2013 X5 50 M-Sport PP "Engine Malfunction" MPG observation

[BeamerandBimmer]

Last Thursday while towing my trailer(don't think its related) I heard a pop and got a Engine Malfunction message. My thought is that a vacuum hose got disconnected but haven't looked(I'll let the dealer do the digging).



I called the dealer and they didn't have a loaner available till Friday this week and my service adviser said it was ok to drive my X5 in the mean time. The interesting thing that I have noticed is that in the reduced engine power mode the MPG has increased. I usually average @ 18MPG but during this last week my MPG has increased to 21MPG.



The engine is obviously not harmed by running in this mode. The question is, Should BMW make this engine mapping available as an Eco mode? It would be nice to have as an option if you are planning a road trip and would prefer the extended range versus the HP.

[seattle]

1. I wouldn't continue driving, despite SA telling you to drive (not in writing, may I add).
2. Are you driving the same way before the pop? Driving style makes huge difference for MPG..

[BeamerandBimmer]

Even the car states "possible to continue" see the first picture. It drives fine, just very de-tuned. For the most part I'm driving the same(commuting). I'm not worried about doing damage, if BMW doesn't want you to continue driving the car will shut you down. Just ask some of my friends over on M5Board.

[ard]

Originally Posted by seattle

1. I wouldn't continue driving, despite SA telling you to drive (not in writing, may I add).
..

Spot on advice. SAs are generally order takers/salesmen...most owners dont know a thing about cars and assume they must be experts.

Demand a written response, and if they wont, tell them to rent you a car!

My dealer will either put me in a loaner or rental virtually every time.

[5seriesHB]

Originally Posted by ard

Spot on advice. SAs are generally order takers/salesmen...most owners dont know a thing about cars and assume they must be experts.

Demand a written response, and if they wont, tell them to rent you a car!

My dealer will either put me in a loaner or rental virtually every time.

MINE will TOO...who your dealer B&B?

[BeamerandBimmer]

This post was not supose to be about getting a loaner or whether I "choose" to keep driving the car. I'm not worried about it. My dealer has always taken care of me, after purchasing 10 cars from them. They've replaced an engine in a 545 including paying a lease payment while it was in the shop, replaced an entire dash because leather wash shrinking(past warranty) in my M5, etc...

The discussion was supose to be about whether BMW should include an "Econ" mode in the X5 50 to get better MPG as some members with 50s have commented about only getting 12MPG.

[ard]

Originally Posted by BeamerandBimmer

This post was not supose to be about getting a loaner or whether I "choose" to keep driving the car. I'm not worried about it. My dealer has always taken care of me, after purchasing 10 cars from them. They've replaced an engine in a 545 including paying a lease payment while it was in the shop, replaced an entire dash because leather wash shrinking(past warranty) in my M5, etc...

The discussion was supose to be about whether BMW should include an "Econ" mode in the X5 50 to get better MPG as some members with 50s have commented about only getting 12MPG.

Oh, ok.


Explain how you know the engine is not harmed ...

[5seriesHB]

Somebody didn't get there nappy today!
Ha
Good luck
Hope car gets fixed quickly cheers

[BeamerandBimmer]

Originally Posted by ard

Oh, ok.


Explain how you know the engine is not harmed ...

I don't know that it is not. I'll ask the service manager if it is ok to drive when I trade him my car for the loaner this afternoon. I'm 80 miles from the dealership and the service manager lives close to where I work so when I don't have time to make it to the dealership he meets me with a loaner then drives my car to his home and then in to work the next day. Surely the guy in charge if the largest service facility in the Mid Atlantic region won't feed me BS. But the great knowledge of the Internet might be right and every dealership is out to get you and they'll screw me and have to replace the engine. Under warranty.

Back on topic.

Anyone want an "Econ" mode for their thirsty 4.4l twin turbo v8?

[ard]

Originally Posted by BeamerandBimmer

I don't know that it is not. I'll ask the service manager if it is ok to drive when I trade him my car for the loaner this afternoon. I'm 80 miles from the dealership and the service manager lives close to where I work so when I don't have time to make it to the dealership he meets me with a loaner then drives my car to his home and then in to work the next day. Surely the guy in charge if the largest service facility in the Mid Atlantic region won't feed me BS. But the great knowledge of the Internet might be right and every dealership is out to get you and they'll screw me and have to replace the engine. Under warranty.

Back on topic.

Anyone want an "Econ" mode for their thirsty 4.4l twin turbo v8?

Youre funny.

The engine blows up and that conversation you had with the dealer wont exist. and BMWNA will say "the dash warning said to take it to the dealer and you didnt, you are at fault"...yes, I know you have your lawyer on retainer.

But more importantly, I do not think this will cause instant engine failure. So does this 'guy in charge of the largest service facility'...he knows he can tell you to drive it and probably get away with it, or maybe any damage will be small, and nobody will know. or as you assume there is absolutely no possible way any damage can occur.

Would you really waste your breath asking him again? Or will you couch it in "these internet guys" so he can impress you with how much more dealers know?

Anyway, every dealer isnt 'out to get you'...I'd say it is more 'they dont really care much one way or the other'. Oh, if someone crashes into the SM while he is driving your car to or from service, or he is at fault and he crashes, you know its your insurance that is liable, right? Not that they are out to get you or anything....

A

PS When something happens and the DME detects the car is running dangerously lean, it selects a 'failsafe' mode. AKA "engine power reduced'. Not surprising a lean running car is using less fuel. It is running lean. It is not running properly. Back on topic: should bmw make this a standard feature?