The DSC system combines ABS, traction control and stability control, among the enhancements are:

Fading support – if the system senses imminent brakefade it automatically increases pedal pressure to compensate

Dry braking – if wet weather is detected through wiper operation or via the windscreen rain sensor then the pads are periodically advanced to skim the discs to dry the pads

Soft Stop – the system reduces pressure just before the vehicle reaches a complete halt to reduce the jerk normally experienced at this point;

Start Assist – when stopping on a hill the brake holds for two seconds after the pedal is released to let the driver get their foot to the throttle for a hill start

Electronic brake actuation for cruise control – will hold speed to the pre-set cruise speed on down hills via brake application, where the radar controlled following distance sensor is fitted this also can use braking to control distance

The new, inline six-cylinder engine comes in 2.5-litre (160kW/250Nm) and 3.3-litre (190kW/300Nm) sizes. To reduce weight it makes extensive use of magnesium alloy, including the cylinder head cover, engine bedplate and in a sophisticated dual casting system, a major part of the engine block. This results in an engine that is 10kg lighter than its less powerful predecessor. In fact, to get the old engine up to the same power outputs, would have increased weight by around 15kg, so the true weight saving is around 25kg. The magnesium/aluminium block is 57 percent lighter than a cast iron block and 24% lighter than an aluminium block.

The core of the engine, including the engine bores and water jacket, is cast in aluminium. This casting has substantial rib structures along the sides, around this core is cast the magnesium shell, which bonds to the ribs, making a single unit. This overcomes one of magnesium’s biggest problems – corrosion – which would be accentuated in the bore and water jacket area. This engine also features BMW’s first use of electric water pump technology. This moves the pump to the side of the engine, making it shorter and easier to package, provides faster warm ups and reduces total power loss as it only operates when required.

The new engine features BMW proven Bi-Vanos variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust valves and the Valvetronic system of variable valve lift, which replaces the traditional throttle for engine speed control. The inlet manifold is now three-stage with three different lengths to suit engine speed. With all this technology the N42 meets the designers holy grail in being lighter, more powerful and producing around 4% fuel savings all at the same time.