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:
Braking: One Step Up, Two Back
There is an aspect of the 5 Series that we do object to, though, and that's
the braking. To be clear, the car stops well enough; it's not a safety concern.
The problem is the feel of the braking, ...
Gear shift indicator
The concept
The system recommends the most fuel efficient
gear in the current driving situation.
Displays
Indicators to shift up or down are displayed in
the instrument cluster.
...
Coolant level
Checking
1. Let the engine cool.
2. The coolant level is correct if it lies between
the minimum and maximum marks. The
marks are on the side of the coolant reservoir.
Adding engine oil
1. Let ...
