Armour-Plated Security Comes to More BMW Models

Press Release

330i Security

Like the X5 Security, the BMW 330i Security closely resembles the standard 330i road car. However its chassis has been extensively adapted to compensate for additional weight, with reinforced springs and dampers. This ensures that it is just as agile and safe to drive as the production version, and still boasts a top speed of 130 mph and 0-62 time of 7.3 seconds. Conforming to the independent weapons standard B4, joins and gaps in the armoured body shell are reinforced with ballistic resistant steel and high-tech fibre material. Bullets or splinters are prevented from penetrating the interior even at gaps and overlapping points. In addition, a special fibre-reinforced mat in the underbody area of the passenger cell is available as an option, preventing bullet splinter penetration. Common to both X5 and 330i Security cars is an intercom featuring ‘assault alarm’. Occupants are able to communicate with those outside the vehicle – at a road block for example - without opening a door or window via an internal microphone and loudspeakers incorporated into the exterior mirrors. In the event of a hostile reception, occupants press a button to activate the assault alarm. This features a loud siren which wails intermittently for 30 seconds, complemented by flashing high-beam headlights and foglights.

7 Series High Security

BMW 7 Series High Security exceeds even the high levels of protection offered by BMW 330i Security and BMW X5 Security vehicles. Meeting the requirements of B6/B7 weapons standard, 760 Li and 745 Li High Security derivatives are able to withstand attack from explosives or bullets of the armour-piercing 7.62x54R API calibre – often used by terrorist organisations. Standard underbody protection prevents grenade fragments from entering the passenger cell. Its effectiveness has been verified independently with hand grenades detonated simultaneously below the driver’s seat and the rear right seat. Fibre-reinforced material and special steel elements are used as an additional measure against armour piercing munitions. The material prevents fragments and secondary projectiles from entering the passenger compartment and keeps their angle of dispersion as small as possible. High Security 7 Series feature multi layer laminated triple glazing, with an internal polycarbonate layer. Its function is to protect passengers from glass fragments. A host of additional features serve to protect occupants in the event of attack:

1. Emergency exit through front windscreen
2. Intercom system with additional ‘attack alarm’ function
3. Remote starting system
4. Fire-extinguishing system with temperature sensors
5. Emergency fresh-air system
6. Partially lowered windows
7. Automatic central locking when moving off

Ownership

Owners and chauffeurs of Security and High Security cars are offered special training programmes, helping them to understand and practice the requirements of car control in critical driving conditions. Vehicles can be serviced and repaired at selected BMW workshops or will be maintained by a worldwide operation crew. Parts supply is assured thanks to a dedicated worldwide logistics programme. To ensure that these special vehicles do not make their way into the wrong hands, BMW offers a special ‘buy back’ service for Security cars which are up to seven years old. Following a thorough technical inspection at BMW’s Dingolfing Plant, they are either sold or go into BMW’s car pool. Cars from the Security car pool are then made available for potential customers throughout the world, at short notice. Notes:

1. The inspection and classification of BMW security models is carried out by the State Ballistic Authority in Munich in accordance with Euro standard DIN 1063 and DIN 1522/23-1. The guidelines of the Munich Ballistic Authority provide the criteria for specially protected vehicles – i.e B4 for X5 and 330 Security and B6/7 for High Security 7 Series.
2. Due to the nature of the security vehicle market and the purpose for which these cars are designed, BMW will not release sensitive information or technical detail about its security cars.