2.5l Poor Gas Mileage / How To Improve It

[specialblendj]

I'm thinking about getting a '93 to '95 325i/is, but I have to say I'm a little dissapointed with the gas mileage. i believe that it is something like 20 in the city and 22 on the highway. Not that this is a fair comparisson, but a 3.9 liter v-8 making 250 horses in the new lincoln LS's gets about or better than that. This is a much newer engine, but still, were talking about a BMW. Can anyone give me a justification or explanation for the poor gas mileage in the 2.5's? How could I improve gas mileage and power at the same time? i.e. new heads/intake/exhaust and headers?

[SemiPerfect]

I own a 95 BMW 325i sedan. It has pretty good accelaration to me.. Also, the specs for my car are below, straight from Edmunds.com, not sure where u got the 22 mpg for highway, but it doesn't apply for my car. (reference 28 mpg below on hwy).. I'd say if you want a cheap way to increase HP, buy a cold air intake.. easy to install, and it'll make the engine sound bigger.. I did this on my Hyundai Tiburon 03 (Injen CAI RS) and it added about 12 HP plus it sounds like a meanier engine now.. cost me $199 off the net.. They make short ram intakes but I wouldn't waste my time honestly, get you the real deal.. But i dont think your going to find a sure fire way to increase fuel efficiency.. just make sure the car is tuned up.

Performance

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.8 sec. Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 2.5 liters Base Engine Type: Inline 6
Horsepower: 189 hp Max Horsepower: 5900 rpm
Torque: 181 ft-lbs. Max Torque: 4200 rpm
Drive Type: RWD Turning Circle: 34.1 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.2 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Manual: 19 mpg / 28 mpg Automatic: : 20 mpg / 28 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 344 mi. / 481.6 mi. Manual: 326.8 mi. / 481.6 mi.

[uiuc240]

How are your oxygen sensors? They have a big effect on gas mileage. Also, what about air filter? Oil? Fuel injectors OK?

My 325 averages 25 mpg. But city is about 19-20 and highway is about 28-30, just like advertised.

Eric

[97alpineM3]

Some quick ideas to make the MPG go up.... get some injector cleaner.. .run that.... run better gas.. meaning higher octane.. ... make sure your tires are the correct tire pressure.... make sure your air filter isnt dirty... change your oil.... mainly... just try and keep the car up on it self with maintenance.. and it will take care of you..

Good Luck

Les

[Cruzin 323is]

wow, u guys complain alot... i have a 98 323is... and i get about 16mpg, if i am luckey!!

[Brian325i]

16 mpg on a 323? Seems odd. I currently get an average of 21mpg on my 325i but I'm using some bosch +4's and I hear that could be holding back my gas mileage and performance. I'll be switching to some OEM plugs once they get shipped in .