Mark090852

Actually, the airbags worked just like they were intended. No matter what it looks like to us the airbag sensors recognized that the impact was below the threshold necessary to deploy the bags. The airbags were not deployed and the driver was not injured. The crush zones and seat belt did their jobs. Thumbs up to BMW's design for protecting the driver in this crash.

Ceenit

I'm thinking the airbags didn't deploy because there was little to no impact on the bumper (sensors sit just behind the bumper, below the headlights). Pretty much how it works on all cars with front airbags. From the pics, the impact was just above the bumper where all the expensive plastic, lights, and hood sheetmetal rests.

I'm guessing that if there were enough force to the accident, the front bumper would eventually hit something underneath the car in front, thus deploying the airbag.

Gilgorm

I have one more suggestion for you. Have the auto body shop (and Ins. Co.) pay for a standard check from your BMW dealer. The dealer can check pretty quickly, your wheel alignment, your front suspension, new cooling system, new headlight alignement and any frame repairs. They will provide a hopefully unbiased opinion of whether the repairs were done correctly.
I had one done for the peace of mind that what looked good after my accident also checked out OK. Body shop was direct billed by my dealer. (Also good to show saleperson in the future when you do a trade-in. Get lots of pics as well of work as it progresses.)