just received my new 07 328i automatic with sport and premium package and wondered why after filling up twice I am only averaging 17.5 mi/gallon? Is i b/c it's new and has o adjust to my driving style or what? I do drive in city and rarely have to get on hwy to work which is less than 5 mi from my home. I don't haul ass to every light (in fact, keep it under 4500 rpm) but don't drive like grandma either.

Any ideas since I hoped it'd get at least 20 mi/gaG in city? Thanks

Are you looking at the computer's measured mpg or are you calculating it? I ask that because my current car keeps a record of the last 1000 miles, and I've found that if I run it for a tank or two it will eventually hover around 27 and stay there. If I clear the memory and start out in the city it starts out low (15-20), then slowly creeps up to 27 over a few weeks. If I clear it while on the freeway it will start high(34-30mpg), then creep down.

It could be a lot of things dropping that 3mpg or so, like tire pressure, lower than recommended octane fuel, break in probably has a factor too since you're basically fine-machining your cylinders and pistons.

Also, I tend to accelerate quickly, which seems to help mpg in a lot of situations. Not stoplight to stoplight, but if you have a half mile or more to go I've found that I can get 14mpg for that whole half mile if I'm slowly accelerating, or 10-12mpg for a hundred yards and then 30+mpg for the rest of the half mile cruising at speed.

thanks for helpful info.. I think the fact I keep resetting mpg on computer when I fill up makes difference esp since I am driving such short distances. So I am not calculating but going off of what computer is telling me. I will not touch that for 1000 mi from now to see if changes. It makes sense what you are saying. I have also found that slow accelerating (which seems counterintuitive) makes for worse gas mileage it seems, good excuse to use car way I like to (esp when I can get brake pads replaced for free! ; )

I typically get <19 mpg driving like a grandma. I have about a 50/50 split between street/highway driving, but I think my problem is all the elevation changes in my area.

I am probably going to turn off that AVG MPG display because it depresses me. I just want to drive my car and have fun.

I guess it depends on the definition of driving like a grandma. I almost never go above 2000RPM's, so keeping it "under 4500" sounds like you may go around 4000, which seems nuts compared to my driving style :-) I usually get near the highway MPG in every car I own while doing mixed driving (60/40 city/highway).

I guess it depends on the definition of driving like a grandma. I almost never go above 2000RPM's, so keeping it "under 4500" sounds like you may go around 4000, which seems nuts compared to my driving style :-) I usually get near the highway MPG in every car I own while doing mixed driving (60/40 city/highway).

that's grandpa-like for sure for a bimmer esp!!! :)
If I can't rev that sucker, wouldnt own

Try skipping a gear or 2 (e.g. shift from 3rd to 5th or 6th, or 2nd to 5th). If you do it all the time, you should improve your mileage. Some cars (e.g. Corvette CAGS) force you to skip a gear or two to achieve better fuel efficiency, so you know this procedure works.

I have a 328xi coupe with sports pak. I've experienced a big difference in fuel economy between highway and city driving. On a trip we took today we managed 27 mpg with an average speed of about 127 km/h or 79 mph. The round trip was about 370 km. In the city however, mileage is erratic and has never exceeded 17 mpg. Usually hovers around 15 mpg in stop and go traffic.

I have a 328xi coupe with sports pak. I've experienced a big difference in fuel economy between highway and city driving. On a trip we took today we managed 27 mpg with an average speed of about 127 km/h or 79 mph. The round trip was about 370 km. In the city however, mileage is erratic and has never exceeded 17 mpg. Usually hovers around 15 mpg in stop and go traffic.
Yup, that is as expected. if you look at the fuel efficiency (or is it consumption) needle under your tachometer, you'll notice it is at max while you accelerate and almost at quarter or less when you are at a steady pace. City driving is all about accelerate/decelerate, thus the much lousier fuel efficiency. It will even be worse if you drive in a spirited fashion or race from light to light. Changing gears at lower rpm, taking it easy on the gas pedal, skipping gears, and driving at the highest possible gear will improve your city mileage if that is your thing of course. Depending on my mood, I sometimes do that and other times I just gun it from stop to stop. You get what you pay for after all, so the more fun you want in the car, the more gas/$$ you'll spend :stickoutt.

Are you looking at the computer's measured mpg or are you calculating it? I ask that because my current car keeps a record of the last 1000 miles, and I've found that if I run it for a tank or two it will eventually hover around 27 and stay there. If I clear the memory and start out in the city it starts out low (15-20), then slowly creeps up to 27 over a few weeks. If I clear it while on the freeway it will start high(34-30mpg), then creep down.

It could be a lot of things dropping that 3mpg or so, like tire pressure, lower than recommended octane fuel, break in probably has a factor too since you're basically fine-machining your cylinders and pistons.

Also, I tend to accelerate quickly, which seems to help mpg in a lot of situations. Not stoplight to stoplight, but if you have a half mile or more to go I've found that I can get 14mpg for that whole half mile if I'm slowly accelerating, or 10-12mpg for a hundred yards and then 30+mpg for the rest of the half mile cruising at speed.


anyone have any thoughts on what sor said above as I like his thought the best as it's what I want to hear :)

:redspot

This car is SO fun to drive I can honestly care less about gas mileage at this point. It screams to be driven fast and at higher RPMs.