Re: Side impact beams?

[harrison <hsapir@multiverse.com>]

No, I didn't mean the side impact bars were the rubber outside. They are
still not very effective. They just snap in two on impact.

harrison

Armstead, Brian wrote:

> Harrison wrote:>On a type 44 car, the side impact beams are the body side
> moldings. They aren't very effective, I've seen some bad wrecks. Don't
> feel bad though,
> except SAAB, there aren't any cars with good side impact protection.<
>
> Harrison:  The side impact beams are beams UNDER the body side moldings.
> The way your response is worded leads one to think that 1/2" of plastic
> is all the protection you get in an Audi.  I've seen some Audis in the
> boneyard that have held up pretty well to intrusion.  I disagree with
> your statement on cars with side impact protection, as Volvo and Mercedes
> (among others) also have pretty hefty beams in their doors (along with
> enhanced SI protection that utilizes the "B" pillar to offset crash
> energy.), and that's before we talk about advances in side airbag
> technology, including BMW's bag for the head that stretches from the "A"
> to the "B" pillar.
>
> Brian
>
> (P.S. - When I used "spell check" for this note, BMW was called a
> mistake, the suggested correction was - "Bummers!")