BMW M3 gets EfficientDynamics feature

As of spring 2010, the M line-up of BMW 3 series - Coupé, Convertible and Sedan will combine the high-performance driving features with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels characteristic to EfficientDynamics solutions portfolio. These models will be supplemented with the Auto Start Stop Function and combined with a dual clutch transmission for the first time.

The BMW M3 features the 4.0 litre V8 high-revving engine which is developed exclusively for the M3. It outputs 309 kW (420 bhp). With Auto Start Stop Function this engine avoids idling phases when stopping at junctions or in congested traffic. In order to prevent unnecessary fuel consumption the engine is switched off when the vehicle comes to a halt. As soon as the driver wishes to continue driving, the engine is re-activated without delay.

The Auto Start Stop Function is used both in vehicles with standard 6-speed manual transmission and in conjunction with the M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic. The BMW M3 is thus the first model - along with the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - to use this efficiency-enhancing measure in combination with an automated manual transmission.

The increase in efficiency brought about by the Auto Start Stop Function is up to 8 per cent of 24 grams of CO2 per kilometre, depending on the model and transmission type.

For example, the BMW M3 Coupé with 7-speed M dual clutch transmission and Drivelogic powered by a V8 now achieves an average fuel consumption on the EU test cycle of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres (6-speed manual transmission: 12.4 litres). The same figures apply to the BMW M3 Sedan. In the case of the BMW M3 Convertible, the average fuel consumption is reduced to 11.5 litres (M dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic) or 12.7 litres (6-speed manual transmission) per 100 kilometres. All versions of the BMW M3 will also meet the exhaust emission norm EU5 in future.

This spring BMW M GmbH will extend the range of driver assistance systems optionally available for the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M. Both models can now be fitted with the functions Side View and Speed Limit Info. Directly at the market launch of the new BMW X5, a newly configured M Sports Package will be available for the Sports Activity Vehicle.

The Side View system comprises two cameras integrated in the side of the front bumpers, which means that intersecting traffic can be observed. The images from these cameras are shown on the Control Display of the operating system iDrive, providing an advance view of the road situation to the left and right of the vehicle when coming out of blind exits such as narrow driveways or multi-storey car parks, for example.

Speed Limit Info gives the driver the possibility of finding out about speed restrictions on the current route. Here, a camera is installed on the windscreen in the area of the interior mirror which permanently monitors signs at the roadside as well as the variable displays on overhead gantries on motorways, comparing this information with the data from the navigation system. The figure thus obtained is displayed by means of a symbol on the instrument panel or in the Head-Up Display, as required.

Newly designed rear lights with especially narrow bands of light in the reversing lamps provide an enhanced sense of width in the BMW X5 M. Their homogeneously luminous light banks fed by LED also create a nocturnal design which is characteristic of the brand. They are now also fitted with dynamic LED brake lights which flash in the event of particularly intense deceleration, thereby providing a warning signal for drivers to the rear.

For the launch of the Z4 sDrive35, the M Sports Package for the BMW Z4 is offered for all the other versions of the roadster, too.