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BMW
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Information
11/2009
Page 52
A further highlight is the harmonious integration of the glass panel in the
outer skin of the car ensured by the contoured sweep at the front end of
the glass panel following the front edge of the roof.
Precise mechanical alignment ensures a highly accurate connection of
the front edge of the glass roof and the seal on the sliding roof also when the
roof is in vent position, preventing any unpleasant noise caused by air swirl.
The contoured sliding roof is moved to and fro by two electric drive motors,
the control unit is integrated in the roof lining together with the buttons for
the car’s interior lights. The sliding roof liner integrated harmoniously into
the interior of the car, finally, also moves to and fro electrically.
Superior occupant safety on all seats.
High-load-resistant bearing structures, generous and exactly defined
deformation zones as well as highly efficient restraint systems coordinated
by the car’s high-performance electronic control units set the foundation
for a high standard of passive safety in the new BMW 5 Series Sedan.
Forces generated in a head-on collision are diverted by several load paths in
the floorpan, on the side frame, in the bulkhead and in the roof, absorbed by
the deformation zones and thus kept away from the passenger cell.
The load-bearing structures forming the load paths are made largely of multi-
phase steel and hot-moulded steel, an additional bumper system around
the front axle serving to spread out the forces acting on the front section of
the car.
Reinforced side structures in the B-pillars and the side-sills, extra-strong
door reinforcements and stable crossbars on the seats limit the depth of
deformation as well as the speed of intrusion in the event of a collision from
the side. With its reinforced pillars and roof supports, the passenger cell
also offers safe survival space for the occupants in the event of a rollover.
Within the new BMW 5 Series Sedan the frontal and hip thorax airbags are
supplemented by curtain head airbags at the side for both rows of seats
as a standard feature. Depending on the type and severity of a collision,
the integrated safety electronics determine the restraint effect provided
and the time of release. In accordance with national requirements, finally,
the frontal airbags come with a single or two-stage gas generator.
All seats feature three-point inertia-reel seat belts and belt force limiters,
with an additional belt latch tightening function on the front seats. To prevent
cervical spine injury in the event of a collision from behind, the front seats