Safety

BMW Safety

Before you step into a BMW, we do our best to try to make sure you can walk away from one.
There is no end to our quest for the next innovation. And it's not just about greater power and more efficient performance. It's also about safety. We prepare our vehicles to expect the unexpected.

Safety with a high IQ: the safety systems in your BMW react in an accident in a split second, coordinating the deployment of all necessary safety features, from airbags to seatbelt pre-tensioners to active headrests. The result: you and your passengers are assured of the best possible protection, whatever the type and intensity of collision.

Sensors in the A and B columns and in the doors of your vehicle register an accident at the earliest moments and react within milliseconds. The correct airbags are deployed to the appropriate degree, depending on which seats are occupied and the severity of the impact. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and the optional Active Headrests are activated at the right moment. If necessary, the battery and generator are disengaged and fuel pump deactivated to reduce the danger of fire. The central locking system unlocks all the doors and the cabin light and warning lights are illuminated.

Your BMW's safety system is able to react with remarkable speed, thanks to the decentralized structure of the network. Whereas in conventional systems all crash data is first gathered and analyzed by one central control unit, the BMW network comprises numerous decentralized control units that determine the timing and intensity of deployment independently. This reduces data transfer times and enables individual components within the safety system to react with critical speed.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Keeping you in control Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) adds to safety by facilitating vehicle control even in adverse driving conditions or on tough surfaces. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is the nucleus of the chassis control systems in BMW vehicles. It ensures the highest possible levels of stability when driving, and it maximizes traction of all wheels when setting off or accelerating. It is able to detect the first signs of over steering or understeering and helps keep the vehicle safely on course, even if the tires have varying levels of grip. Sophisticated sensors permanently check how the vehicle is driving. Information comes from a range of sensors monitoring wheel rotation, steering angle, lateral forces, pressure and yaw (degree of rotation around the vertical axis). A simulation model stored in the DSC control unit to ensure stability ("one-/two-track model") and can be compared information coming from the steering wheel and accelerator: if there is too great a difference between the model and how the vehicle is currently travelling, DSC acts to increase stability or traction. The engine and brake management systems are targeted specifically; xDrive is also included in all-wheel drive vehicles. Reducing or increasing the engine torque or braking individual wheels can improve stability and traction. Active Steering’s integrated yaw regulation system can even help significantly reduce steering effort and the extent of DSC’s contribution to stability.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Stop when you need to stop When, in an emergency, you apply the brake pedal quickly and with force but without really further increasing brake pressure, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) instantly builds up maximum brake pressure, bringing your BMW more quickly to a halt. Even when the driver fails to press on the brake pedal with adequate force, DBC ensures the braking distance will be a short as possible. The DBC control unit adjusts braking pressure to suit the current speed of the vehicle and the brake's level of wear. Furthermore, the DBC computer is networked with the vehicle's other chassis control systems, such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and the anti-lock brake system (ABS), which work together to ensure the highest levels of driving safety. Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) supports the driver actively and reliably when braking in an emergency. By electronically monitoring the speed and pressure with which the driver applies the brake pedal, it is able to recognize an emergency braking situation - and instantly ensures that full braking power is applied to the wheels. This automatically puts the brake force into the ABS range of control. This process ensures that the stopping distance is not lengthened unnecessarily by abrupt braking. Whether the driver applies the brakes quickly or slowly, the system responds to the driver’s actions automatically and ends brake pressure buildup via DBC.
BMW Adaptive Headlights
Night time illumination Adaptive Headlights ensure that you have the best possible view of the road ahead, even at night. As you enter a curve, the headlight's beam turns to follow the direction of the road. So you always know what's ahead. Conventional fixed headlights cast their beam straight ahead only. On bends, this means to beam can fall on the oncoming traffic, blinding other drivers while leaving the road ahead in darkness. In contrast, Adaptive Headlights use swiveling headlights that always point in the direction the vehicle is steering. The road ahead is better illuminated and obstacles become visible sooner. This provides significant safety benefits when taking bends at night or whenever visibility is poor. At the heart of the Adaptive Headlight technology lies the dynamic headlamp control system. Sensors measure speed, steering angle and yaw (degree of rotation around the vertical axis). Based on this information, small electric motors turn the headlights so the beam falls on the road ahead, guiding you into the bend. This intelligent headlight system is activated whenever the vehicle is moving forwards. When the vehicle is in reverse or if the steering wheel is turned when the vehicle is not moving (such as when leaving a parallel parking space), the headlights do not turn, in order to prevent blinding the drivers of oncoming traffic. Cornering lights are an additional feature to Adaptive Headlights. They provide an extra source of light when parking or turning sharply at low speeds.
Active Blind Spot Detection & Lane Departure Warning
BMW's Latest Active Safety Features Available on several new BMW models, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning are active safety functions that try to make our roads safer. You’ve definitely experienced a scenario on highways when a driver doesn’t see another car in their blind spot, and attempts to merge into their lane. If it’s not realized in a timely manner, it could end in a catastrophe. BMW’s Active Blind Spot Detection is designed to reduce the likelihood of this form of accident. Active Blind Spot Detection Using radar sensors positioned at the rear of the vehicle, Active Blind Spot Detection monitors the traffic situation in the adjacent lanes. The sensors cover an area which reaches from the blind spot in the adjacent lane to around 60 meters to the rear. A yellow triangle symbol in the exterior mirror housings illuminates if there is currently a vehicle in this area. If, despite the warning, the driver switches on the turn signal repeater, the symbol starts to flash. In addition, discreet yet very clear steering wheel vibrations warn the driver that an overtaking maneuver would be potentially dangerous. Lane Departure Warning The Lane Departure Warning works in a similar fashion. Using a camera fitted to the windscreen, the system records road markings on at least one side of the road, and calculates the vehicle’s position in relation to the markings. If the system realizes a change in the vehicle’s position in relation to the markings, it warns the driver by discreet yet clear vibrations in the steering wheel.
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Sport-Style Driving Dynamics Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) allows for sports-style driving dynamics even when DSC is controlling stability and when wheel traction is higher. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is a sub-function of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system that can be turned on and off. DTC has two major uses: to regulate traction and to enable sports-style driving while providing active stability control. If the front wheels are stuck in snow and cannot spin properly, this leads to slip on the rear wheels (when they spin faster than the front wheels, generally a sign that performance has been exceeded) and DSC acts to change engine output: the power needed for forward movement is reduced. Switching to DTC has a positive effect on this situation, as traction is improved without a loss of power. When DTC is on, it helps the driver alleviate the situation enough for DSC's measures to become effective. The driver retains complete control over the vehicle.
BMW Run-Flat Tires
Make tire jacks and tow trucks a thing of the past In the event of sudden tire-pressure loss caused by a puncture, a BMW approved Run-flat System Component Tire (RSC) will give you the confidence to reach your destination. Even with no tire pressure, innovative Run-flat tires will remain supported; through reinforced sidewalls, additional reinforced strips and rubber mixtures that remain stable at high temperatures. What are the benefits?
  • Increased active safety - Regardless of sudden air-pressure loss, you can continue your journey safely and in control at up to 80 km/h for up to 150 km.
  • No need to pull over - Run-flat Tires help to avoid unsafe roadside tire changes, allowing you to comfortably drive to safety.
  • Automatic warning system - The BMW Run-flat indicator monitors air pressure and warns you if any pressure is lost.
  • Save Space - With no need to carry a spare, you can save space and shed weight, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing cost.
Investing in a set of BMW Run-flat tires means avoiding time-consuming and inconvenient tire changes, while ensuring the safety of you and your passengers. To learn more about BMW Run-Flat tires, please contact BMW Grand River’s Parts department at (519) 747-0269