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2004 525i Poor MPG.

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Old 10-12-2010, 10:27 AM
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Let's get back to the discusiion:
To the OP, try getting some new iridium spark plugs and replace the ones you have. I found NGK Iridiums for $6/ea at Kragen (O'Reilly).
Next, get a can of MAF sensor cleaner and use it. Luckily one of our members posted a DIY on how to clean it: MAF Cleaning
Old 10-12-2010, 10:57 AM
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Try cleaning your Fuel System with "Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner"!..
Old 10-12-2010, 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by skEwb
I'm experiencing some very poor gas mileage with my 2004 525i. Just for a quick overview the car has 86k miles and I've performed an oil change on it with full synthetic, has a K&N oil air filter that's brand new and has had the microfilters replaced as well. I reset the computer and took it for a very careful zen driving session to try and see what my MPG would be. As you can see it's a whoping 13.5 (air conditioner off)(tires checked and filled for proper pressure). It gets about 9-11MPG with careless fast driving.

I know for a fact this car has original spark plugs. Will it need a new O2 sensor? New spark plugs? What else do I need to look at to see what can improve the mileage? When I bought the car at 78k miles it was getting about 15-17MPG and now it's dropped severely, even with VERY careful driving. It has 20" rims on Nexen tires (TPMS goes off, but no worries all tires are fine, just bad sensor I need to replace after crushing it in an LA pothole).

It's worth mentioning that at idle if the AC runs it makes the engine quiet down, whereas if the AC is off the car rumbles more at idle. Any input would be appreciated, I'm getting tired of paying $200-250 a month in gas just to drive to work that is 15mins away.
I bet it's the flat tire
Old 10-12-2010, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by gotabyte
I heard that the oil from the K&N filter can get on the mass airflow sensor(MAF) and cause it to misread to the computer. There is cleaner for the MAF at auto parts stores. Do NOT attempt to clean it with other solvents or some other device. It is easily damaged.
I'll give this a try tomorrow on my day off, thanks for the suggestion.
Old 10-12-2010, 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by pjinca
Let's get back to the discusiion:
To the OP, try getting some new iridium spark plugs and replace the ones you have. I found NGK Iridiums for $6/ea at Kragen (O'Reilly).
Next, get a can of MAF sensor cleaner and use it. Luckily one of our members posted a DIY on how to clean it: MAF Cleaning
Good to have a guide, I like guides. I have to get a hold of the dealer CD that has all the instructions on taking things apart. I used to have it but misplaced it.
Old 10-12-2010, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by AP Sales
I bet it's the flat tire
hehe I'd have never guessed
Old 10-12-2010, 11:36 AM
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I need to check what my MPG is.
Old 10-12-2010, 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by skEwb
Good to have a guide, I like guides. I have to get a hold of the dealer CD that has all the instructions on taking things apart. I used to have it but misplaced it.

Here's a DIY for cleaning the MAF:

https://5series.net/forums/topic/980...aning-diy-n52/

DOH!!! Nevermind, you don't have an N52...
Old 10-12-2010, 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by balbs
Here's a DIY for cleaning the MAF:

https://5series.net/forums/topic/980...aning-diy-n52/

DOH!!! Nevermind, you don't have an N52...
It's pretty similar, I get the idea I know where it's at. Just can't wait to do it now..
Old 10-12-2010, 03:10 PM
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BTW, I just noticed the picture you posted showing the average speed of 16.7MPH. I wonder if that low speed for about 15 min. can be a factor. Were you always driving at that low speed when you first got your car? Also, I'm not sure about this but maybe the bad flat tire error could also be affecting the speed and MPG counter?

My car shows avg. about 17-19MPG at around 22MPH. My commute is mostly city streets. However, I've gone on long HWY trips on it and at one point even showed 33MPG.

I hope the MAF cleaning works out for you. Good Luck!


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