Sports manager.
The M Drive Manager in the BMW M3 Convertible.
M Drive enables drivers to program a host of the BMW M3 Convertible's functions to suit their individual preferences. These functions include the Digital Motor Electronics (DME system), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Damper Control (EDC), Servotronic steering and the engine. Just one touch of the M Drive button on the steering wheel and all preselected settings are reactivated - for exceptionally comfortable or exceptionally dynamic driving.
M Drive.
M Drive - your preferred driving program at the touch of a button. With M Drive, all control systems and vehicle response modes can be combined freely using iDrive, and immediately activated using the M Drive button on the steering wheel.
M Drive transforms a comfortable touring car into a high-performance racing machine with the press of a button. It immediately activates your pre-determined preferences: DSC can be put into M Dynamic mode, the Head-Up Display can be changed to show M-specific information, the active seats can move from "Comfort" to "Sport" position, and in the BMW M5 Sedan, M5 Touring, BMW M6 Coupé and M6 Convertible, M Drive can change the settings of electronic engine management to P500 Sport and put SMG Drivelogic into sports mode.
Using iDrive, you configure your personal preferences for the vehicle's control systems and response modes, and once defined, a single press of the M Drive button is all that's needed to active them all.
M Drive can control: The Digital Motor Electronics (DME): three different programmes for engine output and responsiveness. SMG Drivelogic: six different manual gearshift programmes (Sequential mode) or five automatic gearshift modes (Drive mode) (specially for the BMW M5 Sedan, M5 Touring, BMW M6 Coupé and M6 Convertible).
iDrive.
More functions, fewer buttons: the iDrive system puts everything at your fingertips.
The main task of a vehicle control system is to support the driver. With iDrive, BMW has opened up a new development in driver orientation and vehicle control, enabling you to control all kinds of different functions through just a few instrument in new, logical arrangement.
The small number of control elements really crucial to driving, plus the most frequently-used functions, are positioned around and on the steering wheel. These include indicators, windscreen wipers, headlight controls and basic sound system and communication controls. As the driver, you never need to take your hands from the wheel. Key driving data such as speed and navigation directions are presented in your line of sight, on the Info Display or the Head-Up Display.
Most other functions - from the air conditioner and navigation settings to BMW Assist and suspension settings - are activated through the Controller: a single turn-and-push dial in the centre console. It enables intuitive operation in a precise dialogue with the Control Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel. The Controller can be used with just one hand, and offers haptic feedback so you can use it without even looking at it.
A second Controller in the rear of the cabin enables rear passengers to use the entertainment, comfort, multimedia and navigation systems if desired.
Info Display.
Everything you need to know about your vehicle and your trip is clearly presented on the Info Display.
The Info Display meets all regulatory requirements, presents information in a way that is clear and easy to understand, and actively supports the driver by dynamically providing relevant, timely information.
Every detail of its design is oriented to the needs of the driver.
The brightness of the display adjusts itself automatically to suit the ambient light conditions. The speedometer and tachometer are both presented as an analogue needle on a dial - because this can be read faster and more intuitively than a numeric display.
For other elements, the Info Display uses a high-quality light emitting diode (LED) and warning lights. Your cruising speed and distance settings for Active Cruise Control (ACC) are displayed within the speedometer. The fuel gauge also provides information about the range remaining from the current fuel level, and the navigation system's directions and traffic reports appear within the tachometer.
Warning and control lights provide the driver with an overview of the functioning of the on-board systems and the selected gear.
Active Cruise Control.
Driving on busy highways and freeways is more relaxing with Active Cruise Control. It maintains the desired speed when possible, while also keeping a pre-defined distance to any vehicles in the lane ahead.
Radar sensors at the front of the vehicle permanently scan the road ahead. As your BMW approaches a slower vehicle, Active Cruise Control automatically reduces power output from the engine and gently applies the brakes, holding your BMW at a pre-defined distance to the vehicle ahead.
This distance is set as a number of seconds, not of metres, so that a safe reaction time is always available, relative to the current speed. When the lane ahead becomes clear, Active Cruise Control automatically increases your vehicle's speed to your preferred cruising speed. Up to four different cruising speeds can be pre-programmed. A touch on the accelerator or brake pedal deactivates the system.
On curves, Active Cruise Control uses data from the DSC and navigation systems to calculate whether the cruise speed needs to be adjusted, and to determine whether vehicles in the radar's field are in the same or a neighbouring lane.
The high-performance radar sensor is heated in cold weather, ensuring year-round operation. Active Cruise Control is functional at speeds above 30 km/h and below 180 km/h. The system is not intended to serve as an autopilot: outside these speeds, and if sudden deceleration is required, the driver is alerted by a warning sound and visual message.
Head-Up Display.
Intelligent ergonomics for a superior driving experience - Head-Up Display projects important information directly in your line of sight. The virtual image is beamed onto the windscreen as a clear, easy-to-read image. Key driving information such as speed and navigation instructions can be seen more easily, without you needing to take your eyes from the road ahead.
BMW vehicles with Head-Up Display can be recognised by a small square depression on the dashboard. This contains a projector and a system of mirrors that beams an easy-to-read, high-contrast image onto a translucent film on the windscreen, directly in your line of sight. The image, measuring around 18 x 10 cm, is projected in such a way that it appears to be about two metres away, above the tip of the bonnet, making it particularly comfortable to read.
The sophisticated projector - which uses an individually managed transistor for each pixel - enables you to see the vehicle speed, navigation directions, values from Check Control and the Active Cruise Control systems without needing to take your eyes from the road.
This makes it easier to maintain vehicle speed below the legal speed limit, as you always know exactly how fast you are travelling. Using the navigation system, too, becomes significantly easier, as the arrows indicating the recommended direction are immediately visible in your natural line of sight.
Head-Up Display halves the time it takes for eyes to shift focus from road to the instruments and back, dramatically reducing the risk of not seeing the sudden illumination of brake lights of the car ahead, or an unexpected obstacle. Driving at night, too, becomes significantly less fatiguing for the eyes.
BMW Assist.
Help when you need it most - supporting you in an emergency, guiding you in unfamiliar territory and enabling you to avoid traffic jams: BMW Assist provides reliable help in every situation, bringing you safely and quickly to your destination.
Since it was first launched in 1999, the ground-breaking telematic service BMW Assist has provided convenient information and helpful services for BMW drivers when they need it most. In connection with the BMW Navigation system plus the BMW preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone with integrated SIM card, BMW Assist brings you a range of useful features.
The emergency call feature, for example, automatically transmits your vehicle's status and position data directly to the BMW Service headquarters and makes a telephone connection. The system sends an automatic signal to BMW Service immediately if the crash sensors in the airbags are activated.
In the event of a breakdown, BMW Assist activates the BMW breakdown service, connecting to Mobile Service and transmitting the relevant vehicle data. Your BMW Service partner will be by your side as quickly as possible, helping you get back onto the road.
Should you be driving on the German Autobahn network, BMW Assist also provides reliable and up-to-the-minute traffic information, thanks to a system of more than 4,000 sensors positioned along the motorways, that measure traffic congestion and transmit the results in real time.
A further feature of BMW Assist is the BMW information service, which provides up-to-date information directly in your vehicle: addresses and telephone numbers, recommendations for hotels, restaurants and places of interest. Opening times and entrance fees for museums plus current cinema and theatre programmes can also be called up quickly and conveniently on the on-board monitor with TV.
Navigation system.
The BMW Professional Navigation System is extremely easy to operate and guides you quickly and directly to your destination. It also offers information about places of interest and can help you find a nearby hotel.
Your current location is established automatically by the navigator with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), down to an accuracy of 10 metres. Using this information, the system calculates the best route to your destination, and guides you step by step to your goal. Instructions are given visually as easy-to-follow arrows, and/or as clear verbal instructions over the sound system.
A digital map of the area can also be viewed, offering a high-resolution zoom function for even better orientation (from 1000 km down to 100 m). The anti-dazzle 16:9 monitor also offers a split-screen function that allows two functions to be displayed concurrently - for example information from the navigation system and from the on-board computer.
The navigation system is controlled using a menu button and a turn-and-push dial, or depending on the model of your BMW, via the iDrive Controller. Often-used addresses can be saved directly on a favourites button for instant retrieval. When the Voice Control system is installed, you can control the navigation functions by spoken commands, e.g. destination address.
When calculating the best route, the navigation system refers to current traffic information and avoids potential hindrances. In addition, BMW Assist can provide specific information on sights worth seeing, theatres or museums plus available hotels nearby.
Control Display.
Using the glare-free Control Display, you can quickly and easily access all important information while driving.
The Control Display presents a clear, easy-to-read overview of all functions that can be controlled using the iDrive Controller. This includes information from the on-board computer, the settings for the sound system and radio, directions given by the navigation system, current traffic information from BMW Assist, and the vehicle's current service status.
The transflexive LCD display offers excellent contrast and presents a clear, glare-free image from all angles and in all light conditions. A light sensor measure the brightness in the cabin and adjusts the Control Display automatically to ensure that it remains easily readable, even in direct sunlight, and that it is not excessively bright when the cabin is dark. The main menu is divided clearly into four categories: Communication, Navigation, Entertainment and Climate. Together with the iDrive Controller, its logical structure enables easy, intuitive access to all functions.
The Control Display is available in two sizes: 6.5" or, in connection with the navigation system or television options, 8.8". Its intelligent design ensures you need never be distracted from the pleasure of driving.
Controller.
The Controller lets you quickly and intuitively use or change any of the iDrive functions with one hand - without taking your eyes off the road.
As the central control tool for the iDrive system, the Controller is comfortably positioned on the central console, in easy reach of both driver and front passenger. Its rotate-and-press mechanism enables intuitive, one-handed operation.
This practical control system lets you access and change many of your vehicle's functions. Even long lists can be scrolled through quickly and smoothly. The Control Display offers clear visual information about the current menu options and relevant data. Furthermore, thanks to the Controller's intelligent haptic feedback, it is possible to operate it by the sense of touch alone, allowing the driver to remain primarily focussed on the road ahead.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) adds to safety by facilitating vehicle control even in adverse driving conditions or on tough surfaces.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is the nucleus of the chassis control systems in BMW vehicles. It ensures the highest possible levels of stability when driving, and it maximizes traction of all wheels when setting off or accelerating. It is able to detect the first signs of oversteering or understeering and helps keep the vehicle safely on course, even if the tyres have varying levels of grip.
Sophisticated sensors permanently check how the vehicle is driving. Information comes a range of sensors monitoring wheel rotation, steering angle, lateral forces, pressure and yaw (degree of rotation around the vertical axis). A simulation model stored in the DSC control unit to ensure stability ("one-/two-track model") and can be compared information coming from the steering wheel and accelerator: if there is too great a difference between the model and how the vehicle is currently travelling, DSC acts to increase stability or traction.
The engine and brake management systems are targeted specifically; xDrive is also included in all-wheel drive vehicles. Reducing or increasing the engine torque or braking individual wheels can improve stability and traction. Active Steering’s integrated yaw regulation system can even help significantly reduce steering effort and the extent of DSC’s contribution to stability.
xDrive.
The BMW all-wheel drive system, xDrive, ensures your BMW has the best possible traction at all times, enhancing agility and keeping you safely on track, even on fast bends.
xDrive is the permanent all-wheel drive system from BMW: under normal circumstances, it distributes driver power between the front and rear axles in a 40:60 ratio, and changes this figure variably when the road surface or overall driving conditions change.
Acting virtually instantaneously and a manner so subtle as to be go virtually unnoticed by the vehicle’s occupants, xDrive can direct up to 100% of drive forces to one axle. Enabling the driver to start up effortlessly even on slippery surfaces or steep hills, xDrive routes all power to the axles with the greatest traction. When parking, the system reacts to the need for high manoeuvrability at low speed by opening the clutch completely so the powertrain functions optimally.
At the first sign of understeering, drive power to the front axle is reduced. If oversteering is detected, xDrive directs more power to the front axle. Thanks to this dynamic redistribution of power, vehicle stability returns to normal even before the driver notices anything amiss.
Driving on a winding road or taking a fast bend in dynamic style is particularly enjoyable with xDrive: you feel as if your BMW is being guided along the curve. xDrive ensures that none of drive power is wasted on a loss of traction: every kilowatt of power is effectively brought to bear on the road.
xDrive is regulated by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and uses information from the latter system’s sensors to monitor road conditions. In addition, brake force courtesy of DSC is used when there is traction difference between the two sides of the vehicle and wheel spin is likely.
Active Steering.
The new dimension in steering comfort: Active Steering offers precision, agility and comfort in every driving situation.
At the heart of the new Active Steering system is the planetary gear set integrated into the steering column. An electric motor in the joint adjusts the front wheels' steering angle in proportion to the Sedan's current speed.
When driving at lower speeds - such as in city traffic, when parking or on winding mountain roads, Active Steering increases the size of the steering angle. The front wheels respond immediately to small movements of the steering wheel, enabling the driver to manoeuvre through tight spaces without needing to make multiple turns of the steering wheel. Parking is easier and agility enhanced.
At higher speeds, bends are more gradual, demanding a smaller steering angle. Therefore, Active Steering reduces the amount of change in the steering angle for every movement of the steering wheel. This gives the driver the advantage of more precise steering at higher speeds, and ensures great stability and more comfort.
If the vehicle is threatened with instability, such as by oversteering or braking on a changeable surface, DSC identifies the problem and can use Active Steering to help overcome it. For example, in order to reduce unsafe yaw, Active Steering can increase the angle of steering wheels faster than even the most expert driver. Active Steering does not interrupt the direct connection between steering wheel and front wheels, so that even in the unlikely event of a complete failure of the electronic systems, the BMW remains completely controllable at all times.
Electronic Damper Control (EDC).
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) reduces variations in wheel load, ensures tyres have excellent traction and counteracts bodyshell movement regardless of the weight your automobile may be carrying - and regardless of the state of the road's surface. EDC can even help shorten braking distances, meaning you enjoy outstanding comfort along with the best in BMW on-road safety.
Sensitive sensors constantly monitor all factors influencing the vehicle's behaviour and occupants’ comfort, including road conditions, load changes and vehicle speed. In a fraction of a second, the signals are analysed by the EDC microprocessor and orders are sent to the actuators on the shock absorbers, which, with the help of magnetic valves, are variably adjusted to provide optimal suspension.
Thanks to Electronic Damper Control, the tendency for the nose to dip when braking is practically eliminated. The influence of potholes and unevenness on the road surface are reduced to minimum. Whether you're behind the wheel or relaxing in the rear of the cabin, EDC delivers a remarkably smooth and comfortable ride.
Servotronic.
Effortless agility when parking, light-footed responsiveness and stability at higher speeds: Servotronic adjusts the amount of steering assistance to suit the current speed, enhancing driver comfort by lowering the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
The Servotronic control unit adjusts the amount of steering assistance to suit the speed of the vehicle. An electromagnetic valve accurately controls the amount of force applied by the steering hydraulics, enabling outstandingly precise steering that suits your current driving situation. Conventional power steering systems, by contrast, regulate the power steering in relation to the engine's RPM. The electromechanical steering system EPS uses an electric motor to achieve the same effect.
Thanks to Servotronic, driving along narrow streets or parking becomes easier as it requires minimum effort to turn the steering wheel. The power assist progressively decreases when the vehicle speeds up, ensuring greater stability, improved precision and smoother vehicle behaviour.