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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    Example: playing back a CD
    1. Switch on the Entertainment sound output if necessary. 2. Press the button on the steering wheel. 3. ›C D and multimedia‹ The medium last played is played back. 4. ›C D track ...‹ e.g., CD t ...

    Increasing or reducing speed
    The speed can be changed in the range from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/25 km/ h by pressing the accelerator or brake pedal lightly. A target speed within the same range can be spec ...

    Calling up the desired speed and distance
    While driving Press the button with the system switched on. In the following cases, the stored speed value is deleted and cannot be called up again: ▷ When the system is switched off. & ...