[TuffLittleUnit]

Pic of my journey computer after a run today ... does this sound right? Is it really realistic that I got such a high average mpg? Normally I get about 46mpg on long runs but if true this is fantastic.

[Lotus7]

Could be the cooler temps., ideal weather, and a non-aggressive driving style, along with the right phase of the moon all converged to your benefit.

The Combined Euro Driving Cycle ratings for the 20D are:
46.3 "Urban"
and
53.3 "Extra Urban"

The Greencar review of the 20D saw a combined mileage of 47.9 in "Austria on winter tires", so 52.5 is certainly possible under ideal conditions.

Was this a "round-trip" run or was it in one direction? It only goes in the record book if it was "round-trip".

Maybe you should bring it back to your dealer and complain that you're ONLY getting 52.5 and not the rated 53.3. If you can maintain a straight face, ask him why your car is 0.8 mpg short of the published rating.

[sfax]

I've never seen more than 43 on any reasonably long trip. There are other factors: if you have non run-flat 17s they are low rolling resistance, staggered wheels will be less efficient I assume, air con, windows or sunroof open, other passengers and luggage weight all use more fuel, terrain. I tick all the wrong boxes for fuel efficiency!

[robwoods]

It's all about average speed on the motorways. In my 20d it's very hard to get more than 30-35mpg around town or on local roads. On the motorway at 75mph you are looking at 43-45mpg. But if you get to a section of roadworks where speed is restricted to 50mph for many miles, or you just have to drive at 60-65mph for a while, you can get over 50mpg easily. It just depends how much of the urban/town driving you have in the mix as to whether the average gets over 50mpg. My typical trip to Leeds from Nottingham is around 90 miles, 60-70 miles are motorway, and I get around 45mpg.

You've got to keep it out of DS, accelerate at a leisurely pace, and generally drive like the brake pedal is your enemy and the accelerator is like a cash ejector, the harder you press it, the more cash it ejects! This focusses the mind.

Trouble is, BMW's aren't really intended for this kind of driving, but in this day and age...

I have the 20d with the non run flat 17" (standard) wheels so have given myself a good chance of getting good mpg.

[DJ Daddy-O]

Agree with everything above. I went on a round 150 mile trip and one direction achieved 53mpg. Mainly motorway driving at steady pace.

Way back came different route. 10 miles further mainly twisty A roads and still managed 38 mpg.

Journey home definitely better ....

[BIMMER UK 76]

Impressive! You must have bben going downhill most of the way

[tank531]

You must use cruise control to minimize the fuel consumption. For sure its the stop/start or accelerate/break that burn's the fuel. Using cruise in the UK is hard - to many cars on the road for anything in the daytime.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by tank531

You must use cruise control to minimize the fuel consumption. For sure its the stop/start or accelerate/break that burn's the fuel. Using cruise in the UK is hard - to many cars on the road for anything in the daytime.

I can generally get better fuel economy without cruise control. CC is not good going uphill where you would naturally ease off but I guess it depends on the selected speed

So many people that drive on the motorways here seem completely unaware that you can decelerate by simply taking your foot off the accelerator and not touching the brake pedal. One car unnecessarily applies its brakes and the brake lights trigger 20 more cars to brake behind it as all the sheep follow suit

[TuffLittleUnit]

Originally Posted by sfax

I can generally get better fuel economy without cruise control. CC is not good going uphill where you would naturally ease off but I guess it depends on the selected speed

+1

I only use it in roadworks with speed cameras.

Remember that CC on the X3 will also apply the brakes if you start going too fast e.g. downhill

On my 52.5mpg achievement (yes, achievement ) I hardly touched the brakes ... I just avoid driving up people's backside and leave plenty of space to "coast" if the traffic in front starts to slow.

If I'm not overtaking anything I stay in the left lane ... seems to be a rare behaviour these days. I had some self-righteous cock beeping his horn at me on the M621 this morning when I ended up gently under taking him because he was hogging the right hand lane at 60mph and the left lane was completely clear for as far as the eye could see. Apparently I'm supposed to sit behind him at 60 (on a 70 road) ad infinitum. Tosser. [/rant]

[MattUK]

Thats very impressive! The best I've had to date is 41 in my 3.0.

Have you tried any of those BP ultimate diesel fuels? I tried one tank, and got around 30 miles more from the whole tank, which is similar to what I saw with 98RON on the last car, and figured you pay more for the fuel, so it actually works out around the same.

Yet to do a really long run though.

Whats the lowest you've had? I think the lowest I've managed so far with hard driving to work was 27

[BIMMER UK 76]

120 mile journey to center parcs on motorways using cruise with average speed of 65.7 and a rubbish 41mpg, booooooo, would have got mid 50s in my old 520d driving like an old man. For the sake of 5mpg i will drove normally on the way home

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

120 mile journey to center parcs on motorways using cruise with average speed of 65.7 and a rubbish 41mpg, booooooo, would have got mid 50s in my old 520d driving like an old man. For the sake of 5mpg i will drove normally on the way home

My experience is very similar to this. Most I've had is 42.5 on a 200 mile trip and that was driving like Miss Daisy and being super conservative. It must be the weight of the family and all the crap you have to take with you on these trips Perhaps pro nav weighs a lot?

[tank531]

The wife has now averaged 40.5 mpg (UK) over 2,200 miles, 60/40 town/highway

[X5plug-in]

I can get 41mpg one way in light early morning traffic on a 6 mile town run from cold - and that's in a 3.0d! never get less than 35mpg on that run. Winter non-run flats, running lights, nav, air con snowflake etc on. Well pleased. And as temps cool still gripping like a leach. Oh and the "pull out into small traffic gaps power" - cant help but grin. Happy days.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland

I can get 41mpg one way in light early morning traffic on a 6 mile town run from cold - and that's in a 3.0d! never get less than 35mpg on that run. Winter non-run flats, running lights, nav, air con snowflake etc on. Well pleased. And as temps cool still gripping like a leach. Oh and the "pull out into small traffic gaps power" - cant help but grin. Happy days.

xbuyer, if I get another X3 it will be 30d!

12 months since I specced my order at centre parcs and here we are again, its gone bloody quick

2 years till I order my next car!

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

xbuyer, if I get another X3 it will be 30d!

12 months since I specced my order at centre parcs and here we are again, its gone bloody quick

2 years till I order my next car!

Can't believe you were spec'ing your order whilst at centre parcs! I miss the online configurator....

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by sfax

Can't believe you were spec'ing your order whilst at centre parcs! I miss the online configurator....

I might have used the configurator occasionally since

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

I might have used the configurator occasionally since

That two years will come round fast and you'll have to wait about 6 months for your 30d to arrive so best to keep up to date with the configurator. You wouldn't want to go in cold in 18 months

[JOHNBMWM5]

My 35D has covered 720 miles now, my mixed ( some booting) driving is giving 38MPG.
Motorway driving 40 MPG @ 75/80 MPH.
Town is 35 MPG using stop/start.
I suppose this is good for a new engine, improvements may be had after 4K+ Miles.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

My 35D has covered 720 miles now, my mixed ( some booting) driving is giving 38MPG.
Motorway driving 40 MPG @ 75/80 MPH.
Town is 35 MPG using stop/start.
I suppose this is good for a new engine, improvements may be had after 4K+ Miles.

My 20d must be broken (and sfax)

Perhaps 20d just has to work harder?

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

My 20d must be broken (and sfax)

Perhaps 20d just has to work harder?

These 35d economy figures must be a wind up!

I am averaging about 35 but it's skewed by quite a lot of short trips into town (6 miles). I think I'd have a better average if I used it for commuting. Would be interesting to compare notes on a flat stretch of motorway at constant speeds of 70, 75, 80.

[clivem2]

Those short journeys really hurt, I take the dog locally to walk him. I get low 20's on those runs, it's so important to get a diesel up to temp. John's figures are showing restraint as the car is still new. Give him a week or two more.....that economy has to collapse!