Bad gas mileage

[Ninjax89]

I have a 88 325is that has been running fine it seems except for the fact that i am getting 15-16 mpg. Is this normal (all the driving is city driving)? The car is old enough that I can understand it not running at optimal levels, however 15-16 seems to low. I think I saw some other people with the same cars posting 18 or 20 in the city? Is there anything I can look at home to try to improve the gas mileage? It appears to be running to rich, the exhaust pipes are quite black. Thanks for any help or advice...
Zack

[TMac325is]

i was having the same problem, and for the most part, my driving habits were to blame. i dont do driving in the "city", but i run into a lot of stop-and-go. i was probably getting about 16 mpg last week. so last weekend i took my car to the mechanic and had my filters changed, oil changed, and had the fuel injectors cleaned.

i couldnt really tell any difference in performance, but i started using premium gasoline, and i started driving more conservatively, and now i get about 24 mpg. which is quite a jump, but there is a huge difference in the way i drive now, i actually go the speed limit, and when im going 35-40 mph, i usually just cruise with the car in 5th gear

id try looking under the hood and seeing what needs to be cleaned/maintained. hope this helps

[schneider252]

you have a sports car be happy :-)

if u want an economy car u can trade with me :-)

[TMac325is]

spent all the money on the car, have to save for gas
but! once i get a paycheck, i can blow all the gas i want! cruise around town in 1st, get 5 mpg for all i care

[Ninjax89]

I'm not really sure if my driving habits are to blame but I will take that into consideration. Usually when i am going 40 i am in 4th or 5th gear like you said. I often put the clutch in and glide to save gas. I am hoping that the mileage is mostly due to the stop-and-go driving. the rubber connector from the air intake to the engine manifold (dont know what it is called exactly) has some cracks in it that could let air in, so I am going to look into that...

And yes, I am happy to have a sporty car.

[oldskool2002]

i had that problem, i was getting 15ish mpg. then i changed out the rubber o-ring on the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator, now i get 25 mpg.

[325iconverted]

good advice...

where can i find the "rubber o-ring on the fuel pump and fuel pressure regulator" that you mention?

i have an 87 325i. thanks!

[fporro]

air filter too, bad o2 sensor, cloged cat.