[n55nate]

Hey everyone, I’m currently getting around 10 MPG on my 535i M Sport. I recently changed my air filter and hope that helps, but I’m looking for other ways to improve fuel efficiency. I was considering using a fuel injector cleaner, but I’m unsure if that would make a noticeable difference.

For context, I’m not driving aggressively—mostly commuting back from work in medium traffic and cold temperatures, with heated and massaging seats on. Any tips or recommendations to boost my MPG? Let me know what’s worked for you!

[JAYDOG3621]

Doesn’t sound right at all. Is the car running ok otherwise? No way, even in heavy traffic should mpg be that low. Do you have any CEL lights on?

[n55nate]

Originally Posted by JAYDOG3621

Doesn’t sound right at all. Is the car running ok otherwise? No way, even in heavy traffic should mpg be that low. Do you have any CEL lights on?

The car is running perfectly fine no check engine lights just low miles per gallon. 120k miles

[Qsilver7]

Is the average 10 MPG consistent if you reset the calculation? Or has this 10 MPG rating been showing up for a long period of no resets?

Do you start the car and let it idle for long periods of time due to cold weather? If so, that will eat into your avg MPG since you are consuming fuel but not accruing any miles.

What driving mode are you using? Are you driving around in SPORT+? Or are you in COMFORT (default) or ECO-PRO?

BTW, what is your average MPH? That can give some context to your avg MPG. If you have a low MPH, then that would indicate lots of start/stop driving or short distances between take off (higher engine revs) and braking.

[n55nate]

The 10 MPG is consistent, even after resets. I usually let the car sit and idle for at least 5 minutes per start, which probably contributes to the lower MPG. Most of my driving is in Comfort mode, but I do have those nights where I push it in Sport+ a bit—maybe 3-4 times a week. My average MPH is around 16, so there’s definitely a lot of start/stop driving mixed in.

[ChiNorm]

"My average MPH is around 16, so there’s definitely a lot of start/stop driving mixed in."

That is the likely source of your poor mileage. Reset the mileage indicator and drive 10 miles on the interstate, then let us know what that mileage was.

Also, what is your tire pressure?

Good luck.

[n55nate]

I can't see what the numbers are, but the screen says that the tires are all good—the entire list is green

[Hoa]

Sounds about right if you do a lot of low speed. Stop and go will kill your mpg a lot. The initial take off uses a lot of fuel. Perhaps a slight change of habit may help. Just keep a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front and coast slowly instead of driving close to them and having to constantly step on the brake and gas. Drive like an 18 wheeler driver basically. Also, that first 5 mins is not needed. On warm days, I start and take off right away. Cold days, I let it sit for just one minute and then go. Cold weather also contributes to lower mpg. If it’s warm, you will see a slight improvement on the mpg.

[n55nate]

I think everyone’s missing my question my main question here is what can I change on the car itself for example air filters to improve gas mileage? I also forgot to mention I have a ” cold air intake.” From Burger motorsport.

[ezaircon4jc]

Want to improve mpg? Don't let the car idle. When it's cold, drive moderately until the oil warms up. EPA is a generous 17mpg for in-town driving. My wife gets 16 at best with her 99% in-town driving. She has never heard of coasting and her foot is on either the loud or brake pedal.

[Hoa]

Originally Posted by n55nate

I think everyone’s missing my question my main question here is what can I change on the car itself for example air filters to improve gas mileage? I also forgot to mention I have a ” cold air intake.” From Burger motorsport.

I don’t think you can replace parts to improve MPG if your vehicle have no problem. It is basically as efficient as it could be. Replacing parts may improve performance as in HP but not better MPG

[DementedF10]

Ive never had below 16mpg on average and I drive the piss out of this thing.

[n55nate]

Damn how what you have done to the car?

[tevad]

There's no way it's running "fine" if the MPG is that low. My 2014 has 174k miles and the worst I've ever gotten was around 19 when thrashing it after a Stage 1 tune. Driving around town (Colorado Springs) in Sport/+ I still get around 22. And I have a heavy foot.

Bring it to a shop and have then give it a once-over and run their scans.

[ChiNorm]

Pull the CAI and see if that improves the mileage. Good luck.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Originally Posted by n55nate

Hey everyone, I’m currently getting around 10 MPG on my 535i M Sport. I recently changed my air filter and hope that helps, but I’m looking for other ways to improve fuel efficiency. I was considering using a fuel injector cleaner, but I’m unsure if that would make a noticeable difference.

For context, I’m not driving aggressively—mostly commuting back from work in medium traffic and cold temperatures, with heated and massaging seats on. Any tips or recommendations to boost my MPG? Let me know what’s worked for you!

When is the last time you changed out your spark plugs? I also presume you are putting the best of the best octane gas for your 5er in your area?

[ChiNorm]

Mebbe coils too.

[DementedF10]

Originally Posted by n55nate

Damn how what you have done to the car?

Actually I went and looked and its been consistent at 18.6mpg. This is with 160,000mi running MHD stage 2, catless dp, MST intake and pretty much ripp it every time i drive. Bought it just over 100,000mi and havent really touched anything besides the valve cover replacement, BOV replaced and exhaust.

I assume you have something wrong! maybe dirty carboned up valves, bad injector/injectors, clogged cat, something.

[s_ribs]

Since you indicate the car is running just fine, perhaps you have a stuck brake caliper? A dragging pad is constant friction that will reduce your mpg.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by n55nate

The 10 MPG is consistent, even after resets ... My average MPH is around 16, so there’s definitely a lot of start/stop driving mixed in.

The avg MPG & avg MPH track. But what type of driving situation is the OP in that they only avg 16 MPH?

If the avg MPH increased to between 24MPH-29MPH...I bet you'd see a higher avg MPG.

[ChiNorm]

OP, what kind of gas are you using? You want tier 1 premium.

[ice31]

Very low MPG, are you driving in manual or D? Does your car have start/stop? What fuel are you using?