BMW to begin fitting sixes with stop/start
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 3-Series
BMW's Efficient Dynamics program has prompted the Bavarian automaker to add fuel-saving technologies to its line of vehicles. Most of the changes have been made first to the most fuel efficient models, including the adoption of stop/start technology. By bringing the engine to a stop instead of letting it idle away, a huge improvement can be realized, especially in city-style stop-and-go driving conditions. So far, all of the models to be so equipped have featured four-cylinder engines underhood. No longer. BMW will soon be waving its stop/start wand over its excellent inline six-cylinder engines.
Expect to see the stop/start make its first six cylinder appearance in the 3 Series. A bit later on down the line, the technology will spread across the entire brand's range of vehicles. Now that the United States may finally be getting four cylinder BMWs again, is it too much to ask for them to allow us to save some gas with the stop/start too? We'll see.
Gallery: 2009 BMW 3-series
[Source: Channel 4]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
BoneHeadOtto 9:38AM (9/05/2008)
What i really want is a car with start stop that i can control. Give me a system where i can put a manual in neutral and let out the clutch to stop the engine. So basically when in full neutral, stop the engine. Then if i depress teh clutch, hit the brakes, or shift into gear, the engine comes back on. I guarantee an average manual driver will look like a seriously skilled hypermiler doing that. Give people the power to be hyper milers and i will bite. (but just not a BMW, something cheaper)
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Mirko 2:58PM (9/06/2008)
Give me a system where i can put a manual in neutral and let out the clutch to stop the engine. So basically when in full neutral, stop the engine. Then if i depress teh clutch ... he engine comes back on.
You just described exactly how the start/stop in my BMW 118d works.
Ovidiu S 1:26AM (11/09/2008)
Stop-Start systems have also been adopted in the new Smart ForTwo MHD (Micro Hybrid Drive) generation, and it is said to have increased the mileage considerably. You may read more on this on greenoptimistic.com
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harma41 2:57PM (9/05/2008)
I hope they make this a 2009 model option, my current 330i lease is up next year, and I want stop/start.
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Mirko 2:59PM (9/06/2008)
It won't come as an option - every BMW available with start/stop has it as standard equipment.
At the moment, all 4-cylinder manual transmission 1- and 3-series have start/stop.
lisa 12:09PM (11/15/2008)
I'm having trouble starting a 335i with the start/stop button.
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