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BMW ushers in Efficient Dynamics. Image by BMW.

BMW ushers in Efficient Dynamics
BMW's 'Efficient Dynamics' is claimed to boost power and efficiency. We put them to the test in a 120d.

   



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#02#With EU emissions regulations imminent, car makers are struggling to find ways to meet the new requirements. While some are opting simply not to import certain vehicles into the EU, others are busy scouring through technology manuals to see what can be done to make their line-ups more efficient. And though hybrid powertrains and clean diesel technologies appear to be all the rage, BMW is not one to jump on any bandwagons.

BMW is instead touting its new 'Efficient Dynamics' powertrain systems, which theoretically makes vehicles more efficient without diluting the renowned BMW driving experience. Featuring advanced technologies and intelligent energy management systems, Efficient Dynamics works in parallel with current engine and transmission technologies such as high precision direct injection and, specifically on six-cylinder petrol models, uses piezo injectors in the direct vicinity of the spark plugs for a lean burn and efficient consumption process. The obvious benefits are fuel savings and a reduction in emissions.

A new development to the system is Brake Energy Regeneration, which takes advantage of energy that would have been previously lost through engine overrun (braking, coasting or descending hills) and stores it in an advanced battery, which is more durable than a conventional battery and capable of better managing incoming and outgoing energy. An Intelligent Alternator Control system - able to engage and disengage the alternator when required - recognises an engine overrun scenario and transfers energy through the alternator to recharge the battery. As the load on the engine is decreased, CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 3 per cent and the advanced energy management system effectively increases the available horsepower.

In short, the new Efficient Dynamics system translates into power and driving dynamics that are not compromised yet increases the overall efficiency of the car. Various components of the system are already being used in much of the BMW range, but only the four-cylinder 1 Series models currently employ all aspects of this latest technology. BMW claims the 1 Series engine range offers output increases up to 20bhp while cutting emissions by up to 21 per cent and fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent. #p##03# The 118d is brandished as being the most fuel-efficient and economical car BMW has ever produced, returning a claimed 60mpg in the Combined Cycle while emitting only 123g/km of CO2. But at only £1,500 more, the 120d offers better performance, gives up only 3.5mpg in the Combined Cycle and emits only 6g/km more CO2. We chose to sample the latter.

Fitted with both the Intelligent Alternator Control and Brake Energy Regeneration features, the 120d SE we drove features flaps behind the kidney grille (for improved aerodynamics and operational efficiency in cold weather), electromechanical power steering and automatic start/stop - a feature that automatically shuts the engine off when the car is out of gear (while stopped in traffic for example) and automatically restarts when the clutch is depressed to 10 per cent of travel. The system can also be disengaged by pressing a button on the dash.

For the system to engage, the engine must first be at operating temperature - where it already benefits from optimum efficiency - and as long as the battery is charged it will turn off to save fuel when stopped. It is definitely an odd sensation when the engine stops automatically and all the electric features (like the radio and air conditioning) continue working - it almost feels as if the car has stalled without any jerking movement indicating such an occurrence.

Steering feel for the 120d is no different than its more powerful 130i sibling we drove on the same day, which is also fitted with variable electric power steering. First seen on the X5, the system increases steering weight at higher speeds. As the system only uses engine power when needed, it achieves a 90 per cent energy saving over conventional hydraulically-assisted systems. A torque sensor determines the camber of the road and engages, transferring information to the lightweight electric system (mounted parallel to the steering rack) resulting in the appropriate level of assistance. This system proved to serve the car well whilst travelling through twisty sections of B-roads and generated good feel and precise weighting.

The 1 Series is also fitted with an 'optimum shift indicator' in the gauge cluster that identifies which gear will maximise engine efficiency. The 120d's six-speed gearbox is intuitive and shifts nicely and is a good partner to the turbodiesel unit. It provides decent pulling power from 1500rp and has good power delivery; the claimed maximum figures are 177bhp (at 4000rpm) and 258lb.ft of torque at just 2000rpm. As expected, there is a bit more noise emitted from the 120d's engine bay than the petrol alternative, but other than a faint clatter heard at idle (it becomes more pronounced as the car ventures past 4000rpm towards its 4850rpm redline), there is little indication that this car has a diesel engine fitted under the bonnet. #p##06# Our 120d SE test car was fitted with the £355 Dynamics package, including sport seats that provide good lateral support. Material quality and details mimic that found in BMW's more expensive vehicles, but at £21,600 (including £1,410 worth of options) the 120d SE is surprisingly good value. Low rolling resistance 205/55 R16 run-flat tyres mounted on 16-inch wheels offer more comfort through the M Sport suspension (optional through the Dynamics package), making the 120d balanced and poised. The 300mm ventilated brake discs were largely adequate and offer a progressive pedal feel.

As an economical and sporting car the BMW 120d is hard to fault. Achieving 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds, the 2-litre diesel provided sufficient grunt and remained frugal, garnering a 48mpg average fuel economy reading on the trip computer compared to an indicated 22mpg consumption reading in the 130i over the same route. It seems BMW has successfully managed to retain its characteristic driving dynamics and enhance efficiency, without having to resort to hybrid tactics. It's noteworthy too that BMW will be offering the Efficient Dynamics technology across its range of cars rather than trying to grab headlines with a single, low-volume model.
2007 BMW 1 Series range overview

Three-door:
- BMW 118i three-door: £17,815
- BMW 118i ES three-door: £18,640
- BMW 118i SE three-door: £19,765
- BMW 118i M Sport three-door: £21,460
- BMW 120i three-door: £18,845
- BMW 120i ES three-door: £19,670
- BMW 120i SE three-door: £20,795
- BMW 120i M Sport three-door: £22,420
- BMW 130i M Sport three-door: £26,385
- BMW 130i M Sport LE three-door: £30,300
- BMW 118d three-door: £18,225
- BMW 118d ES three-door: £19,050
- BMW 118d SE three-door: £20,175
- BMW 118d M Sport three-door: £21,870
- BMW 120d three-door: £19,650
- BMW 120d ES three-door: £20,475
- BMW 120d SE three-door: £21,600
- BMW 120d M Sport three-door: £23,225
Five-door:
- BMW 116i five-door: £16,390
- BMW 116i ES five-door: £17,215
- BMW 116i SE five-door: £18,340
- BMW 116i M Sport five-door: £20,000
- BMW 118i five-door: £18,345
- BMW 118i ES five-door: £19,170
- BMW 118i SE five-door: £20,295
- BMW 118i M Sport five-door: £21,955
- BMW 120i five-door: £19,375
- BMW 120i ES five-door: £20,200
- BMW 120i SE five-door: £21,325
- BMW 120i M Sport five-door: £22,915
- BMW 130i M Sport five-door: £26,915
- BMW 118d five-door: £18,755
- BMW 118d ES five-door: £19,580
- BMW 118d SE five-door: £20,705
- BMW 118d M Sport five-door: £22,365
- BMW 120d five-door: £20,180
- BMW 120d ES five-door: £21,005
- BMW 120d SE five-door: £22,130
- BMW 120d M Sport five-door: £23,720

Eric Gallina - 9 May 2007



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2007 BMW 1 Series specifications: (launch drive - Efficient Dynamics)
Price: £21,600 on-the-road (test car was fitted with extras).
0-62mph: 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 142mph
Combined economy: 57.6mpg
Emissions: 129g/km
Kerb weight: 1440kg

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.



2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 

2007 BMW 1 Series. Image by BMW.
 






 

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