New owner: MPG questions

[bomax]

Hey all, just drove a 2008 335i home last night. On my highway trip I was getting about 25 MPG average @ 73 MPH. Is that about right? I was expecting a little better but I don't really have a solid reference.

I can't seem to find a way to display the "current" or instant MPG, only the average. How do I see current MPG? I found it in the owners manual but it doesn't seem to be in my actual menu. I noticed the manual had an asterisk next to it, so I'm thinking it's attached to some option?

:redspot

[racerblade]

Congrats on your new ride - I just got one 2 weeks ago. IF I don't hammer the gas - which is hard not to do in these cars, I average about 28 on the highway @ 75. Two things to consider - one is if you aren't using cruise, then there is no way to really figure out what the car will average since the driver (any driver) is not going to control the speed as well as the computer -- not to mention that the average will change based on the road conditions (level, uphill etc...). The other thing to consider is that the computer's average is rarely correct - just do it the old-fashioned way and write your mileage and how much gas it took to fill up.

As far as seeing instant and average MPG read-outs - just press the button in on the stalk several times to cycle through the options. Maybe I misunderstood your question though. I hope that helps.

[MPRs]

There is a needle/guage that shows current mpg and digital read-out for average. No?

The average calculation is very close on accuracy. I notice it is only a few hundredths off when I fill up and calculate the computers value versus the value I calculate myself the old-fashioned way.

[Bermrunner]

I believe, at least with the UK spec, that the average mpg digital read out is based on your previous 18 miles average fuel consumption. This is, of course, a rolling average and can be reset by holding the stalk button in for a couple of seconds when average mpg is displayed.

On my normal commute The display generally reads 47 to 48 mpg and I'm calculating around the same when measuring the fuel usage the old fashioned way.

BTW, the figures above are for my 320d E90 LCI.

[torifile]

The 335i is only rated for 17 - 23, right? Seems like the 25 MPG is pretty good for what your car is rated.

[GuitarDTO]

Like Racerblade, I was averaging around 28 on my first trip home with my 2008 335i at 70-75 mph. Not sure if something is wrong with yours or not but I wouldnt sweat it too much. Just document the averages for awhile and see how it performs.

[mryakan]

There is a needle/guage that shows current mpg and digital read-out for average. No?
The instant mpg gauge is not available on the 335, it is replaced by the oil temp gauge which is why it is marked with an asterisk in the manual.

[GuitarDTO]

The instant mpg gauge is not available on the 335, it is replaced by the oil temp gauge which is why it is marked with an asterisk in the manual.

I have a 2008 335i and mine has an instant MPG guage. Not sure if other year 335's are different or not.

[robroy72]

I have a 2008 335i and mine has an instant MPG guage. Not sure if other year 335's are different or not.

Its not the needle variant, though, its part of the on board computer.

[mryakan]

I have a 2008 335i and mine has an instant MPG guage. Not sure if other year 335's are different or not.
I'd love to see that :shifty. The gauge I am talking about is under the tach, right where your oil temp gauge is (see where it says l/100km):

http://a.imageshack.us/img809/5287/img0232eq.jpg

[racerblade]

Something else to consider is fuel grade - including the source, octane rating and % ethanol (more = worse fuel economy).

To make it more complicated, 93 octane doesn't mean you're getting the same quality gas at all stations, because they don't all use the same detergents. This is one suspected reason for the HPFP failure here in the states, while in Germany no such issue exists.

Check out this link. BMW has included it in one of the service bulletins related to the HPFP failure -- http://www.toptiergas.com/

In the end - remember you bought a turbocharged engine. If want crazy fuel economy, get a scooter - just saying - :D lol

[GuitarDTO]

My bad I thought you guys were talking about the digital readout not a needle gauge.

[bomax]

I don't even see the digital readout version on mine??

[GuitarDTO]

I don't even see the digital readout version on mine??

Really? I just press the button on the stalk a few times to cycle through miles remaining, MPH average, MPG average and them instant MPG. I wonder if thats somehow an option on premium package only? I wouldnt think so....but I dont understand why you aren't finding it:(

[mryakan]

Really? I just press the button on the stalk a few times to cycle through miles remaining, MPH average, MPG average and them instant MPG. I wonder if thats somehow an option on premium package only? I wouldnt think so....but I dont understand why you aren't finding it:(

Definitely not there on the N52 cars. Never checked on the 335, it is possible they put it there to compensate for the missing analog readout. But then my 318ti had neither, so there are BMWs without any.