelligent"
airbag protection. The new system will automatically assess the severity of
an impact and choose between two inflation rates for the front airbags. This
feature, combined with the marque's "intelligent" dual-threshold technology
and Head Protection System, further reinforces BMW's position as a leader in
safety technology.
Inflation Philosophy of BMW Intelligent Airbags:
As Gentle as Possible, as Powerful as Necessary
The cornerstone of the new system is a two-stage gas generator (as opposed
to a conventional single-stage unit) which inflates the airbags. In less
severe accidents only the first stage is activated whereas at higher severity
also the second stage is activated either with a time delay or simultaneously.
Generator power and response in all cases are adjusted to best protect
front-seat occupants from coming into contact with the steering wheel or
instrument panel.
An Integrated Approach to Occupant Safety
The new, more intelligent front airbag system is part of a holistic
approach to occupant safety that is inherent in every BMW automobile. For
example, every BMW comes standard with two front and front-side-impact
airbags. Moreover, automatic front safety belt tensioners that "cinch" the
belts tighter in a severe frontal impact are standard. BMW's airbag/tensioner
deployment system is so sophisticated that it differentiates between an impact
in which only the tensioners are needed, or both tensioners and airbags. This
"intelligent safety system" also recognizes whether or not the passenger seat
is occupied; if not, its airbag is not deployed, possibly saving repair (and
ultimately insurance) costs. All BMW sedans and new 3 Series coupes also have
an innovative door anchoring system that further increases the body's
protective effect, significantly reducing the forces on occupants in
side-impacts.
BMW also led the industry through the introduction of the world's first
Head Protection System in 1997. Today, all BMW sedans and new 3 Series coupes
come standard with this innovative safety device. HPS, which is integrated in
the vehicle's roofline, supplements the effect of the door-integrated side
airbags by stretching diagonally across the front side windows -- cushioning
the head in an impact.
A further benefit of the Head Protection System is that the unit acts as a
structural element of the car. In case of a rollover the system can reduce
the likelihood of occupants being thrown out of the car.
Another innovation pioneered by BMW in 1994 was the introduction of
airbags with Dual Threshold Deployment, a technology where the airbag control
unit interacts with a belt latch detector allowing different deployment
thresholds. This technology automatically adjusts the airbag deployment
threshold based on the severity of impact and whether the front occupants are
wearing seat belts. If they haven't buckled up, the airbag will deploy at a
lower crash severity.
Dedicated To Leading the Industry in Safety Innovation
In a recent crash test analysis of the BMW 5 Series sedan performed by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, IIHS President Brian O'Neill then
concluded that, "If all cars performed this well, we would stop this kind of
testing." BMW is committed to building not only the ultimate driving machine,
but also delivering the ultimate in safety technology. The new "intelligent"
dual-inflation rate airbag technology, when combined with the balance of BMW's
safety innovations, will again set the standard in the industry. The new
"intelligent" dual-inflation rate airbag technology will be introduced in the
BMW Z3 and 3 Series sedan and coupe models later this year.
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, when the company
assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW vehicles in the
U.S. from a private distributor. Since then, the company's North American
operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services
organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing
operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations
throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a
network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United
States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the marque's North American
headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
BMW Safety Timeline
1999
Dual Stage Deployment for front airbags
The system deploys the front airbags depending on crash severity:
As gentle as possible, as powerful as necessary. Introduced in March 1999
with the 5 and 7 Series.
1998
Navigation/Mayday System
First in the market to offer automated distress call system with
navigation system. A touch of a button transmits the location of the
vehicle and automatically opens up a direct line to a live person at
BMW's Roadside Assistance Group for emergency response.
1997
Head Protection System
Entirely concealed behind the headliner, above the front doors and within
the A-pillar, the Head Protection System offers increased head protection
in side impacts. When deployed, the Head Protection System inflates to
become a structural part of the car by forming a straight line diagonally
across the side window. When inflated, each unit forms a hollow,
flexible, essentially airtight tube about 5 feet long and 5.1 inches in
diameter. Introduced with the 1998 7 Series models it meanwhile comes
standard also on all 5 Series as well as on the 3 Series sedans and
coupes.
Rear side airbags
In extension of ASAP (Advanced Side Airbag Protection) BMW offers optional
side impact protection for the rear passengers. Available beginning with
the 1998 7 Series models. Meanwhile available as an option on all 5 and
7 Series and the new 3 Series sedans and coupes.
Battery safety terminal
The battery safety terminal (BST) will avoid short circuiting of the high
amperage starter circuit in an event of a collision. BST is actuated by
the airbag control unit and uses a pyrotechnical charge to separate the
starter cable from the battery in a crash.
1996
Driver and passenger side airbags
BMW's ASAP (Advanced Side Airbag Protection) system employs a large-area
inflatable bag in each front door. Front side airbags protect the thorax
in side impacts. Introduced with the 7 Series side airbags are
meanwhile standard on all BMW.
1994
Dual Threshold Deployment of front airbags
BMW was the first in the United States to offer an "intelligent" safety
system, the dual-threshold deployment system. When the safety belt is
used, the airbag will not deploy at a lower crash severity, but only at
the higher crash severity, where airbags are more effective. The
"intelligent" safety system also knows if the passenger seat is occupied;
if not, its airbag will not deploy, saving repair and insurance costs.
Passenger seat occupancy recognition
A sensor in the passenger seat recognizes if the seat is occupied or not.
If the seat is not occupied, the airbag won't go off in the event of a
collision, thus saving the expense of unnecessary replacement.
Interlocking door anchoring system
In each of the four doors is a diagonal aluminum reinforcement bar. The
rear end of this bar is anchored to a hook-like member that, in the event
of a serious side impact, "grabs" the body pillar. Thus the front door is
"hooked into" the B-pillar, the rear door into the body's rear quarter --
helping hold the body side together as a unit for significantly increased
strength. The system is designed so that after most impacts, elastic
"snap-back" of the system releases the hooks and the doors can be opened.
1992
Front passenger airbag
The passenger's airbag is positioned in the top of the instrument panel.
It has dual gas generators and inflates to more than twice the volume of
the driver's airbag to provide restraint in the event of a frontal
collision.
1990
Automatic front seat belt tensioners
This system automatically tightens the front belts in a collision, further
improving the restraint of occupants. It is integrated into the belt
latches, mounted to the inboard side of each front seat. Upon impact the
pyrotechnic charge fires (mechanical actuation in 3 Series models) and the
mechanism pulls the latch downward to tighten both the shoulder and lap
belt portions directly.
1989
Seat integrated belt system (SBS)
By anchoring the entire belt system to the seat itself, SBS provides an
optimum, consistent belt run. The shoulder belt, being anchored in a
locking/clamping reel just behind the shoulder, is significantly shorter
than one anchored to the lower body or B-pillar, so there's less belt
stretch when the belt is restraining the occupant. Thus there is no need
for a belt tensioner.
1986
Antilock braking system (ABS)
BMW was the first manufacturer in the U.S. to offer ABS across the model
line in 1986. The system minimizes wheel lock-up which can occur in
inclement weather (like rain, ice or snow) but can also occur on a dry
road. No matter how hard the driver brakes, the wheels do not lock up and
skid. So, whether driving in a curve or straight, rough or smooth road,
slick or dry -- the driver can safely steer the car under braking,
potentially avoiding an accident.
1985
Driver's side front airbag
Introduced the driver's airbag, which in a severe frontal impact inflates
in less than 40 milliseconds and helps prevent the driver from being
thrown against the steering wheel and dash. The airbag is a supplement to
the use of the safety belt, the primary restraint system in the vehicle.
Impact Sensor
In the event of a collision, the impact sensor automatically unlocks the
doors and turns on the four-way flashers and interior lights to facilitate
rescue of the occupants.
Adjustable seat belt anchoring points
Front seat belt anchoring points are adjustable for height, either
manually or automatically so that regardless of the size of the occupant,
the ideal belt positioning can be established.