The BMW brand's rigorously pursued blanket implementation strategy for its BMW EfficientDynamics technology is reflected impressively in its current range. Newly developed engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology are now bringing the virtues of enhanced driving pleasure and optimized efficiency to several model series. Measures designed to cut fuel consumption, such as the Auto Start-Stop function, will appear in an even broader selection of BMW vehicles from autumn 2011. And innovative functions such as the ECO PRO mode have been included in a large number of representatives from various model series at an early stage.

The impact of BMW EfficientDynamics therefore continues to spread. For many years now, innovations developed for BMW cars to reduce their fuel consumption and CO2 output have had an extremely positive influence on emissions generated by road traffic. Indeed, in contrast to other carmakers who only offer fuel consumption-reducing technology in selected models or charge extra for it as an option, BMW offers an Efficient Dynamics package as standard on all of its new BMW cars. The characteristics of individual model concepts affect which features are included in each model. However, the reach of BMW EfficientDynamics is gradually extending into new areas here as well.

BMW TwinPower Turbo Engines

The introduction of the globally unique BMW TwinPower Turbo technology package sees BMW rolling out this extremely efficient form of power enhancement to its four-cylinder engines as well. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology boosts driving pleasure to a level that conventional naturally-aspirated engines could only achieve with far larger displacement, which would mean an increase in weight and, by extension, fuel consumption. Here, the BMW engine developers' many years of experience in the construction of extremely high-performance turbocharged engines come into play. In 1973 the BMW 2002 turbo became Europe's first series-produced car to be fitted with a turbocharger.

The latest version of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for four- and six-cylinder petrol engines combines a turbocharging system based on the twin-scroll principle with High Precision Injection direct injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control. From autumn 2011 the 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine will share the technology with a pair of four-cylinder engines with 1.6-litre displacement and two other 2.0-litre units. The new four-cylinder powerplants will be available for the new BMW 1 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW Z4 and BMW 5 Series.

Auto Start-Stop Function: Also Available with Automatic Gearbox

BMW has also performed pioneering deeds in introducing the Auto Start-Stop function across its model portfolio since it was first fitted to all BMW 1 Series models in 2007. Autumn 2011 will see another rise in the number of models equipped as standard with this automatic engine shut-off at junctions or in traffic tailbacks. In addition to an increasing number of models with a manual gearbox, BMW will offer more automatic models with the Auto Start-Stop function than any other manufacturer. The technology can now be combined with an automatic transmission in further BMW 5 Series and BMW 6 Series models, as well as elsewhere in the BMW model range.

In cars with manual transmission, the engine is switched off automatically as soon as the driver draws to a halt, moves the gearshift lever into the neutral position and takes his foot off the clutch. The engine then restarts without hesitation when the driver presses down on the clutch pedal again. In automatic models the engine shuts down when the car comes to a standstill. To move off again, all the driver needs to do is take his foot off the brake pedal and the engine sparks back into life. This comfort-optimising operation is underpinned by the integration of a hydraulic impulse storage unit, which enables the automatic gearbox to build up engine power more quickly, ready for the car to move off again.

ECO PRO Mode: Maximum Efficiency at the Touch of a Button

ECO PRO mode, which is activated by pressing the driving mode button, helps the driver to maintain a relaxed driving style at low revs and, in so doing, optimize fuel efficiency. It achieves this by carrying out adjustments to the engine management, accelerator mapping and, if necessary, the shift characteristics of the automatic transmission. In addition, the output of electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and seat and exterior mirror heating are carefully regulated to ensure extremely efficient energy management. Special displays inform the driver of the extra range, in miles (or kilometers, depending on the country), achieved as a result. The driver is also given helpful tips on how to further optimize the car's efficiency. ECO PRO mode comes as standard in all variants of the new BMW 1 Series range and is also available for the six-cylinder variants of the new BMW 6 Series and in the four- and six-cylinder BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring models.