A BORN SPORTSMAN. WITH PLENTY IN RESERVE.

The 8-speed Steptronic transmission sets new benchmarks in comfort and dynamic performance and is a key element of BMW EfficientDynamics. The unusually fine increments between gears facilitate optimum power delivery at all speeds. This reduces fuel consumption significantly, while allowing the driver to enjoy increased sportiness and dynamic performance. The engine speed is reduced, particularly at high speeds, which in turn reduces both fuel consumption and engine noise.
The converter clutch also helps – even if the car is changed to the manual mode. The fast engine speed transitions and precise transmission tuning guarantee incredibly smooth gearshifts.
Integrated functions – such as the predictive drivetrain, the constant monitoring of the vehicle's movements and the traffic situation – considerably affect the way the transmission shifts gears. Regardless of the current driving mode, the system always selects the most suitable gear. The transmission control unit is linked to the navigation system, so depending on the route, the predictive drivetrain switches between a more athletic, responsive setting (SPORT mode) and a more comfortable setting with fewer gear shifts (COMFORT mode).

The Adaptive M suspension is set ten millimetres lower, further increasing the BMW 3 Series' full dynamic potential. The driver can adjust the driving characteristics to enable whichever driving style is most appealing at the time – from comfortable to extremely athletic. Whichever setting is chosen, the Adaptive M suspension's electrically controlled dampers calibrate to suit the road conditions within fractions of a second. The system also uses numerous sensors that measure wheel vibrations, as well as vehicle speed, in order to achieve optimal damping and vehicle safety.
COMFORT mode can be selected for relaxed travelling. SPORT mode enables a distinctly athletic suspension setting with noticeably tighter damper settings. For extremely dynamic driving, SPORT+ mode is the best choice: the DTC function (Dynamic Traction Control) is activated, which allows more wheel-slip on the drive wheels, for athletic driving that pushes the limits of the car's dynamics. However, the DSC function isn't completely disabled; rather it intervenes much later – within the limits of what is physically possible and safe – in order to stabilise the vehicle.

The variable sport steering with Servotronic creates a direct and agile steering response and ensures less physical effort is required to turn the wheel. It reacts to the angle of the steering wheel independently from the current speed with various steering ratios. This reduces the steering movement required when steering at particularly large angles. It features speed-dependent, variable power steering. This significantly increases agility and improves handling when driving dynamically through sharp bends and corners, or when swerving to avoid obstacles. It also makes parking, turning and manoeuvring easier. For small steering angles, the system provides excellent directional stability and a very high degree of steering precision.

The intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system adapts perfectly to even the most challenging road surface conditions, ensuring optimal traction at all times. xDrive and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ensure that the BMW 3 Series remains perfectly stable in its track. Controlled via the DSC sensor, xDrive flexibly and quickly distributes drive power between the axles in order to prevent oversteer or understeer from developing, thereby ensuring outstanding directional stability. In critical road conditions, the DSC doesn't need to intervene as much. BMW xDrive combines all the advantages of an all-wheel drive system – traction, directional stability and driving safety – with classic BMW agility for even more driving pleasure.

The Automatic Start/Stop function ensures that fuel is only used when the car is actually moving. When the vehicle comes to a temporary standstill, for example at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic, the Automatic Start/Stop function saves fuel by switching off the engine as soon as the car is idling and the driver's foot is off the clutch (manual transmission), or when the car brakes to a complete standstill (Steptronic transmission).
A signal in the Info Display indicates that the Automatic Start/Stop function is active. As soon as the driver presses the clutch (manual transmission) or takes their foot off the brake (Steptronic transmission), the engine springs back to life automatically.
This function never compromises driving comfort or safety, as it remains inactive if the engine has not reached its optimal running temperature, the interior has not yet been sufficiently heated or cooled, if the battery level is too low or if the steering wheel is being turned. If necessary, a central control unit restarts the engine even when at a standstill, for example if the car begins to roll or if condensation starts to form on the windscreen. The Automatic Start/Stop function can be switched off at any time with the push of a button.

Every braking process generates kinetic energy; and until recently this energy went unused. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of this long-overlooked potential. It harnesses the coasting energy that is generated whenever the driver brakes or takes their foot off the accelerator, and turns it into electricity. This electricity is then used to charge the car battery. This intelligent energy management system means that the alternator no longer needs to run constantly, which reduces the strain on the generator. The result: reduced fuel consumption and increased propulsion power – classic attributes of BMW EfficientDynamics.

Electric power steering optimally adjusts the steering support to the current speed. This results in direct, precise steering behaviour at high speeds and effortless manoeuvrability when parking. The steering only consumes energy when it is really necessary. This saves fuel and reduces emissions.
Instead of a hydraulic pump, it relies on an electric motor. In conventional systems, this pump must be constantly powered by the engine, but this electric support only runs when the steering wheel is being moved. When driving straight ahead or maintaining the same steering angle (e.g. on long bends), the electric motor is not active and does not consume any energy. By flexibly adjusting the steering support to match the current driving situation and speed, steering comfort is improved.

Perfectly timed gear shifts can significantly help save fuel, particularly in urban traffic and over long distances. Change gears at the right time, use less fuel – the engine’s electronics system identifies the most efficient gear, based on road conditions and engine speed. An arrow lights up in the Info Display to show when it would be more efficient to shift into a higher or lower gear. The system also recognises quick acceleration, and will delay its recommendation accordingly until the engine speed has increased. Drivers using a Steptronic transmission in manual mode also receive relevant shifting suggestions. BMW internal comparative tests have shown that vehicles with the Optimum Shift Indicator use around four percent less fuel.