stop-control system 
Braking systems have received as much or more technology attention from engineers as any major automotive component. What began with antilock brake systems (ABS) has grown into controls that prepressure the brake lines when an accident or a sudden stop is imminent, lightly apply the brakes in wet weather to keep the pads dry, and in some cases, even apply a different stopping force to each wheel.

Now, BMW will intervene in coming to a full stop by decreasing brake pressure at the last moment to avoid that jerky ending that a handful of motorists apparently experience. This may be the best example yet of 100 pounds of technology fixing a 5-pound problem.

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