EIGHT airbags are fitted to the 3 Series, including front and side head airbags. Door-mounted side airbags are provided front and rear. The most obvious safety glitch is the omission of a three-point seatbelt for the centre rear passenger. The front seatbelts have pyrotechnic pretensioners. The protection zone of the new 3 Series is rated as 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor. Traction control, anti-lock brakes and a new cornering brake control are all fitted as standard.