News

Improve Fuel Economy with BMW EfficientDynamics
01/02/2008

At Cooper BMW Thames Ditton we are increasingly aware of our customers’ concerns regarding fuel economy and the impact of CO2 taxation. We are pleased to announce that BMW has developed the EfficientDynamics programme: a range of new technologies to produce more powerful and dynamic cars that have improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

Trevor Webb, Dealer Principal, explains: “EfficientDynamics is the next step in a philosophy that BMW has been developing for several years. In simple terms it includes pioneering the use of more lightweight materials to achieve significant weight reduction, and the development of advanced engine technologies, like Twin Turbo and high-precision direct injection, to create fuel-efficient, better performing cars.

“These innovations will ensure that our new models give you the drive that is expected from a BMW, with a clear conscience and less of the financial burden usually associated with owning a performance car, such as emissions tax and petrol costs. You will also benefit from stronger residual values, as the combination of performance, efficiency and low running costs makes the cars even more appealing at resale.”

EfficientDynamics includes the further development of existing engine technologies and creation of new intelligent energy management systems. In the longer term, it will be extended to include the widespread adoption of hydrogen power and the unique BMW Hydrogen 7.

Intelligent Energy Management

Five new technologies have been developed as part of the EfficientDynamics programme, with each working actively to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. These will be included on all new BMW models.

Auto Start-Stop Function is a fuel-saving feature that automatically stops the engine when the car is idling – such as at traffic lights or in queues – then restarts as soon as you depress the clutch.

Intelligent Alternator Control disengages the alternator when the battery is fully charged and only engages it again when the battery needs charging, saving fuel and cutting emissions by only operating when needed.

Brake Energy Regeneration makes full use of otherwise wasted energy to charge the car’s battery. When the brakes are applied, the system automatically engages the alternator and charges the battery to full power.

Electric Power Steering reduces the weight of the car by removing the need for a hydraulic pump. Consequently, BMW cars will be more fuel and emissions efficient.

Optimum Shift Indicator indicates (on the dashboard) the optimum gear for any given driving situation, again helping to save fuel and cut emissions.

Trevor Webb adds: “EfficientDynamics is a huge step towards producing cars that have less impact on the environment, are efficient to run yet still provide the same performance that people expect from a BMW. The development of hydrogen models is an exciting innovation and marks the company’s long-term commitment to ensuring sustainable mobility in the decades to come.”

For more information about BMW EfficientDynamics and how BMW is helping to improve vehicle efficiency, then please contact us for more details.