Will I Ever See 21/29 MPG??
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Costa Mesa, CA
My Ride: Gone: 2004 525i Jet Black, Built 03/04, Premium Package, Black Dakota Leather, Halogen to Euro Spec Bi-Xenons Retrofit, Dark Poplar Wood Trim, Steptronic Breyton Spirit Reps 20x9F 20x10R - Nitto NT555 245/35/20F-275/30/20R, M5 Front Bumper, H&R Sport Springs, Chrome Grills, 20% Tint, Euro Reflectors, Debadged, Aux Input, CIP v19.x
I average 15mpg city (over 3 years).....I drive the sh#$ out of my car 
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Albany, NY
My Ride: '04 545iS 6 spd, bought new via eBay, 11/05; Blk/Gry, Cold, L7, PDC, BMW Rear seatcover for pets.
First "Bumwa" was a new 1971 2002. High performance 5s since 1987. Beamer motorcycles too, currently on an 07 BMW K1200 GT; also a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP III.
As a 545i 6 spd driver, I find these numbers a bit surprising. I routinely average 20.9 with city and highway split fairly evenly--summer thumpflats and winter snows (17") included.
If I reset the computer while on an Interstate, and measure that mileage, usually on cruise control at 75, I'm fairly sure it registers about 30, but can't recall with exact surety, because I've always figured there was no significance in such a cycle measurement.
To have 530 6cyls turning those same numbers really would gall me were I more fuel cost conscious; or worse perhaps had even avoided the bigger engine for an economical compromise. And of course, it's all done on premium fuel too (the single most annoying (if not insulting)requirement of 525s in my estimation).
YMMV,
Ray Hull
If I reset the computer while on an Interstate, and measure that mileage, usually on cruise control at 75, I'm fairly sure it registers about 30, but can't recall with exact surety, because I've always figured there was no significance in such a cycle measurement.
To have 530 6cyls turning those same numbers really would gall me were I more fuel cost conscious; or worse perhaps had even avoided the bigger engine for an economical compromise. And of course, it's all done on premium fuel too (the single most annoying (if not insulting)requirement of 525s in my estimation).
YMMV,
Ray Hull
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Dallas, TX
My Ride: 2004 545i [01/04 build]
Titanium Gray Metallic II / Black leather / Poplar Woodgrain / Style 124 Wheels
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Originally Posted by Ray Hull' post='370004' date='Dec 21 2006, 03:50 PM
As a 545i 6 spd driver, I find these numbers a bit surprising. I routinely average 20.9 with city and highway split fairly evenly--summer thumpflats and winter snows (17") included.
If I reset the computer while on an Interstate, and measure that mileage, usually on cruise control at 75, I'm fairly sure it registers about 30, but can't recall with exact surety, because I've always figured there was no significance in such a cycle measurement.
To have 530 6cyls turning those same numbers really would gall me were I more fuel cost conscious; or worse perhaps had even avoided the bigger engine for an economical compromise. And of course, it's all done on premium fuel too (the single most annoying (if not insulting)requirement of 525s in my estimation).
YMMV,
Ray Hull
If I reset the computer while on an Interstate, and measure that mileage, usually on cruise control at 75, I'm fairly sure it registers about 30, but can't recall with exact surety, because I've always figured there was no significance in such a cycle measurement.
To have 530 6cyls turning those same numbers really would gall me were I more fuel cost conscious; or worse perhaps had even avoided the bigger engine for an economical compromise. And of course, it's all done on premium fuel too (the single most annoying (if not insulting)requirement of 525s in my estimation).
YMMV,
Ray Hull
It would have been a better average, but I ended up being in a bit more of a hurry than those mileage ratings allowed for.
Today however, I was running late to get my daughter to school and with the 545i, I have found that everytime that I stomp on the accelerator, I lose about .2 mpg. Running late, I stomped a few times and am now back down to my typical 21.8 mpg.
I will be leaving for about a 600 mile round trip highway venture this weekend. I'll be moving at high speeds, but hopefully I can pull off 26+ mpg.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 17
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Originally Posted by kchan' post='356964' date='Nov 16 2006, 03:35 PM
Totally the same here, average ~21-22 mpg and my average mph is about 28 also. I got 7500 miles on and it didn't improve much (hmmm maybe by 1-2 mpg max), used to be close to 20mpg.
And if you are driving in SF with those hills, I won't be too surprise with 17-18mpg (I commute from Fremont to Palo Alto so it's fairly flat except the bridge).
Also, I got a manual too, but a 525i. Doesn't seems like manual saves much gas. My X5 3.0 which is like 1000 lbs heavier and less aerodynamic, is ~17.5mpg, but it's a weekend car so probably higher mph.
And if you are driving in SF with those hills, I won't be too surprise with 17-18mpg (I commute from Fremont to Palo Alto so it's fairly flat except the bridge).
Also, I got a manual too, but a 525i. Doesn't seems like manual saves much gas. My X5 3.0 which is like 1000 lbs heavier and less aerodynamic, is ~17.5mpg, but it's a weekend car so probably higher mph.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 472
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From: Bay Area
Originally Posted by royal8' post='356909' date='Nov 16 2006, 03:47 PM
My 2007 530i is almost finish with break-in and I'm wondering will my mpg improve. I'm currently getting only 17-18 mpg combined San Francisco city roads and highway. The dealer told me mpg will gradually go up as the car ages..... FYI, I don't have a heavy right foot, but occasionally will step-on it once in a while. 
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: UK
Rather than mpg I find it better to think in terms of miles per TANKFUL (ie range left PLUS miles covered). I have just returned from a European 3000 mile trip and was regularly getting something around 600 miles per tankful (mainly motorway) but NOT hanging around and often at 100mph+ speeds.
535d 272PS.
ABC
535d 272PS.
ABC
