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.
Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology (F.I.R.S.T.)
The BMW FIRST safety concept incorporates the environmental considerations (traffic, road conditions), the vehicle (active and passive safety), and the people involved. During the design process, all of these things are taken into to consideration to create a safe environment for the passengers as well as considering the durability of the vehicle during an impact to comply with federal law and insurance regulations.
F.I.R.S.T. is the cornerstone behind BMW's safety philosophy. This technology consists of active and passive safety features designed to help the driver avoid accidents as well as protect the occupants in the event of an unavoidable accident.
Active Safety features are designed to help the driver avoid accidents. In other words these features allow the driver to actively avoid potentially dangerous situations. These features consist of consist of a responsive engine, stable suspension, precise steering and excellent all around vision. Systems such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and ABS also help the driver retain precise control of the vehicle.
Traffic and adverse environmental conditions can be offset by systems such as RLS (rain sensing wiper control), X-Drive, climate control with mist sensor and driving lights etc.
Other features which are "transparent" to the driver include the multi-function steering wheel which allows the driver to control the cruise control and audio systems while still focusing on the road. The seating position and location of switches and controls are also taken into consideration during the design process. The new HUD also allows the driver to access important driving information while maintaining concentration.
Passive Safety features provide vehicle occupant protection when an accident cannot be avoided. Today's BMW Passive Safety systems consist of the following features:
- Energy absorbing body structures
- Seatbelts with Automatic tensioners and force limiters
- Dual front airbags with 2-stage deployment
- Head Protection Systems (front as well as rear on some models)
- Side Impact Airbags (standard) and Rear Side Airbags (optional
- Active Knee Protection Airbags (On some models)
- Battery Safety Terminal
- Active Head Restraints (on some models)
- Rollover Protection on Convertibles (E36, E46 and E64) and fixed rollover bars on the Z3 and Z8 and Z4.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.