Fuel economy getting worse?

[z2g]

I have a 2010 3.0i with about 12k miles on it now. I've been noticing in the past few months that my fuel economy is getting worse. My driving habits hasn't changed.

In the first year, I was getting 19-20 mpg consistently. Now, it's consistently 15-17 mpg. On long road trips, I'll get 20 mpg.

Is that normal? Also, due to my use, I can't bring the car in for maintenance until the two year mark. Could that be it?

By the way, I've always wonder how good it can be on a new car if you don't change the oil and filters for two whole years!?!?!

[SCardamon]

Wow, that is what I get with my 4.8i. Yes, I would think that is not normal. I do not know what the proper fuel economy for the 3.0i is though.

Do you use cruise control much?

[xoutpostking]

35i, getting close to 30mpg, 70-80 cruise control on pretty flat and smooth interstate. THE BEAUTY OF 300 HORSES & THE 8 SPEED TRANNY!!!

[xoutpostking]

"Also, due to my use, I can't bring the car in for maintenance until the two year mark. By the way, I've always wonder how good it can be on a new car if you don't change the oil and filters for two whole years!?!?!"

2 years!? You better pray your X5 is all right cause any damages BMW won't cover it cause you skipped an annual service!!! You take it in every year, regardless if you only put 16 miles on it the whole year.......

[r6vr6]

Maye try a different gas station \ brand if you use the same place all the time.

[bigx5er]

Originally Posted by z2g

I have a 2010 3.0i with about 12k miles on it now. I've been noticing in the past few months that my fuel economy is getting worse. My driving habits hasn't changed.

In the first year, I was getting 19-20 mpg consistently. Now, it's consistently 15-17 mpg. On long road trips, I'll get 20 mpg.

Is that normal? Also, due to my use, I can't bring the car in for maintenance until the two year mark. Could that be it?

By the way, I've always wonder how good it can be on a new car if you don't change the oil and filters for two whole years!?!?!

Not normal. Take it into the dealer. If anything, my previous 3.0s improved on gas mileage after breaking in.

[z2g]

Originally Posted by xoutpostking

"Also, due to my use, I can't bring the car in for maintenance until the two year mark. By the way, I've always wonder how good it can be on a new car if you don't change the oil and filters for two whole years!?!?!"

2 years!? You better pray your X5 is all right cause any damages BMW won't cover it cause you skipped an annual service!!! You take it in every year, regardless if you only put 16 miles on it the whole year.......

It wasn't a skipped annual maintenance! As reported here (and bimmerfest), the new maintenance schedule for low mileage drivers is now 2 yrs.

[xoutpostking]

How many miles do you have? I took mine in after one year with only 7k miles.

[JCL]

Try another gas station. If you are getting higher amounts of ethanol, that would explain the reduced fuel economy.

[z2g]

At the one year mark, I only had about 7k miles on the car. Currently, I'm at 12k miles. I recall calling them at around the one year mark and they told me that it's 2 yrs for me. I'll have to call again to verify.