[pferdestarke]

...in Eco Pro?

I know it's a new feature so will it be enabled on my July car?

[SomeRandomer123]

Not sure. I hear the 7ers being knocked out have it now.

Likewise, I did hear it was a 2014 onwards feature.

Some clarity would be nice!

[Torque of the Devil]

wtf is sail mode ?

[flc1962]

Originally Posted by Vanguard

wtf is sail mode ?

+1

[MRPoisson]

Originally Posted by Vanguard

wtf is sail mode ?

BMW EfficientDynamics: ECO PRO Mode now with sailing function and anticipation assistant.

Thanks to new functions for the ECO PRO Mode, which can be activated via the Driving Experience Control feature, BMW is increasing the possibilities of achieving better fuel economy through intelligent energy management. From the summer of 2013, all model variants of the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 6 Series equipped with the eight-speed automatic transmission or the eight-speed sports transmission either optionally or as standard, will feature the new sailing mode. At speeds of between 50 and 160 km/h in the ECO PRO Mode, the drive train is disconnected as soon as the driver lifts his/her foot from the accelerator pedal without applying the brakes. As a result, the vehicle is able to ‘sail’ without engine power, thereby also achieving maximum fuel efficiency. Fuel economy is now promoted even more intensively using the optional navigation system Professional. The new anticipation assistant informs the driver of the ideal time to slow down when approaching bends, stretches, curves and roundabouts of road where speed limits are in force in order to obtain better fuel efficiency. For the first time, BMW EfficientDynamics technology and BMW ConnectedDrive technology will be networked with each other within the framework of the intelligent energy management – with the effect that further fuel savings will be achieved in ECO PRO mode.

[RobUK]

Ahhh yes, ECO PRO. Tried it once, didn't like it

[flc1962]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Ahhh yes, ECO PRO. Tried it once, didn't like it

Never made any savings for me, so just keep it in sport.. so sailing would be no good to me neither

[sdb123]

Sod sail mode, out of the updates mentioned for MY14 cars with the auto box, I'd be more interested whether your car has launch control or not!

[rich1068]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Ahhh yes, ECO PRO. Tried it once, didn't like it

You know, I've really persevered with Eco Pro. Well, my loose definition of persevere anyway. I was determined to save Comfort and Sport for high days and holidays but after a little while I decided life was too short and I don't think I've tried it since.

[Torque of the Devil]

I don't want to be coasting in neutral thanks, you can shove that feature

[bwrlane]

Originally Posted by Vanguard

I don't want to be coasting in neutral thanks, you can shove that feature

Actually I think sail mode is quite a cool feature.

Here's the background: although I wish I had some more meaningful talents, one that I undoubtedly do seem to have is driving efficiently. Don't get me wrong, I love to give it some beans, but my whole life averages are regularly at or above the quoted MPG, and I can far exceed it when really trying - even on mixed roads.

Examples:

Audi A4 Avant, 3.0 Quattro Sport, quoted MPG = 26. My whole life MPG = 27.5. Brim-to-brim record (when really trying) 37.5 MPG

Peugeot 206 2.0 Diesel, quoted MPG = 55. Whole life MPG = 61. Brim-to-brim record 75 MPG - that was 763 miles on one tank.

When really trying, you have to use various techniques to ensure you maintain momentum and reduce drag (both wind and internal friction). One of my favourites was to de-clutch on downhill stretches or in slowing traffic, to reduce energy wastage from engine braking.

Now, this isn't really possible in an auto, so for the car to do it for you is I would say, definitely worth it.

[venkata]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Ahhh yes, ECO PRO. Tried it once, didn't like it

Lol. Eco and 328i just don't go in the same sentence.

[RichardM]

Originally Posted by sdb123

Sod sail mode, out of the updates mentioned for MY14 cars with the auto box, I'd be more interested whether your car has launch control or not!

[browellm]

You only need to be 30 miles from the nearest services on the M1 with the petrol gauge on empty for it to be a worthwhile feature. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt

[rich1068]

If it works the Anticipation Assistant sounds awfully clever. But I can't see how it can be that intelligent. In conjunction with the nav it will know how far you are from eg a roundabout, it may even know the speed limit and your current speed. With this data it will tell you when to lift off and when to brake. But what about other factors such as incline or camber or even the road surface itself? Surely it can't know and take into account that sort of thing?

Regardless, I'd turn it off just like I do ASS. Apart from turning left or right I hate cars telling me to do things. If I want my children to inherit a ruined planet then that's my God given right. "Daddy, can you remember trees?" "Fuck trees son, did I ever tell you about that 3 litre BMW I had?"

[F30AM]

Only occasionally use Eco Pro. Makes the car too lethargic. Sod Sail mode too. I got this car for some driving fun.

[jakeb1]

you can leave it in Sport and just push it into neutral when you want to sail?

[F30AM]

Originally Posted by jakeb1

you can leave it in Sport and just push it into neutral when you want to sail?

But I don't wish to sail.

[TonyS]

Originally Posted by MRPoisson

The new anticipation assistant informs the driver of the ideal time to slow down when approaching bends, stretches, curves and roundabouts of road where speed limits are in force in order to obtain better fuel efficiency.

What's next then? A little buzzer with a flashing arrow to tell you which way to turn the steering wheel when you're approaching a corner? What a load of old b*ll*x. If you can't judge for yourself when to slow down for bends and roundabouts then you shouldn't be driving in the first place.

Originally Posted by MRPoisson

BMW EfficientDynamics technology and BMW ConnectedDrive technology will be networked with each other within the framework of the intelligent energy management.

What a hilarious bit of marketing speak. I bet they were really proud of that.

[RobUK]

I wonder what actual fuel saving BMW have achieved for this 'Sail Mode' feature? Especially as you have to be in ECO PRO Mode, and doing a certain speed, plus there are all sorts of driving conditions factors that will come into play. Wouldn't be surprised if it's more marketing speak for something they've played with in lab conditions rather than any real world savings at the pump.

As to this Pro Nav bend-anticipation stuff... maybe the LCI F30 will actually apply the brakes for you rather than just warn you? Whatever next

[Torque of the Devil]

The new 891 Boxster with PDK has been widely criticised for having this sail mode type feature where the gearbox disengages when off the throttle. The main complaint being there is a noticeable lag between you re-applying your right foot and the gearbox re-engaging and you getting power

[browellm]

Originally Posted by Vanguard

The new 891 Boxster with PDK has been widely criticised for having this sail mode type feature where the gearbox disengages when off the throttle. The main complaint being there is a noticeable lag between you re-applying your right foot and the gearbox re-engaging and you getting power

I can't see what there would be to complain about in the BMW, as it only activates in Eco Pro mode, and if you're in that mode in the first place then the last thing you are thinking about is hooning around on and off the throttle.

In medium to heavy motorway traffic at 60-70 mph where you do a lot of coasting it could be quite useful.