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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    Overview of the information
    Repeatedly pressing the button on the turn signal lever displays the information on the instrument cluster in the following order: ▷ Range. ▷ Average speed<>. ▷ Average ...

    Opening/closing the glass sunroof and sliding visor together
    Briefly press the switch twice in succession in the desired direction past the resistance point. The glass sunroof and sliding visor move together. Pressing the switch again stops the motio ...

    Display in the instrument cluster
    The selected speed is displayed in the speedometer. ▷ Green: the system is actively braking the vehicle. ▷ Orange: the system is on standby. ...