ECO PRO mode

For ECO PRO mode, a driving experience switch is fitted in the vehicle center console operating facility. ECO PRO guides the driver to adopt the best possible driving style for fuel consumption. Nevertheless sufficient driving dynamics are present. The driver is also aided in his consumption-optimized driving style by displays (see vehicle Owner's Handbook). Intelligent control of energy management and the heating and air conditioning system forms the cornerstone of ECO PRO. A real life reduction in consumption of up to 10 % can be achieved.

ECO PRO comprises 4 subsections:

• Steady driving 

  Here, a different characteristic curve is selected for the accelerator pedal and different shift points set for the automatic transmission. For manual gearboxes, the shift point indicator is set differently. ECO PRO will also reactivate the automatic engine start-stop function if it is switched off.

• Heating and air conditioning system control 

  The heating and air conditioning system is tuned for efficiency. The air conditioning has a lower drying and cooling effect on the air. The refrigerant circuit is placed under a lower load. This reduces the amount of mechanical power required. Actions cause the combustion engine to emit higher levels of heat are avoided as far as possible. The positive temperature coefficient auxiliary heating (diesel engine) is operated at a lower heater output. The air conditioning compressor is switched off when the required temperature is reached, even without cooling power. The automatic engine start-stop function availability is increased. This can have acceptable comfort implications.

  The vehicle memorizes these settings when ECO PRO is next activated

• Reducing electrical consumers 

  The mirror heating of the exterior mirrors is switched off (saves up to 100 W). The maximum temperature of the seat heating is restricted to approx. 37.5 °C (normally approx. 42 °C). The heating power of the heated rear window is also restricted.

• Displays in the instrument cluster and optionally in the central information display 
  Fig 1: Display - ECO PRO Instrument Clusters Screen

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Example display

Additional functions are realized with the development of the ECO PRO mode:

• Proactive driving assistant with coasting when idle (vehicles with automatic transmissions between 50 and 160 km/h)
• ECO PRO Route with route planning that reduces consumption
• Active cruise control (ACC) with operating conditions to optimize consumption