EPA Mileage estimates low-balled my BMW
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Seattle, Washington
My Ride: 2004 545i Sport Package, not really sure what else :p
I was recently driving to school and decided to see what kind of mileage I could get. Usually I'm messing around, accelerating and breaking the speed limit. This time I tried to stay below 70 while on the freeway, w/ little to no sudden acceleration, and instead of breaking I just switched lanes. I got 30.1 MPG (more than the EPA estimated 28 for an 04 545i and my norm of 25-26). I was pleasantly surprised by the great mileage you can get w/ a 4.4L V8, a true testament to BMW engineering (What other company can claim this?). I've attached pictures of my Trip computer and the traffic conditions.
This wasn't just for a quick instance, it was over the course of 30 minutes of driving (I commute) and around 25 miles (20 of which was freeway). I've done this multiple times since then.
So, yea I don't know if this is because the EPA used an older Progman or a crappy driver, but I can easily get over 28 MPG freeway in a 545i. For marketing sake, BMW would have loved to tout a 30+ mileage. What's the EPA estimate for the new 550i? Has anyone beaten it? Or has anyone noticed higher mileages in their BMW?
Not saying there's a conspiracy or anything haha.
This wasn't just for a quick instance, it was over the course of 30 minutes of driving (I commute) and around 25 miles (20 of which was freeway). I've done this multiple times since then.
So, yea I don't know if this is because the EPA used an older Progman or a crappy driver, but I can easily get over 28 MPG freeway in a 545i. For marketing sake, BMW would have loved to tout a 30+ mileage. What's the EPA estimate for the new 550i? Has anyone beaten it? Or has anyone noticed higher mileages in their BMW?
Not saying there's a conspiracy or anything haha.
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,087
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From: Davidson, North Carolina
My Ride: On Order as of May 6- 2007 530i Titanium Grey and Grey Leather, with Sport Package, Premium Pkg, Cold Pkg.
2006 Porsche Boxster
HOW DARE YOU MAKE YOUR CARE LIE SO!!!!
Just kidding.... you will find your ride with give you out standing milage. I regularly get 33+ MPG for trips on the road for my 530. You MPG should only get better with age. The new rules in place seem to put that all into whack!
Just kidding.... you will find your ride with give you out standing milage. I regularly get 33+ MPG for trips on the road for my 530. You MPG should only get better with age. The new rules in place seem to put that all into whack!
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
My Ride: 2008 Alpine White 550i Sport, Cream Beige Interior, 6-Sp Manual - retired 9/2011
I had to chuckle (in a good way) when I saw your avg. speed of 30.1 MPH. I averaged the exact thing on a highway trip from Pitt to Philly over Thanksgiving, averaging 73.2 mph for 300 miles, at 30.1 MPG...in my 530xi. That's pretty good for a V-8 with yours!
Here's my original post on that... http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...pittsburgh'
Here's my original post on that... http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=...pittsburgh'
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
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From: Seattle, Washington
My Ride: 2004 545i Sport Package, not really sure what else :p
Originally Posted by E60Sim' post='517160' date='Jan 13 2008, 12:39 AM
Cool ! 
I drove 200 km's yesterday (late evening), and had a aveage speed of 81 Mph (130 km/h), and got an MPG of 36.00 MPG (US)
530dA rocks
I drove 200 km's yesterday (late evening), and had a aveage speed of 81 Mph (130 km/h), and got an MPG of 36.00 MPG (US)
530dA rocks
EDIT: Oh it's diesel, that's still good though. Also DrLev my avg speed was 49.7, just for the record
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From: Detroit
Automaker don't calculate the mileage estimates themselves, the EPA does the testing. It is a very specific and detailed program that is run under controlled conditions on a dyno. They have actually changed the test so the mileage is lower (more realistic) for most cars starting with 2008 models. Here is a section from EPA's website:
Beginning with 2008 models, all fuel economy estimates based on new test methods, which EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as high speed, aggressive driving, use of air conditioning, and cold temperature operation. The new estimates will give drivers a more accurate estimate of the fuel economy they are likely to achieve on the road. Because of the new methods, the estimates for most 2008 models will be lower than their 2007 counterparts. To aid consumers shopping for new cars, EPA has also redesigned the fuel economy window sticker posted on all new cars and light trucks to be easier to read and understand.
EPA has finalized new methods used to determine the City and Highway estimates that appear on the window stickers of new cars and trucks. The city and highway miles per gallon (MPG) estimates help consumers compare the fuel economy of different vehicles. Although no single test can ever account for the wide variety of driving conditions and styles, the new methods will bring the MPG estimates closer to the fuel economy consumers actually achieve on the road by taking into account conditions such as higher speeds, cold temperature operation and use of air conditioning. The new MPG estimates will take effect with 2008 models.
Beginning with 2008 models, all fuel economy estimates based on new test methods, which EPA finalized in December 2006. The new methods better account for actual driving conditions that can lower fuel economy, such as high speed, aggressive driving, use of air conditioning, and cold temperature operation. The new estimates will give drivers a more accurate estimate of the fuel economy they are likely to achieve on the road. Because of the new methods, the estimates for most 2008 models will be lower than their 2007 counterparts. To aid consumers shopping for new cars, EPA has also redesigned the fuel economy window sticker posted on all new cars and light trucks to be easier to read and understand.
EPA has finalized new methods used to determine the City and Highway estimates that appear on the window stickers of new cars and trucks. The city and highway miles per gallon (MPG) estimates help consumers compare the fuel economy of different vehicles. Although no single test can ever account for the wide variety of driving conditions and styles, the new methods will bring the MPG estimates closer to the fuel economy consumers actually achieve on the road by taking into account conditions such as higher speeds, cold temperature operation and use of air conditioning. The new MPG estimates will take effect with 2008 models.
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From: Detroit
Originally Posted by metalgearsolid' post='517121' date='Jan 13 2008, 12:55 AM
I was recently driving to school and decided to see what kind of mileage I could get. Usually I'm messing around, accelerating and breaking the speed limit. This time I tried to stay below 70 while on the freeway, w/ little to no sudden acceleration, and instead of breaking I just switched lanes. I got 30.1 MPG (more than the EPA estimated 28 for an 04 545i and my norm of 25-26). I was pleasantly surprised by the great mileage you can get w/ a 4.4L V8, a true testament to BMW engineering (What other company can claim this?). I've attached pictures of my Trip computer and the traffic conditions.
This wasn't just for a quick instance, it was over the course of 30 minutes of driving (I commute) and around 25 miles (20 of which was freeway). I've done this multiple times since then.
So, yea I don't know if this is because the EPA used an older Progman or a crappy driver, but I can easily get over 28 MPG freeway in a 545i. For marketing sake, BMW would have loved to tout a 30+ mileage. What's the EPA estimate for the new 550i? Has anyone beaten it? Or has anyone noticed higher mileages in their BMW?
Not saying there's a conspiracy or anything haha.
This wasn't just for a quick instance, it was over the course of 30 minutes of driving (I commute) and around 25 miles (20 of which was freeway). I've done this multiple times since then.
So, yea I don't know if this is because the EPA used an older Progman or a crappy driver, but I can easily get over 28 MPG freeway in a 545i. For marketing sake, BMW would have loved to tout a 30+ mileage. What's the EPA estimate for the new 550i? Has anyone beaten it? Or has anyone noticed higher mileages in their BMW?
Not saying there's a conspiracy or anything haha.
When I was in school it was about 400 miles from where my parents lived (Memphis to Knoxville, TN). With my "normal" driving (85-90 mph average back in the "I can't drive 55" days), I could make it in on fumes with one fill up midway (also when it was on E).
One time I got a ticket less than 20 miles into the trip. There was no way I could get 2 tickets in one day and not have my parents take the car away, so I stayed the speed limit after that. I was amazed that I made it all the way on the first tank of gas. So mileage was double what I got when I drove fast. While how fast you drive doesn't impact mileage on a newer car as dramatically as it did on my '77 Cutlass, you still go a lot farther on a tank of gas when you watch how you drive -- I like how the EPA calls it "high speed, agressive driving".
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From: Chicago
If you truly have a 545 and you got 30.1 mpg you must have been going down hill with the wind at your back. Also did you get up to speed set the cruise control and then reset. I have done everything under the sun to get to 27 and I cannot do better than that unless I do like 45 w/ cruise control on reset the counter and hope to god that I don't hit a hill w/ more than 1% grade otherwise I will see 15-12mpg range
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: St. Louis Burbs, USA
My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Originally Posted by nickolas_g' post='517147' date='Jan 13 2008, 01:29 AM
HOW DARE YOU MAKE YOUR CARE LIE SO!!!!
Just kidding.... you will find your ride with give you out standing milage. I regularly get 33+ MPG for trips on the road for my 530. You MPG should only get better with age. The new rules in place seem to put that all into whack!
Just kidding.... you will find your ride with give you out standing milage. I regularly get 33+ MPG for trips on the road for my 530. You MPG should only get better with age. The new rules in place seem to put that all into whack!
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 117
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My Ride: 2004 545i Platinum Silver Metallic Gray Dakota Leather, Premium Pack, Premium Sound, Logic 7, Sport Pack, Navi, PDC, Sunshades, Cold Weather and HUD. 56k miles Feb. 2011
I heard that new version of Progman shows lower MPG rating. Mine got upgraded to ver 27.2 recently. I tested it with a round trip to Las Vegas, over 600 miles. I did my own calculation with total miles travelled divided by total gallons of gas used. My calculation shows 24.8MPG and iDrive shows 25MPG, so it is pretty close. Since all my daily commute is on local streets, the MPG drops to 19.2MPG now.
One more thing, I believe my Las Vegas trip average speed is
. However, the iDrive shows the average speed is 33mph. 
One more thing, I believe my Las Vegas trip average speed is
. However, the iDrive shows the average speed is 33mph.
