BMW developing stop-start technology for six-cylinder engines
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BMW developing stop-start technology for six-cylinder engines
BMW developing stop-start technology for six-cylinder engines
Posted on Tuesday 16 September 2008
BMW currently offers autonomous engine stop-start technology for its four-cylinder engines under the guise of its EfficientDynamics ecological banner, but the fuel-saving feature is now expected to filter across to the carmaker’s award winning range of six-cylinder engines as well. The decision comes as BMW experiences falling sales of its larger powerplants, especially in Europe, and the first six-cylinder models with stop-start should be hitting showrooms within the next 12 months.
Stop-start systems essentially shut down an engine to save fuel when a car is sitting in idle traffic, and then almost instantly kick it back into life once the accelerator is depressed or the clutch is engaged. By doing this, stop-start systems offer the greatest fuel savings around town, where high cycle stop-and-go driving is common. The savings can be substantial, with four-cylinder models regularly returning savings of around 4-6% in fuel consumption. The fuel savings are expected to be higher in the six-cylinder models.
However, because of their complex mechanisms current systems only work with manual transmissions. While gearbox manufacturers like ZF have developed new versions that work with automatics, their market roll-out is still several years away for BMW.
As most six-cylinder BMW models are sold with automatics, the carmaker has been reluctant to add stop-start systems to these cars, according to BusinessWeek. There’s been no mention in which markets BMW will first offer the option and in which models it will be available.
Posted on Tuesday 16 September 2008
BMW currently offers autonomous engine stop-start technology for its four-cylinder engines under the guise of its EfficientDynamics ecological banner, but the fuel-saving feature is now expected to filter across to the carmaker’s award winning range of six-cylinder engines as well. The decision comes as BMW experiences falling sales of its larger powerplants, especially in Europe, and the first six-cylinder models with stop-start should be hitting showrooms within the next 12 months.
Stop-start systems essentially shut down an engine to save fuel when a car is sitting in idle traffic, and then almost instantly kick it back into life once the accelerator is depressed or the clutch is engaged. By doing this, stop-start systems offer the greatest fuel savings around town, where high cycle stop-and-go driving is common. The savings can be substantial, with four-cylinder models regularly returning savings of around 4-6% in fuel consumption. The fuel savings are expected to be higher in the six-cylinder models.
However, because of their complex mechanisms current systems only work with manual transmissions. While gearbox manufacturers like ZF have developed new versions that work with automatics, their market roll-out is still several years away for BMW.
As most six-cylinder BMW models are sold with automatics, the carmaker has been reluctant to add stop-start systems to these cars, according to BusinessWeek. There’s been no mention in which markets BMW will first offer the option and in which models it will be available.
Lead Lap
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From: MD
However, because of their complex mechanisms current systems only work with manual transmissions
Though I would think that they would benefit from DIing all their engines more than from this technology.
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From: Silicon Valley
Interesting, I thought that they didn't work with manual transmissions. I thought that was the whole issue, especially with why vehicles like the first Insight and Civic hybrid didn't have engine start stop technology (before CVTs). I also thought that was the criticism for Porsche, since most of their vehicles are MTs. ....if thats the case sign me up for a MT, I6 BMW with cut off technology.
Though I would think that they would benefit from DIing all their engines more than from this technology.
Though I would think that they would benefit from DIing all their engines more than from this technology.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: MD
Heavy duty starters. This is no different than how most hybrid shut down their ICEs. And so far so good.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: UK
I've driven a MINI and BMW 3-series with the system and it's very good, if a little disconcerting at first. The 2.0 litre BMW returns 40mpg with it - plus significant reductions in CO2 output.
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