318i RPM level...

[PwrdbyM]

A buddy of mine just bought a E36 318i coupe, manual as a commuter car. The question is the RPM's seem to run really high, 3700 at 75mph?
I used to own a Z3 1.9 and I don't remember the rpm's being that high.

Normal? Or did someone screw with the gearing?

Thanks.

[richbarn2]

IIRC, my car is about the same. I think they geared them like that for the 4 cylinder engines. A bit better acceleration for a bit of sacrifice on top. If it is healthy, you will still get 30 mpg or better though...

[NickR23]

Sounds about right, my car sits just under 3000 rpm doing about 55-65 on the highway. Still gets about 32 mpg. Ive always wanted to gear it for better mileage and see if I couldnt hit 40+ consistantly.

-Nick

[CivetaDei]

its about the same for me
if he doesnt like it tell him to swap differentials he will lose the better acceleration but the rpm's wont be as high at top speeds

[Paul150]

Same here. I usually am just above 3000 at 65 MPH and about 3300 at around 70 MPH (estimates). Car still runs great and gets good mileage.

[Danny318]

thats correct, depends on the size of the wheels you are running though

[marko666]

mine sits on 4250 @ 80 mph... 4500 @ 85 mph.

[Asharus]

yep same here

[PwrdbyM]

Thanks guys.

Just wanted to make sure there was nothing wrong.

[karies]

yea sounds right, i have the 318is LSD diff with the m52 and the acceleration is awsome compared to the stock 328is but yes hi-ways it sits high,

[Testament]

You all seem to be getting sucky mileage...
My 318is, sits at around 2800rpm at 60mph and i get 38mpg...And thats with mineral oil, faulty ICV and faulty O2 sensor...
But i always run the car on SHell V-Power 99

[richbarn2]

You all seem to be getting sucky mileage...
My 318is, sits at around 2800rpm at 60mph and i get 38mpg...And thats with mineral oil, faulty ICV and faulty O2 sensor...
But i always run the car on SHell V-Power 99

Depends on how you drive the car and how you figure your mpg. If I consistently cruised at 60 mph I'm sure I'ld get mid to high 30's. As it is now, I'm getting 30+mpg cruising 75-80mph with a mix of highway and city driving using the crappy winter gas mix that is less efficient. BTW, the OBC is optimistic, its more accurate to figure miles driven vs gallons added.

[amancuso]

I'm at about 3200 @ 65MPH

[DaedHead8]

If I'm cruising at 3500 rpms I'm doing at least 80 mph.

[Testament]

Depends on how you drive the car and how you figure your mpg. If I consistently cruised at 60 mph I'm sure I'ld get mid to high 30's. As it is now, I'm getting 30+mpg cruising 75-80mph with a mix of highway and city driving using the crappy winter gas mix that is less efficient. BTW, the OBC is optimistic, its more accurate to figure miles driven vs gallons added.

My bimmer doesnt have an OBC, i normally put in £10 of V power which equals to 10 litres and i get around 85 miles. But European fuel is of higher quality compared to US fuel.