Brake Energy Regeneration: an energy-saving innovation.
The new BMW 5-Series sedan continues the roll-out of BMW's Brake Energy Regeneration system on US models. To save energy and reduce the vehicle's fuel consumption over time, this system manages the times at which the alternator charges the battery.
Conventionally, a car's alternator runs continuously and thus is always charging the vehicle's battery. In the new BMW 5-Series, it charges only when the vehicle is decelerating or braking; otherwise, it freewheels and draws virtually no power from the engine. An electronically controlled clutch, similar to that used with the air-conditioning compressor, is used to engage and disengage the alternator.
Accommodating the less-frequent charging is a special, more powerful vehicle battery that can satisfy the vehicle's high electrical demands without access to continuous charging. The battery uses a technology called "glass mat," in which its internal plates are separated with saturated absorbent glass-boron silicate rather than the usual liquid electrolyte. This construction sharply reduces the battery's conversion of charging energy to heat, and can provide the necessary electrical power for longer periods between charges.
See also:
Controls
This chapter is intended to provide you with
information that will give you complete control of
your vehicle. All features and accessories that are
useful for driving and your safety, comfort an ...
Overview: indicator/warning lamps
Turn signal
Parking brake
Parking brake in Canadian models
Automatic Hold*
Front fog lamps*
High beams
High-beam Assistant
Parking lamps, headlamp control
Active Cruise Control
Vehi ...
Saving the spoken instructions on the
programmable memory buttons
The function for switching the spoken instructions
on/off can be stored on a programmable
memory button, for quick access. ...