It can be done, folks...

Seattle S65B40 · 05-09-2011, 05:36 PM

I averaged over 22 MPG on 140 mile trip last week (all highway of course). It can be done, despite never ending complaints about the car's poor MPG (although, most people complain more about tank size than fuel economy it seems like).

At any rate, I did not drive like Grandma to achieve this, so I think 24 MPG is not out of the question on this car.

Krozi · 05-09-2011, 05:38 PM

Average speed?

This car would get really good highway MPG if 6th gear was longer but I am actually extremely pleased with the MPG this car gets. It's on par with my old 545i.

Seattle S65B40 · 05-09-2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krozi

Average speed?

This car would get really good highway MPG if 6th gear was longer but I am actually extremely pleased with the MPG this car gets. It's on par with my old 545i.

I probably averaged around 70 MPH but to be honest hit speeds above that from time to time (no more than 80). I also had stretches below that due to traffic, etc (no less than 40 or 50). I feel ya on the 6th gear thing. Overall, pretty happy about it too.

SlamMan · 05-09-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

I averaged over 22 MPG on 140 mile trip last week (all highway of course). It can be done, despite never ending complaints about the car's poor MPG (although, most people complain more about tank size than fuel economy it seems like).

At any rate, I did not drive like Grandma to achieve this, so I think 24 MPG is not out of the question on this car.

Who are these people that buy a $70K car with a high revving V8 and bitch about the fuel cost and consumption?

Crazy Bimmer · 05-09-2011, 10:01 PM

I thought it was pretty easy to get 20+ mpg on the M3 when driven on the highway. Didnt know there was a debate on the topic

M3#3 · 05-09-2011, 10:03 PM

Was it all downhill?

mdosu · 05-09-2011, 10:11 PM

sounds about right, that's what I got on my last trip. Avg mpg was 22, and avg mph was 70

If you try avg mph at 50, your avg mpg will be around 30. For course this is painfully slow in today's world. But I use to do a rural highway commute where the speed limit was actually 50 mph. (heavily enforced too!)

mdosu · 05-09-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3#3

Was it all downhill?

yeah, this would have to have some downhill parts, and the driver will have to have taken the cruise control off at some points. But I got 22 mpg without even thinking about how much throttle i'm giving on uphill parts.

GOLFFRR · 05-09-2011, 10:19 PM

thats awesome! the best i ever got was 20.6mpg

rbk1115 · 05-09-2011, 10:47 PM

Nice MPG! Very Impressed!

Seattle S65B40 · 05-09-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

I thought it was pretty easy to get 20+ mpg on the M3 when driven on the highway. Didnt know there was a debate on the topic

I remember a thread where a few of us mentioned avging over 20mpgs highway, and some folks got on here and said things along the lines of:

"How are you people getting Highway MPGs into the 20s??? Do you drive like a grandma?"

So, I figured I would give it a shot on my next trip down i5 and sure enough, it was pretty easy. Again, this is with some spurts of acceleration above the minimum necessary amount to maintain speed, including a few downshifts into 4 and 5. I seriously think if I wanted to be really boring about it, I could do 24+ mpg.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3#3

Was it all downhill?

yeah, this would have to have some downhill parts, and the driver will have to have taken the cruise control off at some points. But I got 22 mpg without even thinking about how much throttle i'm giving on uphill parts.

There's no way i travelled 140 miles roundtrip and still managed to go downhill the entire time!

BTW, no cruise control. I can use less fuel and let my speed fluctuate (and cruise in gear) than have the computer constantly apply throttle to maintain the same speed.

edit: i just re-read my OP and I never specified that it was roundtrip, so my apologies...

RuthlessE90 · 05-09-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlamMan

Who are these people that buy a $70K car with a high revving V8 and bitch about the fuel cost and consumption?

LOL thats true but DAMN the gas mileage really does suck......Before my M I had a 97 240sx with a 2006 LS2 swap with a tune, exhaust, intake that got at least double the gas mileage from a 6 liter v8 that made 400hp/400tq. Im sure the two have different compression's and other things that are different just saying damn I been living at the gas station....lol

1MOREMOD · 05-09-2011, 11:18 PM

that seems good to me i routinely drive 120-140 mile round trip in my 08 with 6mt and get 19.1 as a best so far going 70-80 with cruise on the entire way.

Erhan · 05-09-2011, 11:25 PM

Good job.

I've done 23.x mpg round trip (170ish miles). From Bothell to Bremerton. I had to reset on my way back, because it was at low teens after autoxing. But nevertheless, at constant-ish speed, around the speed limit (65-70mph) crusiing gives you easy 20+ mpg.

radiantm3 · 05-09-2011, 11:27 PM

I find it hilarious that anyone would be excited about 20-22mpg on any car. Anything under 30mpg highway is not impressive in the last 10-15 years. The M3 gets horrible MPG no matter how you drive and if you bought this car, it shouldn't really matter to you.

jms_w · 05-09-2011, 11:27 PM

Sorry to burst your bubble but the computer is always optimistic by 1 to 2 mpg. Only way to really tell what your mpg is is to take miles driven and divide by gallons pumped on next fill up. However I do agree that 24mpg is achievable. I myself sometimes get over 19mpg (yes, miles driven over gallons pumped at fill up) on my daily 48 mile commute which I average 45mpH with max speed of 70mph. I don't drive like a granny but I also don't race people at every light either.

1MOREMOD · 05-09-2011, 11:31 PM

i must be doing something wrong. i never average over 20 in any situation except for short intervals downhill or coasting.

Seattle S65B40 · 05-09-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I find it hilarious that anyone would be excited about 20-22mpg on any car. Anything under 30mpg highway is not impressive in the last 10-15 years. The M3 gets horrible MPG no matter how you drive and if you bought this car, it shouldn't really matter to you.

I agree it is poor MPGs on a relative scale. I also think it's funny that some of us are surprised by how good that is. If you see my other post in this thread (#11), I was simply showing that it can be done pretty easily (without boring yourself), since some people seem to doubt their ability to average over 20mpg.

1MOREMOD · 05-09-2011, 11:47 PM

driving this car even with the cruise on for 60 miles isnt boring, every car is different apparently cause i have tried and mine wont do it probably because the area im going thru is 70mph speed limited so i go about 80 most of the time.

KGB7 · 05-09-2011, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jms_w

Sorry to burst your bubble but the computer is always optimistic by 1 to 2 mpg. Only way to really tell what your mpg is is to take miles driven and divide by gallons pumped on next fill up. However I do agree that 24mpg is achievable. I myself sometimes get over 19mpg (yes, miles driven over gallons pumped at fill up) on my daily 48 mile commute which I average 45mpg with max speed of 70mph. I don't drive like a granny but I also don't race people at every light either.

45mpg? Dang!

jms_w · 05-10-2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGB7

45mpg? Dang!

My bad. Meant mph. My excuse is I'm typing on my iPhone.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 05-10-2011, 12:01 AM

Yes it can be done ... I did it too ... just over 24.7 MPG

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521795

05-09-2011, 05:36 PM	#1
Seattle S65B40 Major 215 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	It can be done, folks... I averaged over 22 MPG on 140 mile trip last week (all highway of course). It can be done, despite never ending complaints about the car's poor MPG (although, most people complain more about tank size than fuel economy it seems like). At any rate, I did not drive like Grandma to achieve this, so I think 24 MPG is not out of the question on this car. Attached Images __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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05-09-2011, 05:38 PM	#2
Krozi Colonel 168 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoFla - Bonita Springs iTrader: (24)	Average speed? This car would get really good highway MPG if 6th gear was longer but I am actually extremely pleased with the MPG this car gets. It's on par with my old 545i. __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 Alpine White//Fox Red//6MT// Florida Bimmer - Join us on FaceBook!
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05-09-2011, 10:01 PM	#5
Crazy Bimmer The Jesal 391 Rep 5,859 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago IL iTrader: (20) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	I thought it was pretty easy to get 20+ mpg on the M3 when driven on the highway. Didnt know there was a debate on the topic __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - SOLD Last edited by Crazy Bimmer; 05-09-2011 at 10:09 PM..
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05-09-2011, 10:03 PM	#6
M3#3 Private 8 Rep 54 Posts Drives: sold someone else drives it :( Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	Wow Was it all downhill?
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05-09-2011, 10:11 PM	#7
mdosu Banned 314 Rep 8,496 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	sounds about right, that's what I got on my last trip. Avg mpg was 22, and avg mph was 70 If you try avg mph at 50, your avg mpg will be around 30. For course this is painfully slow in today's world. But I use to do a rural highway commute where the speed limit was actually 50 mph. (heavily enforced too!)
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05-09-2011, 10:19 PM	#9
GOLFFRR 10846 Rep 27,624 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	thats awesome! the best i ever got was 20.6mpg __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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05-09-2011, 10:47 PM	#10
rbk1115 Lieutenant 14 Rep 527 Posts Drives: Acuras & BMWs Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Mazda3 i Touri ... [0.00] 2013 BMW 535i Sedan [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 Sedan [0.00]	Nice MPG! Very Impressed! __________________ 2009 BMW M3 Sedan 2013 BMW 535i M Sport Sedan 2014 Mazda3 i Touring Sedan
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05-09-2011, 11:18 PM	#13
1MOREMOD - 11818 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	that seems good to me i routinely drive 120-140 mile round trip in my 08 with 6mt and get 19.1 as a best so far going 70-80 with cruise on the entire way. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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05-09-2011, 11:25 PM	#14
Erhan Colonel 87 Rep 2,464 Posts Drives: Cooper S Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Good job. I've done 23.x mpg round trip (170ish miles). From Bothell to Bremerton. I had to reset on my way back, because it was at low teens after autoxing. But nevertheless, at constant-ish speed, around the speed limit (65-70mph) crusiing gives you easy 20+ mpg. __________________ 2011 MINI Cooper S previous cars: E92 M3, Z4MC, Z4 Roadster, E36 328 Sedan
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05-09-2011, 11:27 PM	#15
radiantm3 Apex Everything! 979 Rep 4,378 Posts Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Cedar Park, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 E92 M3 [9.35] 2014 BMW i3 [10.00]	I find it hilarious that anyone would be excited about 20-22mpg on any car. Anything under 30mpg highway is not impressive in the last 10-15 years. The M3 gets horrible MPG no matter how you drive and if you bought this car, it shouldn't really matter to you. __________________ 2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer). My pet project: https://stickershift.com
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05-09-2011, 11:27 PM	#16
jms_w Second Lieutenant 46 Rep 254 Posts Drives: '08 SG E93 M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Sorry to burst your bubble but the computer is always optimistic by 1 to 2 mpg. Only way to really tell what your mpg is is to take miles driven and divide by gallons pumped on next fill up. However I do agree that 24mpg is achievable. I myself sometimes get over 19mpg (yes, miles driven over gallons pumped at fill up) on my daily 48 mile commute which I average 45mpH with max speed of 70mph. I don't drive like a granny but I also don't race people at every light either. __________________ jms_w '08 E93 M3 SG \| BLK \| 6MT Last edited by jms_w; 05-10-2011 at 12:02 AM.. Reason: Typo
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05-09-2011, 11:31 PM	#17
1MOREMOD - 11818 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	i must be doing something wrong. i never average over 20 in any situation except for short intervals downhill or coasting. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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05-09-2011, 11:47 PM	#19
1MOREMOD - 11818 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	driving this car even with the cruise on for 60 miles isnt boring, every car is different apparently cause i have tried and mine wont do it probably because the area im going thru is 70mph speed limited so i go about 80 most of the time. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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05-10-2011, 12:01 AM	#22
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 614 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	Yes it can be done ... I did it too ... just over 24.7 MPG http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521795 __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
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