BMW E53 X5 3.0i Fuel Economy Capabilities

[Ricky Bobby]

The Euro 2 tune is more like a different stock file, so as long as the Shark is being installed after the Euro2 tune I don't see why you couldn't load it, technically the Euro2 tune is just another stock tune so you should be able to flash with Shark, etc

Just my thinking. I will say the lower gears are MUCH less jerky since the Shark, much smoother throttle and power delivery in the lower gears and rpm's. I can only imagine someday combining the Shark with the Vanos rebuild

[Green Dragon]

According to the FAQ's, they're claiming that the shark injector is US/Canadian spec only and not compatible with Euro spec cars and Euro DME's software. I'm going to keep digging.

Jay, I've been thinking about a vanos rebuild as of late, as my valve cover gasket has begun to weep..... Which then has me thinking that it's time for a oil separation/catch can build as they are or can be related with crankcase pressures, etc........... Looks like January is filled with Super-Saturday/night maddness with pizza, liquid fat necture (also know as mountain dew) and some petroleum based dipping sauce.

[Ricky Bobby]

^If you are going to do the VCG and Vanos rebuild, and if the CCV is not in good shape, just do the BavarianE39 bypass and connect the check valve to the VC, much simpler IMO than a catch can (moisture collector)

[Green Dragon]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

^If you are going to do the VCG and Vanos rebuild, and if the CCV is not in good shape, just do the BavarianE39 bypass and connect the check valve to the VC, much simpler IMO than a catch can (moisture collector)

I'll look into the bavarian e39 bypass. Thanks for the heads up buddy.

[tecboy99]

What do you other manual guys get for MPG on the highway? Doing 75 in 6th gear, I can't seem to get the MPG gauge to go above 20. It has been awhile. But, I seem to recall the auto doing better. Makes me want that 3.64 diff swap even more.

[Ricky Bobby]

All highway I'm at 20-21 mpg, I don't have the 6th cog though.

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by tecboy99

What do you other manual guys get for MPG on the highway? Doing 75 in 6th gear, I can't seem to get the MPG gauge to go above 20. It has been awhile. But, I seem to recall the auto doing better. Makes me want that 3.64 diff swap even more.

75 MPH is at 2750 RPM for me with the automatic. The aero factor really seems to come into play at that speed though and my mileage averages 19-20 MPG. As long as I keep my speed around 70 MPH and RPMs at about 2500, I have no trouble getting 22+ MPG.

2002 X5 3.0 293,400 miles
2014 428i 14,200 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles

[tecboy99]

Damn, maybe I should start copying Green Dragon. A 10mpg bump would be nice.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

All highway I'm at 20-21 mpg, I don't have the 6th cog though.

+1, on several all highway road trips per year, using the tank fill ups and arithmetic method.

My OBC mpg readout has only been reset three or four times in 106,000 miles and it currently reads 20.4 for a long hunk of miles.

Around town, short shifting and driving Miss Daisy, it is less.

Getting more than 21 in a 5 spd, even on highway trips, ain't gonna happen over a tank or two or more, in my experience. At $2 and change a gallon, even for the Premium fans, who cares.

GL, mD

[bcredliner]

Great mileage! My gauge moves so fast sometimes I look in the mirror expecting to see if there is a trail of fuel. If I tried to drive with an egg under my foot I would need several dozen before I burned a tank of gas.

Might want to include peace of mind and time in the consideration. Putting aside a constant speed over 500 miles is not realistic, If I drive 60 verses 70 over 500 miles it will take me over an hour longer to reach my destination.

While the cost is greater, if I am traveling 500 miles one way, I rent something. Not for greater mileage but because the risk of something going wrong on an E53 is greater than the risk of something going wrong with the rental, and if it does they give me another. I won't have tools to fix most things that could go wrong on my X, likely be in a place I can't do the work, I won't know the capability of anyone that does the repair and there is a good chance I will be waiting for parts or leaving it behind and renting something anyway. On longer trips greater peace of mind seems quite meaningful.