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      10-09-2012, 07:21 PM   #1
amoeba
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Disappointing gas mileage?

We have a 2.8 with N20 engine and was honestly expecting better gas mileage. The car is rated for:

City: 21
Combined: 24
Freeway: 28

After 1,000 miles we're only getting about 18 mpg on comfort mode with a mix of 60% city 40% freeway, 91 octane. Is this normal for you guys?
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      10-09-2012, 07:23 PM   #2
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I found that my old N52 E90 opened up after the first oil change. I am hopeful that it would be the same for the N20.
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      10-09-2012, 07:42 PM   #3
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Not wanting to be condescending, but is this your first new car? I don't consider myself old whatsoever, but I've already owned 5 new vehicles (out of 8) and they always had lower than advertised mileage for the first ~5000-8000KMs. General rule of thumb is to start analysing after the first oil change

I drive my N55 somewhat spirited and more often than I need to in Sport+ mode, and I still average ~11L/100 combined (21MPG) which still boggles my mind for such a heavy & powerful vehicle. (my old Rainier used to gulp ~20L/100KM average and over 25L/100KM in winter).

Give it time; these awesome engines + 8SPD combos are insanely efficient.
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      10-09-2012, 07:45 PM   #4
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Not our first. We have 2 E46s before amongst other cars. I guess we never paid this much attention to mpg before.
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      10-09-2012, 07:58 PM   #5
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Sadly for us up north, with the gas prices soaring so much in the last few years (from ~0.90 to 1.40$ a litre), the new X3 was miles ahead ALL the competition in terms of gas efficiency; nothing even came close for the power/size/efficiency ratios, so happy to report that for my driving style, the MPG is pretty much bang on.

So yeah, keeping tabs on decent MPG efficiency has been a thing for us for a while
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      10-10-2012, 09:34 AM   #6
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I saw a big increase with my 2012 28i after I changed by driving habits. I would recommend trying to drive more like an old man for a while: slow starts, more coasting to stop lights. I've been able to get 27mpg HWY and 24mpg combined on my N52. I would expect the N20 to be even better.

My wife drives a 2013 328i with N20 and she's been able to get 28 combined from the get go, so it's definitely possible. If the driving habits don't reveal any change, you might try 93 octane, just in case. Otherwise, I would have it looked at.
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      10-10-2012, 09:53 AM   #7
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i can say im happy with my f25 performance i use premium gas BP or sunoco and 350 miles on a full tank and reserve fuel was 50 miles. i pushed it to 370 miles with 25 miles left of fuel on reserve and i travel about 46mile round trip to work/home

next month it will be 1yr w/f25

13k+ miles
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      10-10-2012, 11:12 AM   #8
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It will get better. You will get a better mileage if you drive conservatively. I got 24 mpg from my E92 M3 driving on a county road at 55 mph speed limit.
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      10-10-2012, 11:36 AM   #9
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i got 11k on mine, and pretty consistently run 24 in suburban driving, 28 on highway and dont think it has ever been below 18. I do watch how I drive but not anal about it. I know with my pickups that i never got even reasonable mileage until 30k miles so I would tell you its way too soon to tell
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      10-10-2012, 03:14 PM   #10
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It wouldn't hurt to check your tire pressure. It's not unheard of for it to be several lbs. off on a new car.
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      10-10-2012, 06:23 PM   #11
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Driving style is the key. After the first month of ownership and 1000 miles of suburban driving, I get a 26.7mpg as per onboard computer. I was able to get 31mpg on a 15 mile trip to work, but that was boring as heck
Just don't push it hard, accelerate slowly from stop to avoid downshifts, coast whenever possible, don't go over 70mph
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      10-10-2012, 06:28 PM   #12
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This car (x28i with N20) is as efficient as my previous much smaller '05 Acura TSX with a 2.4l engine. More power, more torque, more space, same fuel efficiency, can't complain.
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      10-10-2012, 07:06 PM   #13
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Interesting. You guys don't leave it in eco mode or anything right? We're not that lead footed, just drive normally.
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      10-12-2012, 08:23 AM   #14
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I've been averaging 25-35mpg on the highway mixed between comfort and eco pro.

Around town with some mixed highway I've been getting 20.

I've been very impressed with its gas mileage.
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      10-12-2012, 10:25 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PAMidge View Post
I've been averaging 25-35mpg on the highway mixed between comfort and eco pro.

Around town with some mixed highway I've been getting 20.

I've been very impressed with its gas mileage.
How many miles do you have so far?
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      10-12-2012, 11:01 AM   #16
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City mileage is always misleading. If you really like to measure mph, drive on freeway at steady speed of 60mph, reset trip meter settings on idrive while driving and check the mpg average over 10 miles thereafter. You will be surprised to see a reading of 35 mpg. You should look at the current average and not the cumulative average.
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      10-12-2012, 11:05 AM   #17
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I was able to hit 28 easy on the freeway doing 68 with my X3 35i 2011 Keep your foot off the gas and coast a good bit.
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      10-12-2012, 11:35 AM   #18
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I bought my 2013 28i three weeks ago & I'm getting the same reading...18.4 mpg combined

I'm about to call my dealership to ask why I'm only getting 18 instead of 21 to 24. Do I really need to wait for my first change oil to get the 24 mpg combined?
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      10-12-2012, 11:42 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbtamms View Post
I bought my 2013 28i three weeks ago & I'm getting the same reading...18.4 mpg combined

I'm about to call my dealership to ask why I'm only getting 18 instead of 21 to 24. Do I really need to wait for my first change oil to get the 24 mpg combined?
The efficiency should improve after about 10,000 km.
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      10-12-2012, 12:30 PM   #20
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I have always been told by my BMW dealer to NEVER use BP gasoline and to use Shell V-Power as much as possible.

Your thoughts?

Just traded my 2006 X3(83k) in on a late-model year 2011 X3, 13K, DSB metallic and Oyster. Love it
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      10-12-2012, 01:59 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by epiphone3 View Post
The efficiency should improve after about 10,000 km.
Thanks..
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      10-12-2012, 05:04 PM   #22
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I have 3k miles on it and getting 16 in city with 5 mile one way to work. but on highway the mpg seems getting much better
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