The body of the new BMW 3-Series Sedan meets the highest standards across the board. Large and extremely durable supporting structures and the intelligent use of high and ultra-high-tensile multi-phase steels maximise the strength of the safety passenger cell, while keeping weight low. Precisely calculated load paths ensure that impact energy is spread around the passenger cell to other areas of the body such as the floor structure, side members, front bulkhead and roof, and absorbed by defined deformation zones of the front and rear. In the event of a side-on collision, reinforced structures in the B-pillar and sills, high-strength side impact members in the doors and sturdy seat cross-members protect the occupants from injury. With its strengthened pillars and roof members, the passenger cell also provides a secure survival area for the occupants if the car rolls over. The body of the new BMW 3-Series Sedan is over 10 per cent more rigid again than its predecessor - good news for drivers who like to see vibrations suppressed and steering precision nurtured.