"Why is the BMW 3 Series, an old car being made to take the IIHS small overlap test? Because, a couple of years ago, it forgot to study and flunked it.
The first video, which shows the 2017 3 Series, you will find the second one from November 2015 where a 2016 model year was subjected to the same small overall crash procedure. It looks the same, right down to the color and the shape of the 10-spoke wheels, but the rating has been upgraded from marginal to good.
The 2016 model suffered a lot of intrusion into the passenger cabin, with the knees of the driver taking the brunt of the damage from the 3 Series dash. "The dummy's right foot was trapped between the brake pedal and toe pan, and the pedal had to be cut off to free the foot," according to a statement made at the time by the IIHS.
However, the 2017 model aced all the test, getting a Good rating for side, moderate overlap, roof strength and head restraints. It also scored "Acceptable" for the headlight strength and Marginal for child seat latch ease of use. Still, the 2017 3 Series sedan is good enough for a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS."
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=960897
Late LCI models got a reconfigured suspension setup too. Another +++ for late LCIs, yeeeeeeehaaaaaaa!