Help! only 20MPG on e46 318 - BMW Forum

ily · 12-22-2006, 11:26 AM

Hello everyone, I have an e46 318 manual on a 99 plate, only done 60k, i've had it regulary serviced and i've even changed\replaced the following in last six months Fuel filter, mass airflow sensor , cleaned the fuel injectors etc etc, However I am still only averaging(mainly town driving) 20MPG, i'm sure this is not normal. does anyone else have a similar problem and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

BMWJNKY · 12-22-2006, 11:40 AM

In town it is possible to be getting only 20 MPG. When was the last time you reset your MPG counter in your OBC? The OBC only keeps track of the last 50 miles so over time your MPG will slowly drop in the OBC if you drive less than 50 miles then shut the car off.

ily · 12-22-2006, 11:57 AM

I'm sure this car does not an obc, i've done the calculations manually,i filled up until I heard the click and drove for 247 miles and filled up again putting in 56litres , I calculted this as 20mpg, I was hoping for at least 25-27 around town, or is this just too optimistic from me :-)

BMWJNKY · 12-22-2006, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ily

I'm sure this car does not an obc, i've done the calculations manually,i filled up until I heard the click and drove for 247 miles and filled up again putting in 56litres , I calculted this as 20mpg, I was hoping for at least 25-27 around town, or is this just too optimistic from me :-)

I think that is too optimistic for in town driving. Also using premium gas will get you better mileage and a smoother running engine. How come you changed the AFS at only 60K miles? Was it faulting or were you just trying to get better mileage?

ily · 12-22-2006, 03:41 PM

I replaced it cos it was faulty, engine felt like it was misfiring and would not pick up speed, took it in for a diag and that's what they found as the problem.

As for the mpg I only ask as previously I had a 1200cc punto before this and as you can imagine I used to get 45+ combined, so to get only 20 gets a little getting used to, even on the combined I only manage at best 30 and i'm sure the stated figures are about 35.

But if everyone else is getting about the same then I suppose I don't need to worry.

BMWJNKY · 12-22-2006, 09:33 PM

Well an E46, even if its a compact, is going to be a lot more car to move than your previous one which is where most of the gas mileage is going. You can probably squeeze a couple more MPG by running your tires around 38-40 PSI.

thekid · 12-23-2006, 01:32 AM

That is low MPG. Where are you shifting? Do you live in a hilly area? Are you doing alot of high traffic commuting? 25 is a little high to expect, but 22 should be attainable even while having fun when you drive.

nukeduster · 12-24-2006, 07:24 AM

Thats pretty low for any 4 banger.. i'd expect high 20's with city driving. my 1.9l z3 with HARD abusive driving returned an avg 28 or 29mpg combined highway/city.

then again, driving style dictates MPG more then any other variable.