From the July/August 2023 concern of Automobile and Driver.
John W. Hetrick, an engineer from Pennsylvania, patented the airbag again in 1953. Whereas suppliers and automakers experimented with airbags within the ’60s and ’70s, they did not change into extensively accessible till the ’80s and weren’t federally mandated till 1998. Today, one may discover 10 or extra airbags in a automobile, from facet curtain to knee bolster, however nearly all early baggage had been housed within the steering wheel. Packaging these first baggage necessitated chunky “lunchbox” middle sections, devoid of the chrome and wooden discovered on nonbagged wheels. One can safely guess a automobile’s period simply by the look of these rubbery, boxy steering wheels.
Over time, the {hardware} acquired smaller, the techniques turned safer, and steering wheels regained some type with nicer supplies and logos that do not pop off throughout airbag deployment. Extra refined for certain, though a few of us get a bit nostalgic for lunchboxes.
2023 BMW 5-Sequence
Half Numbers: 32-30-8-008-186 (wheel), 32-30-8-097-022 (airbag)
Diameter: 14.5 inches
Options: Adjustable rake and attain; controls for audio, Bluetooth, and driver-assistance techniques; non-obligatory warmth
Price (wheel plus airbag): $3300
1990 BMW 5-Sequence
Half Numbers: 32-34-1-159-786 (wheel), 32-34-1-161-756 (airbag)
Diameter: 15.5 inches
Options: It turns and tilts; there’s additionally a horn
Price (wheel plus airbag): $320 on eBay
1989–95 BMW 5-Sequence
The E34 was extremely regarded for its good-looking design and impressed dealing with, the M5 particularly so. This technology launched to the 5-series lineup a wagon physique type, all-wheel drive (in Europe), and a V-8 engine. The E34 5-series was additionally one of many first BMWs to have a typical driver’s airbag.
2017–23 BMW 5-Sequence
Bigger than its predecessor however rife with creature comforts, the G30 5-series has a formidable listing of superior driver-assistance techniques. Underneath the fitting situations, the automobile may even speed up, steer, and brake by itself. Normal entrance, facet, and curtain air-bags provide supplemental safety for all occupants.
