The words behind the machine

Speak fluent BMW.

Short explanations with useful connections. Open any term to go a little deeper.

Drivetrain Active M Differential

An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential used on specified BMW M models.

Air & boost Boost pressure

Intake pressure above ambient atmospheric pressure, when expressed as gauge boost.

Inside the engine Camshaft

A shaft with lobes that operate the engine’s valves through the valvetrain.

Inside the engine Connecting rod

The link that transfers force between a piston and the crankshaft.

Inside the engine Crankshaft

The shaft that receives piston force through connecting rods and produces rotation.

Drivetrain DCT

A dual-clutch transmission with separate clutches for two groups of gears.

Drivetrain Differential

A drivetrain assembly that allows its two outputs to rotate at different speeds.

Electronics ECU / DME

The engine controller that reads inputs and coordinates fuel, ignition and airflow.

Reading the numbers Horsepower

A unit of power: how quickly an engine or motor can do work.

Air & boost Intercooler

A heat exchanger that cools compressed intake air before it enters the engine.

Inside the engine Rod bearings

Bearing shells between a connecting rod’s big end and its crankshaft journal.

Reading the numbers RPM

Revolutions per minute: a measure of rotational speed.

Reading the numbers Torque

The turning effect of a force acting at a distance from an axis.

Air & boost Turbocharger

An exhaust-driven turbine and shared-shaft compressor that compress intake air.

Inside the engine Valvetronic

BMW’s variable intake-valve lift system for controlling engine airflow.

Inside the engine VANOS

BMW’s system for adjusting camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft.

Air & boost Wastegate

A valve that bypasses exhaust around a turbocharger turbine to regulate its drive.

Drivetrain xDrive

BMW’s all-wheel-drive name: drive can reach both front and rear axles.