A data-processing-aided electronic control system having a multiple control unit arrangement which implements application functions and has several control units arranged in a distributed manner, along with a data transmission network which connects the control units to each other. The application functions are implemented in a client/server architecture in the multiple control unit arrangement. This permits the implementation of application functions in real time via a flexible, standardized and open system. With this changes and/or updates of application functions can be implemented at relatively low expenditures. The system is used, for example, as a control system in a motor vehicle.