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:

    The concept
    If the vehicle does not include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, the collision warning is controlled via the camera in the base of the interior rearview mirror. The system issues a two ...

    Contrasting light surfaces imbue the rear with brio and energy
    The strong horizontal lines of the rear - including rear lights in customary BMW L-shaped design positioned at the outer edges of the back end - accentuate the broad face of the wheels and wide tr ...

    Malfunction
    Malfunction A Check Control message , is displayed in the instrument cluster. The areas in front of and behind the vehicle appear in shaded form on the Control Display. PDC has failed. Hav ...