its winter...

monkeyboy · 01-02-2009, 11:15 AM

lots snow in these parts... just got 15+ inches... so

1) I've noticed that mpg-wise, I've lost more than 2mpg (10%) over my non-winter mpgs, on my just-obtained 2007 328xi. Used to be at 21.1mpg for mostly city driving, now down to 18.5mpg. Of course all that spinning through the snow can't help. This seem like a normal winter/snow drop in mpgs ?

2) Given all the care many of all take wrt washing your BMWs, contactless, just the right microfiber washclothes, etc... I wonder what the advice would be when you have to brush off snow SEVERAL TIMES per DAY. How exactly are you supposed to brush off snow and chip off ice several times a winter day and maintain the car's finish ?

HNY

branabolic · 01-02-2009, 06:21 PM

+1 on question two...

chaz58 · 01-02-2009, 06:36 PM

1) Well, theoretically you would get better gas milage (and more power) because of the colder intake temperatures. (This is even more obvious with turbos). It could be the gas you use. I had my MPG suddenly drop by 5MPG because I used an inexpensive ethanol blend. Not doing that again. Check your tire pressure. If you take lots of short trips (less than 10 miles), your engine is taking longer to warm up, and that is going to kill your gas milage.

2) good luck! Park inside, and use a brushless carwash are your best bets. Other than that, its going to be hard on your finish.

Cbass · 01-02-2009, 06:57 PM

You will typically get a lower MPG in winter. I also get about 1-2 less on average.
You spend more time warming up the car before driving
The car idles higher when the engine is cold
Rolling resistance increases due to tire pressure drop plus a layer of snow on the roads
Air resistance is greater due to colder air being more dense

noro · 01-02-2009, 09:41 PM

The sooner you get used to the idea that a car driven daily cannot be maintained as a showroom car the sooner you will start enjoying the car to the fullest.

I would like to add though, ice on the painted finish is gentler than a microfiber towel. Brushing snow off is another story.

TiAg335i · 01-02-2009, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noro

The sooner you get used to the idea that a car driven daily cannot be maintained as a showroom car the sooner you will start enjoying the car to the fullest.

+1

In other words..autopia.org = bad.

01-02-2009, 11:15 AM	#1
monkeyboy Private First Class 13 Rep 105 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 328xi Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	its winter... lots snow in these parts... just got 15+ inches... so 1) I've noticed that mpg-wise, I've lost more than 2mpg (10%) over my non-winter mpgs, on my just-obtained 2007 328xi. Used to be at 21.1mpg for mostly city driving, now down to 18.5mpg. Of course all that spinning through the snow can't help. This seem like a normal winter/snow drop in mpgs ? 2) Given all the care many of all take wrt washing your BMWs, contactless, just the right microfiber washclothes, etc... I wonder what the advice would be when you have to brush off snow SEVERAL TIMES per DAY. How exactly are you supposed to brush off snow and chip off ice several times a winter day and maintain the car's finish ? HNY
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01-02-2009, 06:21 PM	#2
branabolic Major 24 Rep 1,037 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: so. new hampshire iTrader: (5)	+1 on question two... __________________ i'm not addicted to boost, but i sure am more fun when i'm on it.
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01-02-2009, 06:36 PM	#3
chaz58 Captain 15 Rep 701 Posts Drives: 328iT Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Detroit Burbs iTrader: (0)	1) Well, theoretically you would get better gas milage (and more power) because of the colder intake temperatures. (This is even more obvious with turbos). It could be the gas you use. I had my MPG suddenly drop by 5MPG because I used an inexpensive ethanol blend. Not doing that again. Check your tire pressure. If you take lots of short trips (less than 10 miles), your engine is taking longer to warm up, and that is going to kill your gas milage. 2) good luck! Park inside, and use a brushless carwash are your best bets. Other than that, its going to be hard on your finish. __________________ _________________________________________________
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01-02-2009, 06:57 PM	#4
Cbass > 0 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2007 328i e90 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI iTrader: (0)	You will typically get a lower MPG in winter. I also get about 1-2 less on average. You spend more time warming up the car before driving The car idles higher when the engine is cold Rolling resistance increases due to tire pressure drop plus a layer of snow on the roads Air resistance is greater due to colder air being more dense
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01-02-2009, 09:41 PM	#5
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	The sooner you get used to the idea that a car driven daily cannot be maintained as a showroom car the sooner you will start enjoying the car to the fullest. I would like to add though, ice on the painted finish is gentler than a microfiber towel. Brushing snow off is another story. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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