Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Triggering Thresholds
Numerous crash and road tests under extreme conditions have been used to set the BMW triggering thresholds for all possible types of accidents.
The triggering thresholds are divided according to crash severity (CS). There are four types of crash severity:
- CS 0 Light collision No airbag activation
- CS 1 Medium collision Possible airbag triggering, stage 1
- CS 2 Severe collision Airbag triggering, stage 1
- CS 3 Very severe collision Airbag triggering, stage 1 + 2
The triggering thresholds are set depending on the crash severity as well as various other factors, (e.g. 0°, 30°, or offset crash).
Other important information is also included, such as whether the occupant is wearing a seatbelt or not.
This results in the trigger thresholds for the activation of the various restraint systems.
Depending on the type of accident, different crash severities have been specified:
- Frontal crash CS 0, CS 1, CS 2, CS 3
- Side-impact crash CS 0, CS 1, CS 2
- Rear crash CS 0, CS 1, CS 2
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.