Lagging uphill - 14-15 mpg - 545iA
Hi. First of all, I can't wait until I can use the Steptronic and not worry about the tach. I've got almost 800 miles now and am avoiding manual mode for now. I'm having two issues that I don't know if they're related. Right now, I'm getting between 14 and 15 mpg, which sucks pretty bad. It's about 80% city/20% highway. How come so low? I'm driving very conservatively during break-in. The second thing I'm noticing is that whenever I drive uphill, the car lugs, i.e. not much response from pusing on the gas pedal. It will respond but it's responding as if in too high a gear. These situations occur when driving about 30-40 mph, and just going uphill. After break-in, my plans are to use more sport mode and the step's manual to manage this better and hopefully improve my gas mileage. I was just curious if any other step users had any comments. This may be a 545i-only thing due to the increased weight. Thanks much.
Sam
Sam
Sam, I, too, have been disappointed in the 545 mileage in traffic. I have come to accept it, but thought that everything I read in the model change announcements alluded to increased performance, no additional weight, and the same mileage as the 540. I do have the same overall MPG so far for both cars, but believe that the 545 record has benefited from a better touring mile/traffic mile ratio, so far.
I can't respond to the sluggishness. I normally paddle up another gear.
I can't respond to the sluggishness. I normally paddle up another gear.
Thanks for the feedback. At least it's good to know that my mileage isn't 'miles' off for what others are seeing for mostly city driving. The tranmission is very different than the non-step in my 'old' 540iA. The lightest of touches caused a pretty much immediate response, no matter what gear the thing was in. Can't wait for sport mode now!
Sam
Sam
Yeah Flowerman...and much more likely to splatter yourself due to the lack of a seatbelt...you rebel...
I'm at 1300 miles and have babied the car to date. My commute is 70 miles roundtrip with 20 of them in stop and go...my OBC reads 22.8...not sure on the 14-15mpg as that sounds very low.
Regarding the sluggishness, I've noticed with climate control on auto and the AC's on that the car isn't as quick...it obviously saps some of the power. In sport mode, when you really hit the pedal, you won't find the car sluggish as you really get kicked in the ass...just wait until you pass break-in...
I'm at 1300 miles and have babied the car to date. My commute is 70 miles roundtrip with 20 of them in stop and go...my OBC reads 22.8...not sure on the 14-15mpg as that sounds very low.
Regarding the sluggishness, I've noticed with climate control on auto and the AC's on that the car isn't as quick...it obviously saps some of the power. In sport mode, when you really hit the pedal, you won't find the car sluggish as you really get kicked in the ass...just wait until you pass break-in...
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
My Ride: 2008 535i: June 6th start build, complete June 17th, at NY Port July 5th, at dealer July 10th, took delivery Friday July 13- Plantimum Bronze/Natural Brown Leather/Light Poplar, Sport Package, Sport Auto, Active Steering, Premium Package, CWP & PDC. Dinan Performance Software 384hp & 421 ft/lbs.
20 mpg, mostly local driving, and the only thing sluggish are the cars in front of me!


