On-demand control of ancillary units saves energy

Intelligent energy management in the new BMW 3-Series is further enhanced by the ancillary units, which consume significantly less energy compared with conventional systems. Examples include the on-demand coolant pump, the electronically controlled oil pump and the electromechanical steering system, which only consumes electric power when steering assistance is actually required. The special air conditioning compressor featured on many of the sports sedan models works on the same principle. As soon as the driver switches the air conditioning off, the belt drive to the compressor is disconnected by a magnetic clutch, to minimise power drain.

    See also:

    Opening the Options menu
    Press the button The "Options" menu is displayed. The "Options" menu is displayed Additional options: move the controller to the right repeatedly until the "Options&qu ...

    Interior lamps
    General information The interior lamps, footwell lamps, entry lamps and courtesy lamps are controlled automatically. The brightness of some of these lamps is influenced by the thumbwheel for the ...

    Supplementary text messages
    Additional information on the Control Display, e.g., on the cause of a malfunction or the required action, can be called up via Check Control. The text of urgent messages is displayed automatica ...