Safety And Security Features; Safety Cage; Door Anchoring System; Door Locks And Door Handles - BMW 1999-2005 M3 Service Manual

Body - General
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Safety and Security
Features
A large number of new or improved
safety and security features are
incorporated in E46 cars.

Safety cage

The body safety cage is a continuation
of an established BMW concept for
passenger protection. Tubular impact
structures built into the body provide
protection against passenger injury
during front or rear impacts.

Door anchoring system

Each door is reinforced with a diagonal
aluminum bar with a metal hook at the
rear edge.
Upon severe side impact, the hook
locks into a recessed notch in the B or
C pillar, thus providing unitized
protection against buckling of the door.
The body side holds together as a unit,
offering significantly greater strength.
After most impacts, the door springs
back and unhooks from the notch. It
can then be opened again.

Door locks and door handles

The bow type door handles allow easy
door opening, but are secure in
accidents.
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2/25/2009 10:38 PM