Knee Airbags

[pilot_bro2003]

Hello all. I did a search and didn't find anything but for the new owners of the M3 did the car come with knee airbags similar to the 3 series? When I look in the brochure and website it doesn't mention it but looking at some pictures that have been posted here and elsewhere it looks like that may be the case.

Just curious. Thanks in advance.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by pilot_bro2003

Hello all. I did a search and didn't find anything but for the new owners of the M3 did the car come with knee airbags similar to the 3 series? When I look in the brochure and website it doesn't mention it but looking at some pictures that have been posted here and elsewhere it looks like that may be the case.

Just curious. Thanks in advance.

Active Knee Protection is standard only in the Z4 (and M), 6 (including the M6), and 7 Series, and in the 3 Series Convertible only, according to bmwusa.com.

The M3 Convertible is not included. I do understand that BMWNA wants to keep the prices of the M3 tight, but this safety omission is somewhat absurd at this price range.

[TheBry]

Knee bags are included in the convertible. If you look at picture number 33 here (you'll have to scroll down a bit to get to the pics):

http://www.autospies.com/news/Does-T...EW-King-30033/

...you'll see the word "AIRBAG" embossed in the extended leather under the dash. Looks like the M3 Convertible (like the standard 3-Series convertible) has Active Knee Protection in the USA.

[pilot_bro2003]

Yeah that was the picture I was referring to as well as one I saw on a vert for sale on eBay. I don't know why there's no consistency between what we see obviously here on the pictures and what's on the website, brochures, etc...

...the thought of compromising safety to keep costs down is down right crazy for a company like BMW. I thought they were supposed to be the safety leaders with the likes of MB, Volvo, etc...

[southlight]

Is this a myth or are knee bags only helpful in case one's not using the seat belt?


Best regards, south

[pilot_bro2003]

I don't think they were intended to help out if you're not wearing a seatbelt but to provide some extra "padding" for your legs during severe frontal crashes. With that being said I'm not sure if the knee airbags are just for the driver in the BMW or for both passengers. I think the driver needs the protection the most because of the steering wheel, pedals, etc on that side.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by TheBry

Knee bags are included in the convertible. If you look at picture number 33 here (you'll have to scroll down a bit to get to the pics):

http://www.autospies.com/news/Does-T...EW-King-30033/

...you'll see the word "AIRBAG" embossed in the extended leather under the dash. Looks like the M3 Convertible (like the standard 3-Series convertible) has Active Knee Protection in the USA.

Good catch...

Too strange the BMWUSA website omission on this safety feature in the M3 Convertible.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by pilot_bro2003

I don't think they were intended to help out if you're not wearing a seatbelt but to provide some extra "padding" for your legs during severe frontal crashes. With that being said I'm not sure if the knee airbags are just for the driver in the BMW or for both passengers. I think the driver needs the protection the most because of the steering wheel, pedals, etc on that side.

According to the website (??), the active knee protection is for both front occupants.