[Tengocity]

Anyone really understanding what it does differently to just Hybrid mode?

I totally understand what hybrid, electric and sport modes do, but I don't really get what adaptive does differently.

If any one has sussed it out and can explain when it's better that would be great!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Anyone really understanding what it does differently to just Hybrid mode?

I totally understand what hybrid, electric and sport modes do, but I don't really get what adaptive does differently.

If any one has sussed it out and can explain when it's better that would be great!

When you say 'adaptive', I assume you mean the driving and suspension mode, not EV modes/settings.

[tricky6]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Anyone really understanding what it does differently to just Hybrid mode?

I totally understand what hybrid, electric and sport modes do, but I don't really get what adaptive does differently.

If any one has sussed it out and can explain when it's better that would be great!

Great question, I've not seen any use for it either. What I think it's meant to do to analyse your driving style and set the suspension, engine, steering etc. up to reflect. e.g. if you're driving fast it'll firm up the suspension but if you're bumbling along the motorway it'll soften things up. I've fiddled with it a few times and it just seems to default into sports suspension. Maybe I didn't give it enough time...

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

When you say 'adaptive', I assume you mean the driving and suspension mode, not EV modes/settings.

It's a drivetrain mode, and version of hybrid.

[HighlandPete]

This is a typical description of the 'Adaptive Mode', not necessarily how it works with the PHEV (330e) features.

"ADAPTIVE" reacts to the current driving style. The affected control units can change their parameters on the basis of the detected driving style.
With the navigation system, the mode makes use of the available map data and optimizes "ADAPTIVE" Mode by predictive functions such as early reaction to bends, junctions and road type.

The displays on the instrument cluster and Central Information Display (CID) remain in "normal" mode (7-series *) and do not continuously change between "COMFORT" and "SPORT" modes. This is to prevent the Driver from being distracted or lose comfort by changes in the displays. "ADAPTIVE" mode changes the modes in the background so that the driver does not notice the changes directly.

The following influences on the driving style are taken into account, among others:
• Longitudinal dynamics
• Current speed
• Pedal sensor position
• Cruise control (sensor data from ACC radar sensor)
• Sport shift gate for automatic transmission
• Turn indicator
• Steering wheel movements
• Navigation data

(* 7-series added by me, would suggest 'comfort' mode for the 3-series).

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by tricky6

Great question, I've not seen any use for it either. What I think it's meant to do to analyse your driving style and set the suspension, engine, steering etc. up to reflect. e.g. if you're driving fast it'll firm up the suspension but if you're bumbling along the motorway it'll soften things up. I've fiddled with it a few times and it just seems to default into sports suspension. Maybe I didn't give it enough time...

As I read it, (330e User Manual seems to support this), you will get the typical adaptive function if you have the M-adaptive suspension option. Plus the adaptive Hybrid functions.

BMW Adaptive Mode description:

If ADAPTIVE driving mode has been activated via the driving experience switch, the Dynamic Stability Control control unit processes the navigation data to analyses the route and influences the driving program to be activated if necessary. If the vehicle is approaching a sharp bend at high speed, for example, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) activates Sport mode without any action on the part of the driver. The Vertical Dynamics Platform (VDP) reads in this information and activates the corresponding chassis components for Sport mode.

Conversely, an automatic change in driving program from Sport to Comfort is also possible. If the vehicle exits a twisting section of road through which it has been driven at speed and then drives at constant speed on a straight section, this results in automatic change over to the Comfort driving program. This means that the optimum driving mode with respect to comfort (Comfort) and driving dynamics (Sport) is automatically set without manual operation of the driving experience switch depending on the driving style and probable route. Route guidance need not be activated for this.

For the 330e (User Manual) seems Adaptive is dependant on:

Adaptive hybrid mode
Principle
The system makes it possible to distribute the available electrical energy as effectively as possible so that electric driving can take place in urban areas and in the destination when the navigation system route guidance is active. If the high-voltage battery is sufficiently charged, additional route sections for electric driving are selected. Downward gradients, for example, are taken into account for efficient energy recuperation purposes.
The internal combustion engine is automatically activated or deactivated depending on the route section, which supports an efficient driving style and emission-free driving in urban areas.

Operating requirements
▷ Selector lever position D engaged.
▷ Route guidance active.
▷ HYBRID STANDARD, HYBRID ECO PRO,
HYBRID COMFORT or ADAPTIVE activated,
depending on equipment.

Appears "ADAPTIVE activated" is the option where you also get the driving dynamics 'adaptive' option on the fly.

The 330e user manual seems to skip describing the Adaptive mode, after listing it in the driving modes section.

[Tengocity]

Thanks Pete, that makes more sense. As I am reading it in my paper manual it just doesn't really sound any different to HYBRID, and even the descriptor itself is little different.

I shall maybe persist with some longer experimentation and see if I can detect anything.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

Thanks Pete, that makes more sense. As I am reading it in my paper manual it just doesn't really sound any different to HYBRID, and even the descriptor itself is little different.

I shall maybe persist with some longer experimentation and see if I can detect anything.

BMW are never really clear with features like this in the User Manuals. In fact the 330e manual seems to miss a basic description of the Adaptive function.

G30 User Manual has this to say for the basic Adaptive mode function.

ADAPTIVE
Concept
Comfort-oriented driving mode, whose tuning is automatically modified to the driving situation and driving style.
If the navigation system is active, upcoming road sections are considered.
The function may be restricted if the navigation data is invalid, outdated or not available, for example.

BTW, I suppose you are aware of the adaptive recuperation settings.

Adaptive recuperation
Principle
Adaptive recuperation supports an anticipatory and comfort-oriented driving style. Map data and various sensors analyse the current driving situation. During coasting, energy recuperation is adapted so that the distance from the vehicle in front can be kept constant, for example.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

BMW are never really clear with features like this in the User Manuals. In fact the 330e manual seems to miss a basic description of the Adaptive function.

G30 User Manual has this to say for the basic Adaptive mode function.

BTW, I suppose you are aware of the adaptive recuperation settings.

Afraid not Pete. I'm not much of a manual reader! Though if it's got important chunks missing then it's not all that helpful!

[SwissTone]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

BMW are never really clear with features like this in the User Manuals. In fact the 330e manual seems to miss a basic description of the Adaptive function.

G30 User Manual has this to say for the basic Adaptive mode function.

BTW, I suppose you are aware of the adaptive recuperation settings.

@HighlandPete that last part about constant distance from the vehicle in front is interesting if you've not got ACC...

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by SwissTone

@HighlandPete that last part about constant distance from the vehicle in front is interesting if you've not got ACC...

There is usually small print, stating something like, "feature available, according to options fitted".