BMW Heaven - The BMW Knowledge Base - BMW options & electronic systems

MDrive

This button on the steering wheel offers a one-touch function that changes the settings on the car to an enhanced sporting character. This set-up is formatted via iDrive with the owner choosing the preferred SMG, Electronic Damper Control and DSC modes and, if specified, the rate of support the Active Seat Control side bolsters offer. The function of the standard fit Head-up Display is also altered when the MDrive button is activated. If MDrive is activated the display changes to a rev counter including vehicle speed that both flash at the driver when the next gear needs to be selected.

Multi-Information Display

The Multi-Information Display (MID) provides the driver with important information about how the technology in their car is functioning, a definite plus when it comes to safety and reliability. In this way, check/control displays information coming from the optional on-board computer, such as average fuel consumption or estimated time of arrival, and indicates if a particular function is not performing properly. A digital clock is also integrated into the MID.

Park Distance Control

Park Distance Control (PDC) makes it easier to park and manoeuvre in narrow spaces. Ultrasound sensors measure the distance between your car and any nearby object that might hinder it. Having detected an obstacle, your car sounds a warning signal. This signal changes tone as the gap increases or decreases, enabling drivers to make the best use of every parking opportunity that comes their way. Occupying and leaving parking spaces becomes quicker and easier; scratches and scuffed paintwork become less likely. Drivers of the BMW 5 and 7 Series can also avail of a diagrammatic representation in the Control Display, supplementing the audio warning signal.

Run-flat Tyres

Puncture? With run-flat tyres standard in the newer BMWs, loss of air pressure no longer means an unpleasant road-side tyre change. Special reinforced side walls and lateral supports in the tyre, plus a fire-resistant rubber compound, keep the run-flat tyres stable and safe for up to 150 km at 80 km/h. Driver-assistant features remain active, and the BMW can be driven to the next service station. A spare tyre is not needed.

Servotronic

The electronic modification of servo pressure depending on speed guarantees impressively high servo power even when travelling slowly; this power is reduced at higher speeds. This means that only minimum effort is needed to turn the wheel at low speed; steering assistance drops continuously as you accelerate, increasing the direct contact with the road surface and enabling you to steer with increased precision. In addition, you benefit from added comfort and ease of movement when parking or steering in confined spaces, for example when travelling through narrow openings and alleys.

Sequential Manual Gearbox

More than a gear change: SMG Drivelogic is a gear transformation. The optional Sequential M Gearbox Drivelogic applies motorsports technology with stunning results. Change gears smoothly, clutch-free and in a fraction of a second, simply by pressing the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Enjoy complete control of power transmission - without needing to take your hands from the wheel.

Steptronic

Steptronic converts a BMW automatic transmission into a manual gearbox whenever required. In the BMW 7 Series, the Steptronic keys are located on the steering wheel. In other models, drivers use the selector lever, moving it from position D (automatic mode) to sports program S. To choose gears individually according to your personal requirements, just tap the selector lever briefly backward into position S in order to shift up, and forward in order to shift down. This function allows you to shift gears actively without having to operate the clutch.

Tyre Defect Indicator

The Tyre Defect Indicator (TDI) monitors the air pressure in the tyres at all road speeds. This system is therefore able to detect a possible loss of air by checking the wheels' speed of rotation. Since the roll radius of the tyres alters as pressure decreases, the wheel rotation speed changes accordingly and is measured precisely by the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensors on the wheels. A warning light in the instrument panel and a warning signal alert the driver in the event of a loss of pressure.

Trailer Stability Control

The trailer stabilisation control in the BMW X3 and X5 is an innovative safety system that recognises the presence of a trailer as soon as the trailer plug is inserted into the power socket at the rear. The trailer stability control is integrated in the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and uses DSC sensors to monitor the yaw rate (rotation around the vertical axis) of the vehicle. If the sensors identify behaviour that is typically associated with a swaying motion, the engine output is cut and all four wheels are braked automatically. The trailer's motion soon returns to normal thanks to the system's fast response.

Valvetronic

Valvetronic (variable valves and electronics) is a valve drive system with fully-variable lift control of the intake valves (with lift varying from 0 - 9.7 mm). Unlike all other petrol engines, it does not require a throttle butterfly, and engine output is controlled entirely by fully variable intake valves which regulate the amount of air (volume control) and reduce power loss considerably. For BMW drivers, Valvetronic technology means lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, while at the same time improving performance and engine smoothness.

Vanos/double-Vanos

Vanos and double-Vanos (double-variable camshaft control) improve the torque curve of an engine significantly. The special feature of both Vanos is that they react to the engine speed and the position of the accelerator, adapting valve timing on both the intake and outlet camshafts by even the slightest quantities to suit the running conditions of the engine. The result is even more torque at low speeds and superior performance at high revs. The reduction in unburnt residual gas improves the idling qualities of the engine, and special control maps for the warm-up phase enhance the efficiency of the catalytic converter. The car's Digital Motor Electronics (DME) are responsible for the fully-variable control of Vanos and double-Vanos.

xDrive

The intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive delivers maximum driving dynamics and traction by distributing engine power between the front and rear axles variably and instantaneously. The central element is an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch which reacts in a split-second to any change in road conditions. This variable power distribution system has a positive influence on the self-steering behaviour of the vehicle equipped with xDrive. In contrast to conventional all-wheel drive systems, xDrive uses the sensors of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to constantly gather important information about the vehicle's performance. This information is processed immediately, enabling xDrive to ascertain if your vehicle is about to over- or understeer, and it takes corrective action if necessary.

Xenon Lamps

Twice as bright as halogen: new BMWs offer xenon lamps for high and low beam as an option. The clear, penetrating light gives drivers a superior overview of the road in poor light conditions. To prevent the danger of dazzling oncoming drivers, a special projector lens directs the beam down to the road. In addition, the beam angle is automatically adjusted to compensate for the car's current load.

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October 11, 2008, 02:15:41 am

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