Richard in NC

Now that is impressive! I've gotten 27 on the highway but mostly do 25-26 at a 75mph average. My commute is 1/2 highway, 1/2 city with an average speed of 35-40mph. I can get 18-19 mpg commuting. Combined overall I'm right around 20. Normally I am conservative and don't punch the throttle hard or rev it past 4k but I do use manual mode on the sport auto frequently. That allows me to shift at a moderate 3-4k when accelerating hard or at 2500 when in traffic.

Casper

I had a 2004 545 and I would get 30mpg highway, driving 80 to 90mph. I was always impressed with that mileage. I drive from Miami to West Palm once a month and thats exactly 80miles, RT is 160 miles and it would consume half a tank, I reset the computer and always got 30 to 32mpg.

Never measured city driving.

Now I have a 2008 550i, I still drive the same route once a month but have not checked the computer, I will do the drive tomorrow and will do a manual measurement.

MRV99

I have heard some people claim these mileage numbers but I still find it really hard to believe. I know that Florida is really flat but I have never seen these numbers no matter what I do to this car or any BMW. I wish I could ride with somebody who gets these numbers to see what I am doing wrong. I can get on the highway, set the cruize control at like 75-80, reset the MPG and maybe I will see 28 but it only takes like 5 miles for it to be 24.

doug_999

The challenge here is what is city. The OP states city for him is 15 or so mph average - many of you state your city is a 35mph average.

My city is 15-20 average and I can attest that you will be lucky to hit high 14s in this average. Throw in winter gas and winter driving conditions and you can start enjoying the 11s. Highway is a different story in this car however where 25 is easily obtainable.

1esquire

I get 26 mpg avg by never going over 3k rpms. Some times I "get on it" and really rev the engine, but usually I shift before 3k rpms, which keeps my mileage high.

bimmerturn

I think the secret is to get into that 6th gear as soon as possible, works for me very well. With the 6MT I am able to get into 6th at 35MPH which helps a lot in MPG departmnent.

Heelsonwheels

85% local 15% hwy- 16.2 mpg
20k mi

moschse

I agree that the MPG are "not as advertised"..at least for me. BUT, whats the point of driving a 5 series, and not reving the engine past 3K RPM? I loath paying the gasman, and am not happy with my mpg, but c'mon. Its a 5 series...hit the gas and enjoy.

sixcard

Except for some body parts, I can't think of anything that more people lie about than their mpg.

Richard in NC

I agree. The sweet spot of the 550i is 3-4k rpm. Plus I believe that allowing the motor to run at its toque peak is the most efficient acceleration. During normal driving I try to shift around 3500 rpm. Once I reach my desired speed, I will get into higher gears, but seldom less than 1500 rpm (48 mph) in 6th. However, when presented with an opportunity (read no traffic), I will punch it harder and enjoy at least 5000 rpm in 1st & 2nd. My driving style results in acceptable mileage along with the occasional fun.

There is a road near home where the right lane ends 200 yards past a traffic light. It seems many folks want to get in the right lane to pass slow pokes before the merge. Others don't attempt to pass, poke along, and have to squeeze into traffic, forcing everyone behind to do the same. I hate being 2nd in line but love being first in line either lane. I always "demonstrate" how quickly and easily the 550i accelerates. I have had Camry's, SUVs, and everything else try to race me Even if they are half into the intersection before green and get the jump, I'm ahead before top of first and say bye-bye in 2nd. Why have a 550i if you don't use it some times???

PS: Over the years, when first in line at that light, whether in the M5, 650i, now the 550i, or even the X3, I've only lost twice. Once to a Z06 that was real fast, and once to a state trooper that I let win (but I stayed right behind up to about 20 over the speed limit).