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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    Switching off automatically
    The system switches off and the LED goes out: ▷ After approx. 165 ft/50 m when driving forward. ▷ After approx. 22 mph/35 km/h when driving forward. Switch on the system again if nece ...

    Locking separately
    The trunk lid can be locked separately with the switch in the front passenger glove compartment. ▷ Trunk lid secured, arrow 1. ▷ Trunk lid not secured, arrow 2. Slide the switch int ...

    Adjusting the height: manual head restraints
    Adjusting the height: manual head restraints ▷ To raise: pull. ▷ To lower: press the button, arrow 1, and push the head restraint down. ...