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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions New 48-Volt mild hybrid system for the 2021 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans

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      05-29-2020, 10:26 PM   #1
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New 48-Volt mild hybrid system for the 2021 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans

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I was just wondering if anyone else had concerns about the addition of the new 48-Volt mild hybrid system for the MY2021 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans potentially making this already fantastic B58 drive train less suitable for installing a downpipe and a tune.

Maybe it's just me, but the extra weight of a second battery, plus all the extra electrics just seems to add future high cost maintenance expenses, unnecessary complexity and additional points of failure.

As for me, I would have much rather seen the inclusion of the 382hp version of the B58 and done away with the extra electrics.

________

"A new mild hybrid system with a 48V starter-generator offers enhanced performance, better efficiency and improved driving comfort in the six-cylinder BMW 5 Series.

A powerful 48V starter-generator and a second battery greatly increases the ways in which Brake Energy Regeneration can be utilized. When the driver releases the accelerator, the generator transforms the kinetic energy into electricity to be stored in the 48V battery. Energy recuperation benefits even more when the Driving Experience Control switch is set to SPORT mode. The additional deceleration generated over and above the engine braking effect is also harnessed when the brakes are applied. A specially designed braking system previously found in BMW’s plug-in-hybrid models enables the combination of electrical and mechanical deceleration to be deployed as required and with maximum efficiency at all times.

The recuperated energy accumulating in the 48V battery is supplied to the 12V electrical system and powers the lights, steering, power windows, ventilation, audio system and seat heating. In addition, the stored energy can be used to provide additional drive power when it is fed back to the 48V starter-generator.
The starter-generator then acts likes an electric drive unit that assists the engine, allowing it to operate within a more efficient range as frequently as possible and ensuring there are fewer peaks in fuel consumption. When the car is accelerating, the 48V starter-generator is able to offer the driver an electric boost effect that can instantly put an extra 11 hp on tap for more dynamic power delivery. The result is a sharper response off the line and quicker bursts of speed when accelerating.

A special feature of the mild hybrid system is the ability to charge the 48V battery from the generator while driving at a constant speed. This method of generating electricity by raising the engine’s load point is only employed when the battery charge is low and during phases when it does not have a detrimental effect on engine efficiency.

The 48V starter-generator has the additional benefit of allowing the engine to be switched off and started again very swiftly with less vibration. The result is improved comfort when the Auto Start Stop and coasting functions are in use. When the driver brakes for a stop, the engine can be switched off as soon as the car’s speed drops below 9 mph. And if the coasting function is activated, the engine is also completely shut off rather than just being decoupled from the drivetrain. This function is now operational at speeds between 16 – 99 mph and, on the new BMW 5 Series, it is available not just in ECO Pro mode but also COMFORT mode."

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      05-30-2020, 12:19 AM   #2
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Presumably emission regs driving this.
I'm still surprised (but pleased) that bmw still offer cars with 6+ cylinders these days. A lot of manufacturers offer at most 4.
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      05-30-2020, 04:54 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by AP View Post
Presumably emission regs driving this.
I'm still surprised (but pleased) that bmw still offer cars with 6+ cylinders these days. A lot of manufacturers offer at most 4.
+1 I saw this as less of a “feature” and more BMW trying to improve their fleet average and green credentials.

I’d love the 382hp B58 engine too, but bet we won’t see it for fear of cannibalized M550 sales.
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      05-30-2020, 05:54 AM   #4
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I fail to see how this would help emissions. If it was needed for emissions, they would have to do it in several other vehicles they make that the engine is widely used in. It's more about keeping up with MB and Audi.
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      05-30-2020, 06:07 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by jjscsix View Post
I fail to see how this would help emissions. If it was needed for emissions, they would have to do it in several other vehicles they make that the engine is widely used in. It's more about keeping up with MB and Audi.
The 48v system is on all new G30 models, petrol and diesel and is for emissions. What other reason would it be? Bear in mind emission requirements are different for different markets hence why certain models aren’t available but having this system now makes them available in some countries.
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      05-30-2020, 07:42 AM   #6
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When I first read about the feature I related these new electrics as an enhancement to the auto start-stop to perhaps make that a little less jolty. Additionally, I think this could improve the mpg rating in ECO mode on long highway cruises (think electrically enhanced coasting to maintain constant speed which does not take a lot of horsepower). I never really thought it would decrease emissions beyond the minor fuel savings for that type of driving.

Personally I dislike the auto start-stop feature and used the Bimmercode app to remember my last used ASS setting, so now I don't have to be irritated at the first stop every drive.
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      05-30-2020, 08:41 AM   #7
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Yes, my F10 allows me to turn off ASS and keep it that way without extra programming. In my wife's Jag she has to press a button each time she drives it. Annoying.
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      05-30-2020, 09:02 AM   #8
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Adding a 48V mild-hybrid isn't just a bit of fuel savings. It actually is up to 15-18% less fuel consumption in the European emmissions test. That is quite a lot, the EU has decided to reduce the emmissions up to 37.5% until 3030. That is a lot and can't be acomplished by optimizing ICEs. In order to reach that goal, companies have to introduce (mild) hybrid systems and have to boost their sales in PHEV/BEV vehicles. That's the reason why BMW (and Audi/MB as well) are now offering a lot of hybrid engine options. It's not only because the market wants them, but because they have to sell them to keep down their emissions, otherwise they have to pay hefty fines. In Europe BMW/Audi/MB are offering incredible incentives on their hybrids.

The ISG of the mild hybrid system allows the car to completely turn off the engine while driving (gliding). Additionally I think people won't complain about a higher MPG.
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      05-30-2020, 01:32 PM   #9
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And BMW is hardly the first to do this - Benz has been doing it since 2019 in the E53. The E53 is only a few tenths slower than the M550, but gets about 20% better mileage than the BMW. It also has a 15% larger tank, giving it hwy range of 500+ miles vs. 360 or so for the BMW.

If I could only get myself to like the curves of the benz vs. the straight lines of the BMW!

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      05-30-2020, 01:44 PM   #10
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E53's mild hybird is "fancier" though (and even more complexity).

Now I think a winning combination would be 545e, but instead a detuned B58, use the same B58 that makes 382hp (or 370 something in europe with particular filter), though that would definitely eat into M550
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      05-30-2020, 01:55 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clee1982 View Post
E53's mild hybird is "fancier" though (and even more complexity).

Now I think a winning combination would be 545e, but instead a detuned B58, use the same B58 that makes 382hp (or 370 something in europe with particular filter), though that would definitely eat into M550
Is it? From my understanding both use a 48V crankshaft mounted integrated starter generator. The one in the Merc seems to be a bit more powerful (22PS vs 11PS), but it's the same technique. At least that's what I thought...

545e is the perfect car. I have that combination in my X5 and if they will keep the same 90km electric range in the G30 that would be banger. But the 530e has only 65km range, so I guess they will fit that battery the 545e as well. I hope I can order the 545e early enough to get it, once I have to return my X5 in October. Otherwise I have to wait until August next year (I'm able to do 10 month leases).
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      05-30-2020, 03:34 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Flamingi View Post
Is it? From my understanding both use a 48V crankshaft mounted integrated starter generator. The one in the Merc seems to be a bit more powerful (22PS vs 11PS), but it's the same technique. At least that's what I thought...

545e is the perfect car. I have that combination in my X5 and if they will keep the same 90km electric range in the G30 that would be banger. But the 530e has only 65km range, so I guess they will fit that battery the 545e as well. I hope I can order the 545e early enough to get it, once I have to return my X5 in October. Otherwise I have to wait until August next year (I'm able to do 10 month leases).
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is 2021 540i mild hybrid behave the same way as E53 mild hybrid? Think the E53 mild hybrid is more than just starter (which might not be a good thing in terms of out warranty fix...)

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a1...es-inline-six/


4. An Electric Supercharger
The M256 is turbocharged to develop high output from a small displacement, and that means there is the potential of turbo lag under some circumstances. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up. This supercharger, which is located downstream of the turbocharger, uses a centrifugal flow compressor—like the compressor side of a turbo—driven by a 48-volt electric motor. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. That’s enough to provide strong engine response while the turbo gets up to speed, at which point a check valve closes and the turbo takes over from the electric supercharger.

edit: and Non-AMG Mercedes-Benz models will employ a lower-output version of the M256, without the electric supercharger but with the motor/generator and 48-volt systems. It’s rated at 362 horsepower as installed in the CLS450.

that's why I thought the E53 48V system is fancier

Last edited by clee1982; 05-30-2020 at 03:39 PM..
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      05-30-2020, 03:38 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aceman View Post
And BMW is hardly the first to do this - Benz has been doing it since 2019 in the E53. The E53 is only a few tenths slower than the M550, but gets about 20% better mileage than the BMW. It also has a 15% larger tank, giving it hwy range of 500+ miles vs. 360 or so for the BMW.

If I could only get myself to like the curves of the benz vs. the straight lines of the BMW!

Aceman
I have never seen a test on a 2020 M550. Where are you getting that information?
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      05-30-2020, 03:41 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clee1982 View Post
Correct me if I'm wrong, but is 2021 540i mild hybrid behave the same way as E53 mild hybrid? Think the E53 mild hybrid is more than just starter (which might not be a good thing in terms of out warranty fix...)

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a1...es-inline-six/


4. An Electric Supercharger
The M256 is turbocharged to develop high output from a small displacement, and that means there is the potential of turbo lag under some circumstances. To avoid this problem, the AMG version of the M256 has an electrically driven supercharger to provide boost before the turbo spools up.

This supercharger, which is located downstream of the turbocharger, uses a centrifugal flow compressor—like the compressor side of a turbo—driven by a 48-volt electric motor. It spins to 70,000 rpm and can develop a peak boost pressure of about 6.6 psi. That’s enough to provide strong engine response while the turbo gets up to speed, at which point a check valve closes and the turbo takes over from the electric supercharger.
That is the E53 as you say. The CLS450 has the 48 volt system with the motor to assist acceleration, but not the electric supercharger.
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      05-30-2020, 06:08 PM   #15
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e53 Rocks

I test drove an e53 and it was great, but out of my price range. No hesitation, Fantastic Throttle Response. Nor the extra weight of a full PHEV. I believe the 540 Mild Hybrid will Rock. It might be only 11 hp but it will be instantaneous.
This just might finally be the answer to complaints of lousy throttle response.
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      06-01-2020, 09:57 AM   #16
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I don't find 540's throttle response to be lousy to start with...
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      06-01-2020, 10:56 AM   #17
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I may be nuts, but I don’t recall reading a single compliant about the 540’s throttle response. Same for the previous B58 I had— a 2014 340i.
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      06-01-2020, 10:57 AM   #18
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Sorry, that was a 2016 340i.
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      06-01-2020, 04:22 PM   #19
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Coasting Engine Cutoff?

I'm wondering if the 9mph coasting engine cutoff in Comfort mode can also be defeated with the usual start-stop button? I usually live in Comfort mode and I'd go absolutely mental if the engine stops every time I'm slowing to a traffic light.

Just got my first BMW 5 days ago (540ix), and WOW what have I been missing all these years?! Long live this model and this engine!! God how I hope they're able to keep this performance up in years to come...
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      06-01-2020, 04:45 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by cbruno4444 View Post
I'm wondering if the 9mph coasting engine cutoff in Comfort mode can also be defeated with the usual start-stop button? I usually live in Comfort mode and I'd go absolutely mental if the engine stops every time I'm slowing to a traffic light.

Just got my first BMW 5 days ago (540ix), and WOW what have I been missing all these years?! Long live this model and this engine!! God how I hope they're able to keep this performance up in years to come...

think you need to try first, this is not the old start and stop, you're not suppose to even feel vibration

edit: it's suppose to be oblivious to you
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      06-02-2020, 04:13 AM   #21
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note what Alewifebp spotted here. (good spot!)
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1724349&page=9

that the start button in the pictures doesn't appear to have a defeat button / led below it.

so this might be forced on us now. I would hope that sport / sport individual still disable it by default....
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      06-02-2020, 06:02 AM   #22
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So ridiculous. How many people will be driving in sport now (and using more petrol) just to avoid the start-stop? Probably too optimistic to assume that they removed the defeat button because iDrive allows you to switch it off permanently lol
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