faarcanal

I read with interest the post on a dead battery and one responder opined that it would be normal with the engine going and all electrical systems going that 90Amps would be drawn.

Which led me to the thought that the amount of electrical systems on board our cars will continue to increase and hence the power load will also.

Will the F10 have 12V systems or something new?

EBMCS03

I remember a few years back the same topic came up not on this messageboard but I think on m5board... and a few thought like you that they'll change but its still 12V now... I think its too standardized to change unless theres a absolute need.

UUronL

Miniturization of components (tinier transistors) and collapsing of ICs (fewer components doing more tasks) should probably leave us in a good position. Newer chips on smaller fabs require far less power. With more powerful computing it will be possible to have more functions done on each system component compared to the design used when the E60 was on the drawing board.

Rudy

Years ago there was talk about a 42 volt standard for cars but I think there were too many problems to deal with so they sort of abandoned the plan. My guess is we'll see a dual battery (still 12V) system like M-B uses where one battery is used to start the car and the other is used to help power the gadgets, etc.

Here's a recent article from October 2007 that talks about the plan being shelved:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive...rs/4226979.html

And here are some older articles talking about the plan (while it still had life):
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KJ...15/ai_107836350
http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive...rs/4226979.html
http://www.tierone.com/42voltrr.html

faarcanal

Thanks, Rudy. I love the difference in the articles over the past 8 years.

Sounds like the need is dead and buried. Though 90 amps, crickey, that is a lot.

EBMCS03

YA thats what it was... the 42V plan... now I remember... Rudy always knows all... when it comes to cars...