Engine Break in time for optimal MPG

[pattitlv]

I have a new 330 ci (2 door) that I'm really enjoying driving, but I'm frustrated that the miles per gallon is much less that advertised. The dealer tells me it will get better as the car / engine breaks in, but they were unwilling to give me a guide as to how many miles it would take.

Is the dealer just blowing steam up my slacks, or has anyone else seen a noticeable improvement in MPG after a few thousand miles.…. And what are we talking about 2,000 miles, 5,000 miles?? - Thanks

 

[Kirby]

The dealer isn't necessarily blowing smoke, but it's not a sure thing, either. On a new engine, the generally accepted principle is that fuel mileage and oil consumption will be lower until the piston rings seat. On all the cars I have owned and monitored, fuel mileage has increased after breaking it in a few thousand miles.

Rings seating = better compression = more power = better fuel mileage.

This can take anywhere from 1,000 miles to 7,500 miles. In rare cases, the rings never seat properly, and oil consumption is always high. This is not an exact science. Some feel that you can help the rings seat by *not* babying the engine. In other words, hard acceleration may help to seat the rings, and there is some technical basis behind this.

If I were you, several times a day I would accelerate aggressively (pedal to the metal!). It most certainly will not hurt the car, and it may help to seat the rings and ultimately improve your mileage over the next few months.

FWIW, on my 330, I didn't closely monitor the mileage during break in, but now (22K miles) I get about 20 mpg combined, and 28 - 30 mpg highway. Other than staying under 3000 RPM for the first 1200 miles, it was driven "with spirit" - occasional hard acceleration. The car burns almost no oil, less than 1 quart every 7500 miles.

Sorry, I hope I didn't get too techie here!

 

[Big Daddy]

Good advice from Kirby and I would add that in every new car I have purchased I have driven the car as I would normally drive the car, not too agressive, but as Kirby said kicking her in the pants every now and than..oh I do that still...

 

[pattitlv]

Thanks a lot.... this is very helpful information.

Guess I'll have to do some real seious road stuff now as I just am hitting the 1200 miles! and know that my 330 will be thanking me!



---- Patti

 

[Big Daddy]

Enjoy! I am sure you will!

 

[Kirby]

Please stay in touch and let us know how things turn out!!

 

[pattitlv]

thanks so much!

first i just want to say i love my car. it is just so so so amazing. true love is like this, where you just look at this at it, and it is magic. in every moment. getting on and off freeways, passing, going up hills, turning... just about everying (except the mileage)... i say to myself while driving it, ... did i go to heaven?

nothing has changed yet with the mileage but i plan to stay on the forum, and i love being here! and i am calling bmw today, actually. i have taken it to dealers (who have been unable to find anything technically wrong with it). i wonder if they just made the car like this?

anyway, i will let you know if the mileage gets better or... if BMW can fix it... or something else.

happy driving, all!!! i am tearing up so big ROAD where i live so WATCH OUT@!%&^*^ IF you so a puff of smoke and tar around Marin county, CA, it could be me!



patti, who still loves her car like crazy

 

[Kirby]

Glad you're lovin' the bimmer, and we look forward to having you hang out here!