|
|
|
2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 Very Poor Fuel Economy in Recent Months |
|
Post Reply |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
12-09-2013, 12:13 AM | #1 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Very Poor Fuel Economy in Recent Months
I’ve been getting very poor fuel economy for the past three months.
I’d previously get an average of 10 mpg’s, but same dropped to 8. Service engine light came on about a month ago and the dealer replaced an oxygen sensor. I also complained of poor fuel economy, but the repair order came back stating no problem found and that there are additional fuel additives during winter months!? Strange, as I've never had this problem before. Still getting 8 mpg’s and exceptionally pissed with BMW's constant denial of problems when I have any; doesn’t matter which dealer I use. What should I do? Below 10 mpg’s is just not right, and upsetting. Thanks. |
12-09-2013, 12:42 AM | #2 |
Major
50
Rep 1,061
Posts |
Most fuels in areas having air quality issues in the states have 10% or so ethanol, and if you can find any (probably not) that are all petrochemical, that may make a difference - there is literally less stored energy when they add ethanol per gallon and it does make a difference.
The length of the trip, the outside temperature, how long you sit at idle, how you drive, who is driving, whether you have winter tires, what tire pressure your run, alignment, (and lots of other things as well) all can make a difference in the fuel economy. To get that efficiency, it sounds like you're sitting in traffic a lot. The computer would log issues if the spark plugs or wires had problems. Is there a check engine light? |
Appreciate
0
|
12-09-2013, 01:17 AM | #3 | |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Quote:
While the car has always unfortunately gotten poor fuel economy, its recent single digit numbers are plain painful. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-09-2013, 09:31 AM | #4 | ||
Lieutenant Colonel
306
Rep 1,684
Posts |
Quote:
I typically get 16 mpg. My old 2011 750lix got 18. Lets do miles per tank. Fill your tank and then hit the trip odometer reset. Then when your tank gets low, fill it but jot down the precise gallons of your fill up. This way we can determine mpg without using BMWs computers. I will do the same and we can compare results in a few days. |
||
Appreciate
0
|
12-09-2013, 06:51 PM | #5 | |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-09-2013, 08:56 PM | #6 | |
Big Beaver Smile
2101
Rep 3,790
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
______________________________________________
Current- '21 430 , '19 911, 07 M6 ,'17 Jeep Wrangler, "23 Bronco OBXluxsquatch |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-13-2013, 09:54 PM | #7 | |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Quote:
Part I, instrument cluster, as promised: So on my next fill up I should divide mileage accrued by gallons poured? Last edited by dbs600; 12-13-2013 at 09:59 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-14-2013, 04:07 AM | #8 |
Captain
18
Rep 618
Posts |
Exactly. If you want a way of tracking this on a regular basis, I find www.Fuelly.com to be a fantastic tool, as it does all the calculation for you, and gives you a lot of data from that. And as you can easily track it over time, you can pick up any faults earlier.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-14-2013, 07:57 AM | #9 | |
Colonel
160
Rep 2,248
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-24-2013, 11:52 PM | #10 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Here's the second picture; took 18.505 gallons to fill up. So where does this put me? Or do I need to go through another tank for an accurate number? Thanks. :| Last edited by dbs600; 12-24-2013 at 11:58 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 06:19 AM | #11 |
Captain
18
Rep 618
Posts |
That would upset me LOADS to be honest. 7.4 mpg. WOW. What is your average speed over the tank?
Good thing I don't drive a 750 then... |
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 09:00 AM | #12 |
Lieutenant
22
Rep 585
Posts |
I'm getting around 17 mpg on my car with 1,200 miles on it in -20F winter weather - city driving only without allot of stop and go. I'd check with a dealer
__________________
2013 535 X Drive, Alpine White/M Sport/Executive/Apps/Black Dakota/Fineline Anthracite
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 09:01 AM | #13 | |
///MD
1373
Rep 3,998
Posts |
Quote:
Man it is impossible this is true or what's supposed to be, BMW has to fix your car forbya, 15 MPG will be still dismal yours is in the vicinity of less than 10!!! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 09:23 AM | #14 | |
Lieutenant General
6659
Rep 15,858
Posts |
Quote:
The average speed is the key to whether there are issues. Remember we move to "gallons per mile" when we are idling while stationary. I know of a 335d used in city of London which was sub 10mpg in a diesel. Nothing wrong, when out of London was typical 335d figures. HighlandPete |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 12:27 PM | #15 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Not sure.
Dealer already gave me bs line that winter gasoline blends reduce fuel economy. Always got 10/11 mpg's since new (winter months too), but now 8 range! |
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 05:24 PM | #16 |
Captain
18
Rep 618
Posts |
You have trip computer in your 7 series I would assume. Reset it when you next fill up, and it will tell you all your details, like miles on the tank, average speed over the tank, the computers calculation on mpg, etc...
If your average speed is only 15 mph, then that would go some way to explaining it. If it's closer to 30-40 mph (as mine is), then there is a problem. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-25-2013, 07:18 PM | #17 |
New Member
2
Rep 13
Posts |
I have a 535i 2011, with 46000km, and I get about 8km per litre in mixed conditions (urban/highway). I drive about 50km each day.... about 30km on highway (120km/h max speed, 160km/h for me ), and the rest on downtown traffic (less than 25km/h on average).
When I get bad traffic (for example, accidents on the highway), I get about 5 or 6km/lt. By the way, the temperature here in Santiago, Chile, is very warm on this season... minimum is 13 degree Celsius, and maximum is about 33 degrees Celsius. I use only 97 octane fuel, and I drive almost all the time on DS or manual. D is too slow and not fun for me Last edited by frivas; 12-25-2013 at 07:30 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-14-2014, 01:13 PM | #18 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Dealer states they replaced all eight injectors and plugs.
Haven’t picked up car yet, but let’s see what result. If improved, this isn't going to be a problem in another 3 years, is it!? Thanks. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-14-2014, 01:27 PM | #19 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Also, I understand the injectors have been through a number of revisions / redesigns.
Should I look out for any particular part numbers on the Repair Order? |
Appreciate
0
|
02-15-2014, 09:02 PM | #20 |
Colonel
266
Rep 2,247
Posts |
Disappointed, upset, confused and sad.
All eight injectors and plugs were replaced, but there's now some type of roughness / un-smoothness!? Happened once when idling and felt at times after keeping on the gas, but letting up a little after gear change. Haven't noticed a difference in mpg's either, but today wasn't a good indication for same due to the snow. Also no 'boost' in power / acceleration from what others have reported with new injectors and plugs. |
Appreciate
0
|
02-15-2014, 11:21 PM | #21 |
New Member
2
Rep 6
Posts
Drives: 2013 535i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Birmingham, AL
|
I have had my 535i for 2 weeks after having my E39 M5 for 8 years and the fuel mileage has suffered since I drive it around in sport most of the time. Driving in comfort still feels really unnatural. I often find myself looking for the clutch all the time too. ha.
|
Appreciate
0
|
02-16-2014, 05:00 AM | #22 |
Private First Class
15
Rep 186
Posts |
I noticed declining fuel economy during the winter months with various cars I've owned and it's mostly due to the increase use of Ethanol in gasoline. I try to only use gas from Tier-1 providers: Sunoco, Shell, BP, or Exxon and pair that with the use of BG's 44K at the beginning of winter.
I have a lead foot, so switching to Comfort+ and changing my driving style has also increased my fuel economy as well. Now don't get me wrong, I'll nudge Chekov & Sulu for Warp every so often, but not as much during the winter.
__________________
2012 550xi MSport - everything but TV's in the head rests!
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|