Opinions on MPG gauge...

X5Jay · #1 08-25-2005, 08:53 PM

Regardless of the current gas prices, just curious - what do you guys think of the MPG gauge? While I do look at it alot, I really don't like the damn thing - wouldn't like it even if gas was 39 cents a gallon. What do the 4.6's and 4.8's have in place of it - is it an oil temp gauge? I much rather have something like that instead of the MPG gauge.

Anyone have an idea wrt the logic of having it? Does BMW expect drivers to use it to try to save fuel? I'd like to find some use for it that would allow me to appreciate it, but I just don't see one. The only thing that comes even a little close is perhaps to do some testing such as seeing what it does at various speeds on a flat road on cruise control to find out how much difference there is between cruising at 60 and cruising at 90. But how many times can one do that?

What are your thoughts?

Juanted · #2 08-25-2005, 09:27 PM

Well, many people DO indeed keep track of their MPG. A sudden drop in MPG, for example could signify something's wrong with the car. With the recent fuel prices, some people may want to see if driving less aggressively can save gas...

Juan

LeMansX5 · #3 08-25-2005, 09:29 PM

I measure MPG the old fashioned way....at the time of fill-up.

X5Jay · #4 08-25-2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

I measure MPG the old fashioned way....at the time of fill-up.

Same here, but when that needle pegs itself to the right, it sends me into an emotional roller coaster as I'm enjoying the drive while the needle shows me how fast I'm blowing dollar bills out the quads...

ricky.agrawal · #5 08-25-2005, 09:48 PM

I love gaugues.
Give me more gauges. Make it better and quicker and updateable and customizable.

I wish I could hookup my car to my computer.

Scotty · #6 08-25-2005, 09:37 PM

I seem to recall that BMW have had those little needle 'econo-meters' for many many years. In Europe, BMW promotes its efforts to use technology to conserve fuel and I believe the original adverts. pointed out that by have a direct feeback of nearly instantaneous MPG; drivers could learn what behaviours burnt lots of gas and what behaviours convserved gas.

Kinda obvious I know. But I do admit that on long freeway runs with nothing better to do; I do play around with very gentle throttle pedal movements and watch that little needle bounce around the 20 mark gently !!

Also, I seem to recall that the needle is not actually a precise measurement of MPG. Rather it is an indirect measure via engine vacuum pressure readings. (pretty close). Whereas the on board computer MPG is derived from miles and a measure of fuel flow. I am prepared to stand corrected on this and I have NO direct evidence !! Just my assumption !!

RealShakaZulu · #7 08-26-2005, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotty

I seem to recall that BMW have had those little needle 'econo-meters' for many many years. In Europe, BMW promotes its efforts to use technology to conserve fuel and I believe the original adverts. pointed out that by have a direct feeback of nearly instantaneous MPG; drivers could learn what behaviours burnt lots of gas and what behaviours convserved gas.

Kinda obvious I know. But I do admit that on long freeway runs with nothing better to do; I do play around with very gentle throttle pedal movements and watch that little needle bounce around the 20 mark gently !!

Correct!
So do I...

and I am a gauge-a-holic so BMW can add them to their heart's content.

Curious Joel · #8 08-26-2005, 12:16 AM

I like it. I think it's nice to see how your driving affects your MPG. It can be depressing (because it's often resting on 8 (in the X5) or 12 in the 330xi).. But I like to see how different things affect my mileage on the highway.. I try to see how often I can get 30 or above.

kirkX5m · #9 08-26-2005, 12:50 AM

i wish i had it in my car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scotty · #10 08-25-2005, 09:37 PM

P.S. I like the little MPG needle. Its a distinctly BMW touch !