Performance of the energy recovery system of the BMW Series 1

The principle of energy recovery is based on fuel economy during engine start up and a reduction in polluting emissions from the exhaust gases. In this way, according to the driving profile, we can save up to 3% of CO2 and thus save energy.

This system is applied to the intelligent regulation control system of the alternator, also known as the IGR system by BMW.

Operating principles

Operating principles

The application of strategies in the battery charging regulation system which enables the battery to be charged only up to a defined measurement and depending on the different environmental conditions such as the outdoor temperature, the temperature inside the battery, the age of the battery, battery charge, etc.

In this way, the constant regulation of the system prevents energy being wasted while the engine is running without repercussions on the thermal efficiency of the latter.

Operating phases

Energy recovery is carried out during the vehicle's propulsion phases. At this time, the alternator is fully activated and generates the electrical energy that supplies the battery. Once the vehicle is launched, it does not consume fuel as the kinetic energy acts from the vehicle under propulsion to the alternator passing through the wheels and engine.

However, during the acceleration phases of the vehicle the alternator is not activated, therefore it does not use any power or fuel to produce electrical energy.

Noise in gearbox after engaging 5th gear

This post discusses a fault that causes a noise in the area of the vehicle's gearbox when driving on the road, until eventually the 5th gear cannot be engaged.

Affected models 
The engines motors that could be affected are the following:
VW GOLF V
AUDI A3
SKODA OCTAVIA

Symptoms 
Noises in the gear shifting area when driving the vehicle, regardless of the speed at which it is driven.
Problems engaging 5th speed.
Gearbox oil leak

Types of active suspension (Il). Pneumatics for the Audi A8

Audi A8 air suspension 

Air suspension allows the body to be adjusted to different heights in accordance with running requirements, it also helps the suspension and damping to adapt to the road surface and driving style.

This suspension is noted for its high flexibility, good oscillation absorption and for the self-regulation of the system that allows the distance between the chassis and the surface of the road to be maintained irrespective of the vehicle's load.

With the aid of vertical acceleration sensors on the body, this suspension model recognises the ground configuration. The driving style can be ascertained based on the vehicle's speed and the steering angle.

Three different damping programs can be selected, auto, comfort and sport. Each one is activated depending on road conditions and the driver's wishes, and contributes to driving safety and comfort. Air suspension with adaptive damping also allows each damper to be controlled independently.

Diesel pollution

There have been numerous studies published during the last decade reporting on the high levels of pollution generated by diesel engines and their possible consequences.

The public scandal and the controversy however, are a matter of the past few months. Clearly encouraged by the irresponsibility and misconduct demonstrated by the VW Group in approving some of its diesel engines with specialist software for anti-pollution testing, much of the specialist communications media investigated the topic and the results were not slow in coming.

Toxic emissions from diesel vehicles in real operating conditions exceed and multiply several times over the “expected” quantities and maximum approved values.
To this day, it might be said that the problem is widespread and includes practically all manufacturers. In the majority of cases they have taken advantage of small legal loopholes in the approval tests in order to pass the emission tests and obtain the consumption data/official emissions which, moreover, are usually those that are publicised.
Small tricks such as increasing the tyre pressures, switching off all the electrical consumers including the power steering, using specific lubricants, among others, The test cycle is carried out on rollers which has little to do with actual driving conditions, either on the highway or in the city.

Simos PCR 2.1 high-pressure pump engine management system

Introduction

In diesel engines of the VAG group, in the 1.6 CAYC version , this electronic management system for injection of fuel is carried out using a Simos PCR 2.1 Continental Common Rail System. The high pressure pump is driven by the timing chain and the injectors are the piezoelectric type. The engine control unit controls and regulates the fuel pressure and dose. In this chapter we will discuss the high-pressure pump. 

High pressure fuel pump

This is fixed on the front right hand side of the engine and is driven by the timing belt. It is a two piston pump that works with maximum pressures of 1600 bar.

Towards sustainable transport

With the arrival of electric vehicles, it was suggested that developments in the sector to leave fossil fuels behind would take this line.

The biggest disadvantage is the range which these vehicles have at this time, and in the infrastructures that the different administrations provide to equip cities and roads with battery-charging stations.

Siemens (the German industrial and technology group) jointly with the Swedish lorry manufacturer Scania, will build the first electrical highway in Sweden.

With the objective of reducing dependence on fossil fuels for transporting goods by road, the Swedish Transport Administration awarded the contract to the County of Gävleborg.
The cost of the project is more than 9 million dollars of which almost 6 will come from private investment.

The engine does not start: Immobiliser or key error

Our Department's review of incidents has confirmed a curiosity that affects the whole range of models of Volkswagen fitted with the immobiliser-transponder system. 

DTCs are recorded with immobiliser fault and key signal not identified. Various symptoms in the performance of the vehicle's engine are added together with these fault codes.

Below are detailed all the symptoms that appear: 

VW logo.

-P0513 - Incorrect code of the immobiliser.

-P1177 - 1177 - Key, signal not plausible.

-Engine does not start occasionally.

-Warning message on the instrument panel display which states the following: “Immobilizer enabled".


NOTE: This technical note only affects vehicles fitted with a transponder-immobiliser system. 

Volkswagen Group, 1.6 CAYC diesel engine, exhaust gas recirculation system - EGR.

Diesel engine 1.6 CAYC
Technical specifications.
• 4 cylinder, 1,598 cm³ turbo-diesel engine developed by the VAG group.
• The engine has a double overhead camshaft and 16 valves.
• Common rail direct injection system with piezoelectric injectors.
• Charge air system with variable geometry turbocharger and intercooler.
• Catalytic converter with particulate filter.
• EGR solenoid valve with exhaust gas recirculation cooling.
• Meets Euro 5 anti-pollution standard.

Torque and power curves:

Exhaust gas recirculation EGR.
The purpose is to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. A part of the exhaust gases are fed back into the combustion process. The engine control unit regulates the flow of recirculated exhaust gases, while taking into consideration the engine speed, the amount of aspirated air, the aspirated air temperature, amount injected and air pressure.

Tensioning of the parking brake in the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series

In this post, instructions as provided by the brand are given for correctly tensioning the parking brake in the 1 series and 3 series BMW.
This process affects the following bodies:

1 Series: E81, E82, E87 and E88.
3 Series: E90, E91, E92 and E93.


Note:

The hand brake must be adjusted if:
• The parking brake shoes or other parts in the assembly are replaced.
• The brake discs are replaced.
• Excessive travel (10 teeth).
• Renewal of the parking brake Bowden cables.

Tensioning process

First, detach the hand brake lever bellows. It is recommended to use plastic levers so as not to damage the vehicle's interior.
Lever the points indicated in the images to disengage the bellows and extract them over the lever.

P2294 fault codes recorded in the AUDI TT

From our Call Centre, we have been able to confirm the repetition of several faults in the Audi TT, where a code relating to the fuel pressure has been recorded.

  

• 08852 – P2294 – Fuel pressure regulating valve (N276). Interruption.

• 18726 – P2294 – Fuel pressure regulating valve (N276). Interruption.

In this case, the displayed fault code reading from the engine control unit will be fault code P2294 but, depending on the diagnostic tool used, it is possible that a decimal code will be recorded that may match the two options we give.

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) is on due to a fault in the fuel circuit and there is a considerable lack of power.

The cause of this fault is a failure of the power supply of the fuel pressure regulating valve (N276), which comes from the engine component relay (J757).

To properly repair this fault, take the following steps:

- Check the electrical connection of the fuel pressure regulating valve and its power supply.

Thanks to our dis-net tool, we can access the engine diagram, the location and the monitoring of values of the fuel pressure regulating valve as shown in the image. 

Engine diagram. www.dis-net.com platform / Check on the N267