Gas and Mileage Question?
 

I know the MPG on an X5 4.8 isn't great to begin with, but I'm NOT driving hard (in the break-in period), in fact, I'm purposely driving easy and I'm averaging 13.1 MPG ... is that what others are getting? Seems very low for the way I'm driving. Granted, it's mostly around town, but still. Seems at the worst, I should be around 15+. My Range Rover averages higher than this!

Also, I've always used premium, but do you really need to? I have a loaded 4.8 (not sure if the sport package changes anything in the engine that may alter the need for premium gas).

Thanks -

I get 13-14mpg average, however, i pretty much drive in the city. on the highway, it is a different story--- it gets up 18-19!

That kind of fuel consumption is the reality of buying a 2,5+ ton SUV with a 4,8 litre V8. My friend with the same vehicle says they get about 12 miles to the gallon in the city. Which is why his parents stopped taking it to work.

Getting 15mpg city in the 4.8i is a pipe dream when that's what I'm getting (barely) in a 3.0si. Well, maybe after a very long break-in as I heard that helps in the fuel consumption department. I'm holding out hope that 15mpg goes up to 18mpg. Maybe with time and mileage you'll get to 15mpg.

Agree with others on the expected mileage, that is why SUV prices have dropped so quickly.

As to premium fuel, you can try to save money but you may in fact not do so. You don't actually need 91 AKI, you need fuel that doesn't pre-ignite in your driving conditions. If the octane is too low, the engine will retard the timing. You will not harm the engine. If the timing is retarded due to pre-ignition, you will likely get reduced mileage, negating any advantage to not buying premium.

Now, the trick is figuring out what your fuel is actually like locally. Fuel varies widely in quality and octane rating (AKI) across the US. Premium is spec'd because it covers all the bases for BMW. If you like, try a tank or three of lower octane fuel. Measure the mileage. If it drops, then that is a good sign that you need the premium that your local station is selling. If it doesn't drop, that is a good indication that you can keep on using it. I would go to 89, not 87. If all this is too much trouble, just use 91.

I've average 17.4 (08 4.8i) over the last 4K miles. Mileage improved after about 8 or 9K miles. About 2/3 of my driving is highway but I do drive it fairly hard quite a bit of the time.

I have 12k miles on my 4.8i.

Averaging 16.1, 12 to 14 in town 18+ (if you keep it below 70) on the highway.

Heavy vehicle, big engine, not much hope for great mileage.

Lots of pick-up though & fun to drive.....that's why we all love BMW!:thumbup:

Not to sound like an ass, but if gas mileage was/is a concern for you, maybe the 4.8 was not the wisest choice? :dunno:

I drive very hard, mostly around the city, and always in Sports mode. It's probably still too early for me to know for sure, but in the two weeks I've had my 4.8, I'm getting 12.5 mpg. I suspect that number will rise to 15 once I get some highway miles in... but I do not expect to get anything higher than that.

About 10mpg for me, and I am not heavy footed. On the highway, I get about 16/17 mpg (if speeds stay under 70 MPH). It is a what, 6000lb SUV? In general BMWs seem pretty thirsty. Our 2007 750Li gets a solid 12/13 mpg in the city, and when I had a 2006 330i, it was never over 15mpg in the city!

i get about 21L/100 km

however, that was with AC and heated seats and winter tires and winter gas.