Just got my 550i
Thread Starter
Members
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Turned in my '06 550i Sport for an '08 550i Sport. Changed the color and added a couple of options and loving it so far. However, I am only getting 10-11 mpg throught the first 100 miles. Mileage was definitely better on my '06. Is this a break-in issue? Can I expect it to improve? Should I ask the service manager if there is something in the software settings that could cause this? Definitely not a big deal, b/c if you are going to buy a $70k car, what's a few gallons of gas between friends, but just curious.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 17,310
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA USA
My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Congrats -- I'm sure you'll enjoy the new baby as much or more than the old one.
You might want to consider taking MPG readings manually and not rely on the computer. You may be seeing low numbers due to a break-in issue or you may be seeing an issue with the computer being inaccurate. I remember a while ago that people were complaining about the MPG computer being way off -- I can't remember if that issue was ever really resolved or not...
You might want to consider taking MPG readings manually and not rely on the computer. You may be seeing low numbers due to a break-in issue or you may be seeing an issue with the computer being inaccurate. I remember a while ago that people were complaining about the MPG computer being way off -- I can't remember if that issue was ever really resolved or not...
Contributors
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
My Ride: 07 550 i, mystic blue, black leather, cold weather package, nav, sport, shades, bags, rear heat, V1 hardwired.
05 F350 TD Crew Cab
04 Range Rover HSE
91 964 C4 Cabrio
07 997 Turbo Cabrio
It also really helps the MPG to keep the foot out of the go fast pedal, a problem inherent to owning a 550i.
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
My Ride: 2008 Sapphire Black on Black M5 - loaded sans soft close doors
You just don't remember how bad it was in the early days of your 06 
Heck, I'm almost up to 14.5 now (From 11.5 when I got the car 14,000 miles ago).
Heck, I'm almost up to 14.5 now (From 11.5 when I got the car 14,000 miles ago).
Members
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
My Ride: *on order* expected 12/20/07: 2008 550i space gray, gray leather, anthracite bamboo, sport pkg, logic7, iPod, HD, Sirius, Navigation, head-up display, comfort access, heated front seats, fold-down seats
Read this thread:
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=findpost&pid=528939
It gets better. I got 15 MPG on my last tank. That's at least better than the 10 MPG I was getting when the car was brand new.
Another note: Every time I fill up, I calculate the MPG with a calculator... it's almost identical to what the car computer is telling me.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=findpost&pid=528939
It gets better. I got 15 MPG on my last tank. That's at least better than the 10 MPG I was getting when the car was brand new.
Another note: Every time I fill up, I calculate the MPG with a calculator... it's almost identical to what the car computer is telling me.
Contributors
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ, USA
My Ride: 2011 M3 Convertible, Alpine White/black, 6 speed
2011 535xi Tasmin Green, Venetian Beige
As I am going to be making the exact same change next Thursday I am curious as to your initial impressions between the two.
Members
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Venice, FL
My Ride: 2007 550i Auto, monaco blue met., black Dakota leather, burl walnut trim, sport package, active steering, Navi, HUD, cold weather package, comfort access, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, rear side air bags, rear deck spoiler, Logic 7 w/CD changer,
Model Year: 2007
The mileage you report seems to be pretty low to me. I use a spreadsheet to calculate the actual mileage and enter every fill-up. You may say that's over the top, but it doesn't take much effort and I know exactly what the consumption is.
Did that with my previous car too (Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, 3.8 l engine, supercharged). Over 7 years and 120,000 miles I got an average of 22.3 mpg, ranging from 12 to 32 mpg.
With the 550 I did 19,000 miles in the first 15 months. Average is 19.8 mpg overall, ranging from 13.6 to 23.5 mpg. This includes the "break-in period" in Germany after delivery in Munich. I drove 1300 miles in Germany, up to 155 mph on the Autobahn, and had an average of 18.0 mpg.
Granted, I drive mostly highway (no commuting), but even city driving gets me about 15 mpg. While I try to flow with the traffic (usually in the left lane
), when I'm in the pole position at a light I got to be the first one off the line when it turns green 
.
In my opinion, very short trips where the engine doesn't even warm up is what kills the gas mileage. And of course constant hard braking/accelerating.
Overall I'm satisfied with the gas mileage, after all we are talking about a 4.8 l V8 with plenty of power, not a Toyota Prius.
I love this weapon made in Bavaria.
Felix
Did that with my previous car too (Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, 3.8 l engine, supercharged). Over 7 years and 120,000 miles I got an average of 22.3 mpg, ranging from 12 to 32 mpg.
With the 550 I did 19,000 miles in the first 15 months. Average is 19.8 mpg overall, ranging from 13.6 to 23.5 mpg. This includes the "break-in period" in Germany after delivery in Munich. I drove 1300 miles in Germany, up to 155 mph on the Autobahn, and had an average of 18.0 mpg.
Granted, I drive mostly highway (no commuting), but even city driving gets me about 15 mpg. While I try to flow with the traffic (usually in the left lane
), when I'm in the pole position at a light I got to be the first one off the line when it turns green .In my opinion, very short trips where the engine doesn't even warm up is what kills the gas mileage. And of course constant hard braking/accelerating.
Overall I'm satisfied with the gas mileage, after all we are talking about a 4.8 l V8 with plenty of power, not a Toyota Prius.
I love this weapon made in Bavaria.
Felix
Senior Members
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 0
From: Western Washington
My Ride: 2008 Space Gray 550i, Light Poplar Wood, Anthracite Head Liner, Sport Package, Sport Automatic Transmission, Cold Weather Package, Front Ventilated Comfort Seats in Black Nasca Leather, NAV, HUD, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Night Vision, Lane Deviation Warning, Active Cruise Control, Heated Rear Seats, Folding Rear Seats, Power Shade w/ Rear Side-Shades, Rear Air Bags, Logic 7, HD Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio, iPod/USB Adapter. Car in BMW Body Shop, estimated completion 01/24/07.
Originally Posted by powers2020' post='539369' date='Mar 3 2008, 08:00 PM
However, I am only getting 10-11 mpg throught the first 100 miles. Mileage was definitely better on my '06. Is this a break-in issue? Can I expect it to improve?
Who cares!!?? It'll be fine just enjoy the car. If you're going for better mileage, baby the go-pedal a little, when you feel like some fun, then get on it a bit. I just got mine two days ago, too... MY GAWD!! I cannot still believe the throttle response and handling of this car. It bounces the tach like a digital clock, in fact I have to watch myself during the break-in period, as you can get to 5K too quickly. I drove up to Mt. Rainier to enjoy the twists, and that's where this baby really shines. Can't wait for summer!
Cal