DME or DDE: Digital Motor Electronics or Digital Diesel Electronics
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW X3, 2016 BMW X3, 2015 BMW X3, 2014 BMW X3, and 2013 BMW X3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The DME or DDE contribute to the voltage supply as follows: If the alternator voltage falls, DME/DDE increase the engine speed depending on the requirement. The software for this is called "power management".