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poor mpg in winters

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Old 02-14-2007, 08:47 AM
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My e60 has 46000+ miles on it (18 months old). I've noticed that whereas I was averaging 26-27 mpg, now I'm doing 23 mpg. I didn't notice this last winter. I'm not driving like a maniac either.
Is this normal? Car otherwise is fine.
Old 02-14-2007, 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by juventus' post='391495' date='Feb 14 2007, 12:47 PM
My e60 has 46000+ miles on it (18 months old). I've noticed that whereas I was averaging 26-27 mpg, now I'm doing 23 mpg. I didn't notice this last winter. I'm not driving like a maniac either.
Is this normal? Car otherwise is fine.
Its because you're using the heaters right? Air Con kills about 6% of ur fuel economy, Im assuming Heaters kill 6% or more.
Old 02-14-2007, 10:35 AM
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Originally Posted by nyceric03' post='391527' date='Feb 14 2007, 11:24 AM
Its because you're using the heaters right? Air Con kills about 6% of ur fuel economy, Im assuming Heaters kill 6% or more.

I'm sure this probably has something to do with it.

Also your engine is probably running a little bit more rich in the winter. The fuel in your gas tank is compressed more when it's cold and your fuel to air ratios are based on volumes I believe, so basically you're burning more fuel per volume during combustion and your overall volume of fuel in your tank has decreased. In other words, you're burning more fuel than you actually need to, but you can't do anything about it. Hopefully that makes sense.
Old 02-14-2007, 10:44 AM
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It's because the gas is reformulated in the winter.
Old 02-14-2007, 11:15 AM
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Depending where you live, we have a tendency to warm our cars for 5 or 10 minutes before we take off in the winter time.
As someone else mentioned, winter additives will also hurt your MPG
Old 02-14-2007, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by nyceric03' post='391527' date='Feb 14 2007, 01:24 PM
Its because you're using the heaters right? Air Con kills about 6% of ur fuel economy, Im assuming Heaters kill 6% or more.
I always thought that the heater blew air that had circulated / passed through the hot engine. Pls don't laugh- I'm not an engineer. At least that might be the case with my 2003 Corolla.
Old 02-14-2007, 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by juventus' post='391567' date='Feb 14 2007, 04:13 PM
I always thought that the heater blew air that had circulated / passed through the hot engine. Pls don't laugh- I'm not an engineer. At least that might be the case with my 2003 Corolla.
I am with you... we are not cavemen right?

at lease, e60 doesn't have enough KiloWatts to run a electrical heater...

what size is the engine Juventus?
Old 02-14-2007, 12:40 PM
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Your heater running will not have an impact on your fuel mileage that your AC does. Unless the temp. is above 32' F and the climate control senses high humidity in the cabin, your AC compressor does not run. This is the big draw (AC compressor) on energy during the summer months.

As hit upon also, in colder climates gasoline is supplemented with ethanol. This fuel does not burn and produce as much energy as straight gasoline.

In my experience, I have seen a 1-2 mpg decrease in the winter. So go ahead and step on it, there is nothing you can do to change it.

As one member says "drive like you stole something".
Old 02-14-2007, 02:53 PM
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Originally Posted by juventus' post='391495' date='Feb 14 2007, 09:47 AM
My e60 has 46000+ miles on it (18 months old). I've noticed that whereas I was averaging 26-27 mpg, now I'm doing 23 mpg. I didn't notice this last winter. I'm not driving like a maniac either.
Is this normal? Car otherwise is fine.
What is the engin size of your e60? My 530i average around 21 mpg only.
Old 02-14-2007, 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Freewilly' post='391628' date='Feb 14 2007, 05:53 PM
What is the engin size of your e60? My 530i average around 21 mpg only.
My e60 is an '06 525i with a 3L engine and 215 HP.


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