Fuel range

[rapter]

I have asked this before from the forum members.

Can you please advise what your fuel range is currently from a full tank to empty.

Currently I am getting 450kms
Previously I was getting 490-510km

Mixed driving no change to driving habits.

[ayao]

In the USA there is frequently a noticeable drop in MPG as fuel companies change from summer to winter blend gasoline. I wonder if this is possibly related to the phenomenon you've observed?

[rapter]

Originally Posted by ayao

In the USA there is frequently a noticeable drop in MPG as fuel companies change from summer to winter blend gasoline. I wonder if this is possibly related to the phenomenon you've observed?

This may perhaps be contributing to the issue. I have notice that there were poor range returns even in the summer.

What is your range?

[RS375]

Being from the UK I'm not that familiar with your weather.

Could it simply be attributable to a drop in ambient temperature, hence colder and denser air?

[MightyMouseTech]

The range is calculated from your driving for the past 50 km. It is almost never the same tank to tank.

You are in Canada. Fuel economy is always worse the colder it gets. Most areas have switched to winter blends, that will also make your fuel economy worse.

[rapter]

Can you all please provide some figures independent of your location and climactic weather.

I need some numbers to determine why my range is so low

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by rapter

Can you all please provide some figures independent of your location and climactic weather.

I need some numbers to determine why my range is so low

On my PPK 135, I see anywhere from 300 km to 600 km. Your range is not low.

[Dackelone]

I can usually go 360 km's before I need fuel. Sometimes IF I drive slow I can go 400 kph. IF I used the cruise control and driver VERY slow... then I can go over 500 km's on the odo. I never trust what the BC says. It only calculates your AVERAGE fuel consumption for the last 50 kms or so.


PS: my worst fuel consumption was 198 km's on 52 liters of fuel fill up. You haven't lived until you have bought fuel three times in ONE day! lol Such is Life on the Autobahn.

[rapter]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I can usually go 360 km's before I need fuel. Sometimes IF I drive slow I can go 400 kph. IF I used the cruise control and driver VERY slow... then I can go over 500 km's on the odo. I never trust what the BC says. It only calculates your AVERAGE fuel consumption for the last 50 kms or so.


PS: my worst fuel consumption was 198 km's on 52 liters of fuel fill up. You haven't lived until you have bought fuel three times in ONE day! lol Such is Life on the Autobahn.

Wow... I would appear that I have nothing to complain about.

I am getting between 430-450km range mixed use.

It was much better on the past.... I am trying to get down to the bottom of why my range has been reduced

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by rapter

Wow... I would appear that I have nothing to complain about.

I am getting between 430-450km range mixed use.

It was much better on the past.... I am trying to get down to the bottom of why my range has been reduced

It's winter. Where in Canada are you? How long have you had your car?

[rapter]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

It's winter. Where in Canada are you? How long have you had your car?

It is not winter... We are in fall. Car is in southern Ontario (day time high is 10-degrees).

Owned the car since new 4.5 years

[eeghie]

Belgium (~Seattle climate): 400km

Originally Posted by Dackelone

... You haven't lived until you have bought fuel three times in ONE day! lol Such is Life on the Autobahn.

Thx Dack, that's a sweet mantra to accelerate our life and get in gear ;-)

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by rapter

It is not winter... We are in fall. Car is in southern Ontario (day time high is 10-degrees).

Owned the car since new 4.5 years

When was the last time you checked your tire pressures? 7 C drop in temp means your tires have gone done 1 PSI.

[rapter]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

When was the last time you checked your tire pressures? 7 C drop in temp means your tires have gone done 1 PSI.

Tire pressure checked weekly and adjusted to suite temp change

[MightyMouseTech]

Well, then don't worry about it. Just drive it.

[T1M]

Originally Posted by rapter

Wow... I would appear that I have nothing to complain about.

I am getting between 430-450km range mixed use.

It was much better on the past.... I am trying to get down to the bottom of why my range has been reduced

It's possible your o2 sensors are ageing and the afr drifting richer. Check them via logs on cruise and compare to known targets or someone with new o2 sensors?

[rapter]

Originally Posted by einserM

It's possible your o2 sensors are ageing and the afr drifting richer. Check them via logs on cruise and compare to known targets or someone with new o2 sensors?

This is very helpful.
What does it mean to check on cruise



I also found this fuelly.com website that is informational.

[T1M]

Well most cars will aim for 14.7 afr on cruise but direct injection engines can sometimes target leaner, it seems the N54 is one of them but I don't know what afr it's aiming for. Anyone who's tuned one should know from logs? Perhaps ask in a tuning thread?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by rapter

This is very helpful.
What does it mean to check on cruise

I think he means check the Lambda values while using the cruise control while driving on the highway. Then check it while driving normally say on a country back road.

Personally, I can't see what difference that would make.

[mayhewjr]

I usually have to refill at 265 to 310 miles, depending on how often I push the "M" button. M motor with a 1 series gas tank.

[CarJunkie]

Consider having the valves inspected for gunk.

[rapter]

Originally Posted by CarJunkie

Consider having the valves inspected for gunk.

I suspect one or more of the following:

1. Carbon build up
2. O2 sensor
3. Wrong spark plugs
4. Filter or fuel pump related ?