Pretty good.

I have broken 30 mpg US, 37 mpg Imperial, with the 535i. That is with steady highway cruising in the mountains, two people plus luggage, 92 pump octane, and not taking any particular advantage of the 300+ hp. I think both figures are good for reasonably sized, performance-oriented vehicles (but I get to shift a real transmission, lol)

And people think they need diesels. Bring on twin turbos, direct injection, and intelligent design, and it matters a whole lot less whether the engine is using the Otto cycle or the compression-ignition cycle.

edit: fixed typo

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue

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Haha, I should have put in "and that is WITHOUT a manual"

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Just think, you probably would have got 33-35+ with a manual. Today's cars are definitely getting more fuel efficient, and not by cutting power. Just more precise engine software and calibration.

__________________
"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" (Bender, futurama)

You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot

You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur.

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.

Examine what is said, not who speaks.

X5 pics

RIP 4.6is.....

2003 4.6is

Well designed cylinder heads fo da win!

I think the 29 miles to the gallon is normal? I remember when we test drove an '04 AT, the EPA sticker said 20/29 US mpg.

For the Bimmer comparisons, I'd expect that from a I4 making under 150hp, not a 3.5 V6 making over 250hp


Haha, I wish:

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An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Only 325's were referenced. I6 w/mods. Mine has dinan chip, full exhaust w/long tube headers, etc. and should be about 230ish at the crank. And I drive it with my foot pretty far down its throat. When I drive really conservatively on the highway, I get 33 - 34 mpg easy at abou 70 -75mph.

But how does that CVT transmission feel, I haven't had a chance to drive a car with it yet... just a couple 4-wheelers that have it. And I really like it on the quads.

__________________
"When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all" (Bender, futurama)

You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot

You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur.

Never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.

Examine what is said, not who speaks.

X5 pics

RIP 4.6is.....

2003 4.6is

Oh sorry, read that wrong...189hp I6 as opposed to 255hp V6. That mileage is pretty good considering factory specs were around 19/28 city/highway.

Since manual isn't an option, I like it as opposed to a standard automatic or even a "sports shift" automatic. The trans always stays in the power band, with no searching around for the right RPM.

__________________

An unwavering defender of those I see worth protecting.

"promote the general welfare, not provide the general welfare"

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.