2000 323i SP general questions

[aweisman]

Howdy Board Members!

Well, it's been 1.5 months with the car and getting used to it and finding things I (maybe need).

Got the first aid kit that goes under the seat (even when the meds run out, it is still a neat storage case).

Noticed I have the general panel light above the mirror.....can I use an 1999 M3 "reading light" and exchange it for the panel light?

Mileage is still 16-17.5 mpg with a mix of city/hwy. Will implement the traditional "road trip" between 11/18-12/5.....so will get a better sense of cruse mileage. With "under 20 mpg" should I be examining specific systems for underperformance? How much does AC pull from performance?

as I was installing the first aid kit under seats, noticed my seat is "wired" for heating, but there is no "button" on the center console. Is this an easy upgrade?[

cheers

 

[MrElussive]

I don't know about the reading light or seat heating, but as far as gas mileage, here is what I can tell you:
If you really care about getting good gas mileage, then start your car off gently. Accelerate gently from a stop, rather than just pushing it down hard. The engine works very hard to get the car moving, but once it is rolling around in 2nd or 3rd gear, gas mileage becomes decent. Also, A/C does tax the motor...you lose some horsepower and it hurts gas mileage a bit but I wouldn't turn it off unless you were racing or just want that maximum horsepower.
frolf (another member of this forum) and I prefer to leave our A/C off as much as possible, but we're just crazy that way.