Method for controlling a component of the drive train of a motor vehicle, in particular an internal combustion engine

According to this method for controlling (10) an internal combustion engine having an electronic device controlling a first characteristic value of the engine according to second predetermined characteristic values, and connected to a second electronic control device, transmits a third predetermined set value for at least one of the first characteristic values, the control motor control apparatus (at 18 or 20) the operating characteristic value in a first or a second engine control mode .application particular passenger car.