PHOTO GALLERY: First Photos Of BMW Brake Energy Regeneration Dash Display In Action

Here is the first photo of BMW regenerative brake technology in action on a USA model (550i GT).

2010 BMW 550i And 530d GT PHOTO GALLERY

For the first time in a U.S. BMW model, the new 5 Series Gran Turismo is equipped with BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system.

To save energy and reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption, this system controls the times at which the alternator charges the battery. Conventionally, a car’s alternator runs continuously and thus charging is always available to the battery; in the Gran Turismo, it charges only when the vehicle is decelerating or braking; otherwise, it freewheels, drawing virtually no power from the engine. An electronically controlled clutch, somewhat similar to that used with the air-conditioning compressor, is added to engage and disengage the alternator.

Accommodating the less frequent charging is a special, more powerful battery that can satisfy a contemporary vehicle’s high electrical demands without access to continuous charging. The battery uses a technology called “glass mat,” in which its internal plates are separated with saturated absorbent glass-boron silicate rather than the usual liquid electrolyte. This construction sharply reduces the battery’s conversion of charging energy to heat, and can provide the necessary electrical power for longer periods between charges.

2010 BMW 550i And 530d GT PHOTO GALLERY

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MrBratwurst - 5/21/2009 6:32:37 PM

+2 Boost

Well drawn dials, very elegant and classy. Much better than previous rather simplistic graphics.

This recuperation visualisation is fine too.

Energy regeneration systems have been installed on diesel Bimmers since quite a long time, by the way.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/21/2009 9:51:01 PM

+1 Boost

is the entire thing an LCD screen like the Mercedes S class? or is it just the picture that looks flat

0to60 - 5/21/2009 11:51:56 PM

0 Boost

Bout damn time they updated the gauges in the interior!!!! Took them long enough. All that God awful orange!

sstainba - 5/22/2009 9:03:11 AM

+2 Boost

orange is the BMW signature. they will never change it. i personally like it. other colors tend to glare.

lakerfan213 - 5/22/2009 3:00:21 AM

+2 Boost

Well its only orange at night...

E36er - 5/24/2009 4:33:56 PM

+2 Boost

at least the interiors are looking good. can't say much for the exterior of the new 5er gt.