[AWe90]

Can anyone enlighten me as to how Eco Pro mode actually works? In other words, what functional features are employed to increase fuel efficiency?

Also, has anyone ever objectively compared Eco Pro v. Comfort mode under similar driving conditions to see how the numbers pan out?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by AWe90

Can anyone enlighten me as to how Eco Pro mode actually works? In other words, what functional features are employed to increase fuel efficiency?

Also, has anyone ever objectively compared Eco Pro v. Comfort mode under similar driving conditions to see how the numbers pan out?

EcoPro reduces throttle response and causes the trans to shift early. It also (LCI) engages auto start/stop (pre-LCI A/S/S defaults to on, LCI defaults to its last selection). There may be other settings.

I coded our 2012 to Eco on at start-up. I could only stand it for a few months before I coded it back. Having used both (Comfort & Eco) extensively (over 60K miles) I haven't seen a noticeable difference.

[wcr3d]

I have tried comparing modes on the same 500+ mile trips.
I just couldn't pull it off, after a couple of hours in eco mode it was just too ugly.
It's not a fair comparison but that is as close as I could come, never again.

[AWe90]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

EcoPro reduces throttle response and causes the trans to shift early. It also (LCI) engages auto start/stop (pre-LCI A/S/S defaults to on, LCI defaults to its last selection). There may be other settings.

I coded our 2012 to Eco on at start-up. I could only stand it for a few months before I coded it back. Having used both (Comfort & Eco) extensively (over 60K miles) I haven't seen a noticeable difference.

I figured as much for trans/throttle adjustments. I also usually hear a sort of mechanical sound every time I turn the car off after EP driving. I assumed it was something related to the auto start/stop feature.

I too have difficulty with the wet noodle throttle in EP.

[Qsilver7]

Here's more info about Eco Pro mode from the www.newtis.info website. I just generically selected a 535i and typed Eco Pro Mode in the search box and found this info below:

[TEF]

I am not if it's been mentioned, but the ECO mode allows the vehicle to coast on downhill portions of a road while in cruise control. For example, if your car is at 1500 rpm to maintain a speed of 70 mph, the tach will drop to less than 1000 rpm when going downhill. If one taps the brakes, the tach instantly returns to the appropriate rpm to allow for engine braking.

On long portions of empty interstate driving on cruise control, it works well. Once one reaches a cruising speed, it will save fuel. Western states like Montana have 85 mph posted speed limits and these speeds can easily be maintained in ECO mode. I'll concede that ECO mode affects performance in stop and go driving, when it can seem sluggish, but there are situations where it shines.

[starlights]

I use Eco Pro often in heavy DC traffic. I find it useful that EP when in relaxed driving mode goes into a sort of neutral when you take your foot off the gas - I believe that somewhere in the manual it states that the transmission disengages allowing the vehicle to coast free. I am not the hard braking types so this helps when the traffic ahead appears to be slowing down or stopping.

I turn off the ASS though as I find it annoying...

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by TEF

I am not if it's been mentioned, but the ECO mode allows the vehicle to coast on downhill portions of a road while in cruise control...

Originally Posted by starlights

I use Eco Pro often in heavy DC traffic. I find it useful that EP when in relaxed driving mode goes into a sort of neutral when you take your foot off the gas - I believe that somewhere in the manual it states that the transmission disengages allowing the vehicle to coast free. I am not the hard braking types so this helps when the traffic ahead appears to be slowing down or stopping.

I turn off the ASS though as I find it annoying...

I believe that's an LCI thing. Our 2012 doesn't have the coasting option.

[AWe90]

Thanks for all the input folks.