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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    Odometer and trip odometer
    Resetting trip odometer: With the ignition switched on, press button 1 in the instrument cluster. ...

    Roadside parking lamps
    The vehicle can be illuminated on one side. Switching on With the ignition switched off, press the lever either up or down past the resistance point for approx. 2 seconds. Switching off Brie ...

    The concept
    The system is functional at speeds beginning at approx. 20 mph/30 km/h. It maintains the speed that was set using the control elements on the steering wheel. The system brakes on downhill gradie ...