Deceptive MPG estimates for 2011 35i?

[by350]

I purchased my 2011 35i in July 2010 and noticed that BMW seemed reluctant to post any MPG estimates on their Web site. I just happened to be on their Web site today and noticed that it now lists the MPG as "23 mpg hwy". The window sticker in my 2011 35i shows EPA fuel estimates to be 17/25.

I personally haven't seen anything better than 20 MPG on the highway. I feel like BMW has been a bit deceptive on their fuel estimates and now they have switched the estimate from 25 to 23. Is this even allowed? I'm curious to hear what others have to say and what kind of mileage they are getting.

[JCL]

BMW doesn't get to pick the published mpg figures, those are as per US government test cycles. However, the test cycles are not at all representative of the real world. In an effort to make them more realistic, the government has twice mandated 'correction factors' so that even the numbers measured on the dyno are not what is printed on the sticker.

Bottom line is that you can sort of use the window stickers to compare one model to another, but you shouldn't expect any particular correlation to the real world. Sad but true.

You should expect some real world improvement as the vehicle breaks in, up to about 5000 miles.

Edit: Found a link for you. Details of the changes in calculation here:

Regulatory Announcement: EPA Issues New Test Methods for Fuel Economy Window Stickers | Fuel Economy | US EPA

Excerpt:

In 2011, manufacturers will need to perform additional cold temperature, air conditioning, and/or high speed/rapid acceleration driving tests for those vehicles most sensitive to these conditions. However, in order to provide consumers with better fuel economy estimates sooner, EPA will use new calculation methods that capture these driving conditions.

I read that last line as "apply a correction factor"

[by350]

I guess my biggest gripe is that the numbers have been changed. I should have known 25 MPG was too good to be true. Oh well.

[Richard in NC]

EPA estimates come from.... the EPA. They are often behind in their certifications, hence likely the delay in posting the rating on the web. However cars can't be sold without out the rating on the sticker. My guess it the EPA estimated the rating and then had to correct it down after further testing.

Omy my 50i, I have gotten close to 20 on pure highway trips, equal or better to the EPA 19 MPG estimate. But even the shortest city drives or any "fun" I have drops it fast.

[motordavid]

Simply anecdotal, but our newest car, the CEO's Hyundai Tucson, has never gotten close to the "31 mpg hwy" that the sticker and all of Hyundai's lit boasts about. I've even done a longish trip, no a/c, driving like a geezer, and the best I could do was the high 20s.

I have several car nut geezer buds, many with new cars in the past year or so, and all have remarked that they cannot get near the "highway" number on their various cars...In my older cars I can do that easily. Something has changed/gotten more lab-like and even less real world-like imo, down at the Ministry of Save Us From Ourselves, aka the US EPA.

Not surprised that few here report mpg that matches their X's window sticker, esp if done over many tanks worth, with arithmetic, not the OBC readout.
GL, mD

[jcmd2003]

I've gotten 25.5 MPG during extended interstate driving, and that was with around 4k miles on the odometer.

[Viperfreak2]

Some cars do better than EPA estimates, some do worse. My 135 cabrio showed an average of 24mpg at turn in, that was in 8000 miles. Pretty good, considering the acceleration! My Mini Cooper S cabrio (turned in December) had a final average of 34, and my current (non S) is currently at 38.4!!! average with only 1500 miles on the odo! It just keeps going up and up! The EPA window sticker says 29/37.

I'll say this: driving style is the key. I have been watching the instant MPG display like a hawk and I can make a HUGE difference if I slow down a few MPH going up hills (as long as no one is behind me)

[gerrypd]

I have 19 mpg in the city

[Jeg Norge]

20mpg on a 35i is pretty good, since my 09 30i is getting 20mpg LOL

[two-five boy]

I've seen 22-23mpg on pure highway, esp. when cruise control is used. 2 things I've observed which should be obvious but I'll point out anyway:

Mpg begins to drop as your speed exceeds 80mph. My avg. mpg was consistently climbing until I exceed 80+, and begins to decline until I'm <80 again.

Keep that mpg needle above the 20mpg mark, which is sometimes difficult to do unless cruise ctrl is used. I use the cc stalk to adjust speed instead of gas/brake/reset speed.