The Intelligent Airbag

The airbag system "knows" whether the safety belts are in use and deploys accordingly. This dual threshold deployment system reduces the risk of air bag-induced injuries to belted drivers and passenger in low-speed collisions and expensive car repairs.

These "intelligent" BMW airbags don't deploy in lower severity collisions, when the safety belts provide sufficient protection to the occupants. In the case of a higher severity impact, when airbags are more effective, they do deploy. The passenger side airbag deploys only when the front passenger seat is occupied.

Even the smartest systems can't protect you without your help, however. Here are a few hints from the safety experts at BMW on how to best protect you and your passengers.

• Always make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a restraining device properly, whether safety belts or a child restraint system. Safety belts should be worn snugly across the hips and shoulders; avoid any twisting of the belt. Always position the shoulder belts across your chest, not behind your back.

• Children should always ride in the rear seat and use an appropriate child-restraint system or the safety belts. Never install a rear-facing child-restraint system in any front seat. Do not allow infants or small children to ride in passenger's laps.

• Don't sit too close to the airbag. It needs room to inflate.

• Don't put anything between the air bag and the passenger. The cover panel above the airbag should not be used as a footrest.

• If your vehicle has ABS (for Anti-lock Brake System) press the brake pedal with constant pressure and do not let up when you want to stop. Never pump the brakes. You may care to practice braking your car so you'll know just what to do and what to expect in an emergency.

• When the ABS is activated, you may feel a pulsating in the brake pedal and hear a whirring noise. Do not be alarmed and do not take your foot off the brake. This pulsation sensation and noise are normal. In case of a system malfunction, the warning lamp will come on and remain lit.

• Remember to steer in an emergency. ABS makes steering possible in sudden braking situations, but it won't steer the car without you.

• Remember, stopping distances are longer on certain surfaces, such as gravel or fresh snow. The vehicle won't turn as quickly on a slippery road as it would on dry pavement.

• Don't drive an ABS equipped vehicle more aggressively or recklessly than you would any other car.

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