In recent years, many Automakers have invested in developing more fuel-efficient vehicles. One such carmaker is BMW, If you’re looking to save on fuel without sacrificing performance, you may be wondering what BMW’s Eco Pro mode is all about.
This driving mode is designed to help you get the most out of your vehicle while still being eco-friendly. Here’s what you need to know about BMW’s Eco Pro mode.
What is BMW Eco Pro Mode?
Eco Pro is a system available on BMW vehicles, it was first introduced on the 2012 BMW 1 series. It is designed to help drivers save fuel and reduce emissions. Eco Pro mode is part of BMWs efficient Dynamics which has other features including:
- Auto Start/Stop
- Brake Energy Regeneration
- The EPS (Electric Power Steering)
The system works by using data from the car’s onboard computer to optimize the engine, transmission, and other systems for fuel efficiency. When Eco Pro is activated, the car will automatically adjust its performance to use less fuel.
How Does BMW Eco Pro Mode Work?
For starters, Eco Pro mode will adjust the car’s throttle response so that it’s more gradual. This means that the car won’t accelerate as quickly when you press the gas pedal, which can help save fuel.
The mode will also change the way the car’s engine idles. In Eco Pro mode, the engine will idle at a lower RPM, which uses less fuel. In addition, Eco Pro mode will affect the car’s climate control system.
The mode will lower the temperature of the air conditioning so that it doesn’t use as much power. And, the mode will also activate the car’s “start/stop” system, which shuts off the engine when the car is idling in traffic or at a stop light.
Once Eco Pro is activated, the car’s performance will change in a few different ways. For one, the engine will run at a lower rpm, which will save fuel. The transmission will also shift gears differently, again in an effort to save fuel.
The car will also coast more often, which means that the engine will be turned off when the car is not accelerating. All of these changes together can lead to some significant fuel savings.
Finally, Eco Pro mode will give you real-time feedback on how your driving is affecting fuel economy. A display in the instrument cluster will show you how many miles per gallon you’re getting.
What Are the Benefits of BMW Eco Pro?
There are a few key benefits to using BMW Eco-Pro. First, it can help you save a little extra on fuel. By driving more efficiently, you’ll use less fuel, which will save you over time.
Second, it’s a great way to be more environmentally friendly. By using less fuel, you’ll produce fewer emissions, which is good for the planet. Finally, it can help you improve your driving skills. By learning how to drive more efficiently, you’ll become a better driver overall.
How Do I Activate BMW Eco Pro?
Activating BMW Eco Pro is easy. Just press the Eco Pro button on the center console, and the car will automatically enter Eco-Pro mode. You can also activate Eco-Pro by using the iDrive system. Just select the Eco-Pro option from the menu, and the car will enter Eco-Pro mode.
How Do I Know if BMW Eco Pro is Working?
There are a few ways to tell if BMW Eco-Pro is working. First, you’ll see a Blue Eco-Pro icon on your cluster showing you much gas you are saving.
This icon will appear when Eco-Pro is active. Second, you’ll see a message on the iDrive screen that says, “Eco-Pro mode is active.” This message will appear when Eco-Pro is active. Finally, you’ll feel a difference in the way the car drives.
When Eco-Pro is active, the car throttle response will feel a lot less responsive and will, and how the vehicle shifts gears will feel different when compared to normal or sport mode.
Should You Use BMW Eco Pro All the Time?
You don’t have to use BMW Eco-Pro all the time, but it’s a great feature to use when you’re looking to save money on fuel or be more environmentally friendly. If you’re not concerned with either of those things, you can just leave Eco-Pro off and enjoy the car’s normal performance.
What Happens if I Turn BMW Eco Pro Off?
If you turn BMW Eco-Pro off, the car will return to its normal performance mode. You’ll still be able to save fuel and be more environmentally friendly, but you won’t have the same level of performance as you do when Eco-Pro is active.
BMW Eco Pro Mode vs Comfort
Comfort Mode:
The main selling point of Comfort Mode is, well, comfort. The ride is smoother, the cabin is quieter, and all around it’s just a more pleasant experience.
You might not think that would make a difference when it comes to fuel economy, but it actually does. When you’re relaxed and comfortable, you’re more likely to be a more efficient driver.
You’re less likely to make sudden starts and stops, and you’re less likely to rev the engine unnecessarily. All of that adds up to better fuel economy.
The downside of Comfort Mode is that it’s not quite as efficient as Eco Pro Mode. BMW says you can expect to see a 5-25% decrease in fuel economy when you’re in Comfort Mode.
That might not sound like much, but it can add up over time. If you’re looking to get the absolute best fuel economy possible, then Comfort Mode is not the way to go.
Eco Pro Mode:
Eco Pro Mode is all about efficiency. The ride is a little rougher, the cabin is a little louder, and everything is just a little less comfortable.
But in exchange for that, you get better fuel economy. BMW says you can expect to see a 4-6% increase in fuel economy when you’re in Eco Pro Mode.
The downside of Eco Pro Mode is that it can be a bit of a pain to drive in. The rougher ride and the louder cabin can be a bit of a distraction, and it can be easy to forget that you’re in Eco Pro Mode and start driving like you normally would.
That can negate any fuel economy benefits you might have otherwise seen.
So, which is better – Comfort Mode or Eco Pro Mode? The answer is, it depends. If you’re looking for the absolute best fuel economy, then Eco Pro Mode is the way to go. But if you’re looking for a more comfortable driving experience, then Comfort Mode is the better choice.
