Eco Pro mode

[Magnum 475]

A drive yesterday in my 330i F30 got me thinking. I'd given up with any thought of "making progress" and was sitting at around 70 with cruise control on. At this point, the car was in 8th gear and running fairly low revs.

At this point, I dropped it into 'Eco Pro' mode, and surprisingly it started claiming a fuel saving. After 180 miles of mainly cruise control regulated 70mph, it thinks it's saved about 30 miles worth of fuel.

The question is, how has it done that?

- Little or no slowing down / accelerating, as it's motorway driving
- No chance to upshift early, as it's in top most of time
- No impact on throttle response, as it's mainly constant speed

So what exactly changes when you engage 'Eco Pro' mode at constant speed that can cut fuel consumption that much? Or is it lying to me??

[Funk]

It dulls the throttle response, modifies the AC efficiency and seat heating - but the biggest change is that it actively coasts whenever you're off-throttle.

"ECO PRO mode.

ECO PRO enables drivers to reduce fuel consumption by encouraging a more sedate driving style. This is achieved by altering the parameters of the accelerator pedal and automatic transmission. In ECO PRO mode, energy-consuming loads such as the air conditioning system or seat heating for the passengers are also reduced. The extra range earned using ECO PRO mode is displayed to drivers."

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/topics/discover/efficient...

Edit: You'll get even better economy if you don't use the cruise - it coasts more effectively and you can accelerate back up to speed more gently than the cruise would if you do have to slow down.

[Court_S]

If I remember correctly, Eco Pro lessens the A/C power for example so parasitic losses are reduced.

Also, if you need to disengage and then re engage cruise, it’ll accelerate to your chosen speed at a much slower rate than when left in comfort.

[Magnum 475]

Hmm. At the time, the AC was off, as was the seat heating.

The claimed fuel saving seems very high for the distance covered and type of driving. I'm wondering if it also does something odd to fueling and ignition timing?

[Pica-Pica]

Magnum 475 said:

Hmm. At the time, the AC was off, as was the seat heating.

The claimed fuel saving seems very high for the distance covered and type of driving. I'm wondering if it also does something odd to fueling and ignition timing?

Tut, tut, leave the A/C on all the time, keeps the seals in good shape.

[Magnum 475]

Pica-Pica said:

Tut, tut, leave the A/C on all the time, keeps the seals in good shape.

I run it at least once / week, but I don't usually leave it on for long periods in cold weather. It's got a comprehensive warranty for when the seals something else fails (again).

[Court_S]

Pica-Pica said:

Tut, tut, leave the A/C on all the time, keeps the seals in good shape.

This, I leave mine on all year round. It’s useful in the winter especially on wet days.

[numtumfutunch]

I really like Eco Pro and hit the button as soon as I start the car

Ive done a custom thing in the iDrive so AC and arse warmers are exempt as in autumn/winter humidity it struggles to dehumidify and I like a warm backside

My car is a 5 and the laid back nature of the throttle map really suits it yet I can hit 'Sport' whenever Im feeling naughty and its a completely different beast

Anyone stalking me will have fond out that EcoP on cruise control allows your speed to wonder up and down, now I know this its not an issue and I much prefer how it gradually takes me back up to set speed rather than flooring it

Cheers