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:

    Enabling operation in the rear
    Only possible via the iDrive in the front. 1. "Settings" 2. "Allow rear control" 3. Select the desired priority. ...

    2009 BMW X3 Review
    There is very little about the 2009 BMW X3 that hasn't already been covered by Cars.com; the 2007 model that Kelsey Mays reviewed is essentially the same vehicle that's offered for 2009. What has ...

    Signal tones
    When approaching an object, an intermittent tone is sounded that indicates the position of the object. For example, if an object is detected to the left rear of the vehicle, a signal tone sounds ...