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.

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    Display
    Information stage The dimmed lamp in the mirror housing indicates when there are vehicles in the blind spot or approaching from behind. Warning If the turn signal is set while a vehicle is in ...

    Tone
    Vehicle equipment All standard, country-specific and optional equipment that is offered in the model series is described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment is also described that is not avai ...

    Controls
    1 Change entertainment sources 2 Volume, on/off 3 Programmable memory buttons or radio station buttons 4 Change station/track 5 Eject CD/DVD 6 CD/DVD drive 7 Change wave band ...