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:

    Volume
    ▷ "Speed volume": speed-dependent volume control. ▷ "PDC": volume of the PDC signal compared to the entertainment sound output. ▷ "Gong": volume o ...

    Units of measure
    To set the respective units of measure, miles or km for the odometer and ℃ or ℉ for the external temperature. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use. ...

    Instrument cluster
    The indicator and warning lamps can light up in a variety of combinations and colors. Several of the lamps are checked for proper functioning when the engine is started or the ignition is swi ...