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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    Increasing or decreasing vehicle speed
    Specify desired speed in the range from approx. 4 mph/6 km/h to approx. 15 mph/25 km/h using the rocker switch of the cruise control on the steering wheel. Vehicle speed can be changed by lightl ...

    Terminating the voice activation system
    Briefly press the button on the steering wheel or ›Cancel‹. ...

    Parking lamps
    Switch position : the vehicle lamps light up on all sides, e.g., for parking. Do not use the parking lamps for extended periods; otherwise, the battery may become discharged and it would then ...