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Okay, here it goes:

I drive a '93 BMW 325i. It has an I6, 2.5L ICE running on premium, Auto transmition, 205/60 R16 tires at max sidewall. No engine, intake, or exhaust modifications/upgrades. Yet. :cool:

The car's built in OBC will give me a live readout as well as trip average for MPG, and there is a handy needle in the dash that also gives a live, but less accurate, readout.

My daily commute is home to college, and back home again. Thankfully, most of it is on a stretch of the I5 that is semi-truck heaven.

Leaving my house involves a steep (~25-30º) but not particularly long hill, stop sign, and right turn onto a very long, but not quite so steep(~10º), downhill slope. There is one stopsign right in the middle of said hill. It also ends with a stopsign on level ground. The hill's limit is 45MPH. Following the stopsign, I go about two blocks (limit 35) to a bridge that passes over the freeway before letting me on. There is a stop sign just prior to the slope of the bridge. About 1.5mi total.

From there the freeway is relitevely level (only one slope, ~15º for ~800' that levels off about 5 blocks before my exit). the best part here is the abundance of semi trucks to draft. Problem is, I dont know how in an Auto ICE. Total freeway distance: 6.2mi.

The exit goes uphill, so I usually use the slope to bleed off speed where, by the time I use my brakes, I am only going approximatly 25MPH. Left turn arrow at the top (I never manage to make it... :o ) and its over the freeway in a verrrry slight downhill slope to a light at the other end of the freeway bridge. From there its a slight uphill@ 50MPH, I usually go 40 because the parking lot comes up quick after the light and I'd rather bleed off speed and not use my brakes as I turn into it. About a mile.

Home is the same in reverse, except I have about two extra blocks (one slight uphill and the other slight downhill) since the exit from the parking lot is situated on the other side of campus. The main hill to my house is the worst... I feel like I can literally hear the car drinking fuel... :(

I always use CC on the freeway, giving me about 33-35 (sometimes as good as 43!) MPG. Driving on the street is the worst part. My first tank upon getting the car I averaged 21MPG for the tank. After reading the article about Wayne and paying attention to my driving habits baside on my sorta-decent knowledge of physics and ICE engines, my second tank was 25MPG. Since then I have filled my tires to max sidewall (those previous readings were at factory recommended 25PSI) and, hopefully, will find a ton of tricks to use here in CleanMPG.com.

Thanks!

(Hey, it said post details, so I did! :cool: :D )

If you can, try to drive without the CC and drive with load ( DWL ).

Okay so I shifted into N on the big hill from my house and was amazed be the improvement over simple engine braking... My best guess is that, unlike a manual, the engine is still attached to the spinning turbine of the torque converter, rather than a direct clutch link.

Other than that, I used my momentum very well today and cut the CC just before hitting the hill, perfering to DWL instead.

Results? My a-FCD is telling me that from home to school I averaged 28MPG! EPA for my car is 23. :D

I'm leaving school now... we'll see how things go on the return trip.

Good luck on the trip home! Let us know how you did.

Not quite so well. 24.6MPG, which is good, considering that it is mostly uphill.

I tried to D-FAS a semi, but dont think I am doing it properly. Basically, I ride to within 3 car lagnths of the truck and then shift into N. The car will glide for a bit, but bleeds off speed quicker than I had hoped...

Hi Kingsly:

___D-FAS’ are meant to get you out of the danger zone quickly as you bleed off … Hanging in a Close-in for long is asking for it in a lot of cases. A D-FAS can extend a Glide by some distance but let us back off the D-FAS’ and Close-in discussion until you are truly prepared for what the techniques can and cannot achieve in your particular commute. I would much rather see you run 10 miles of FAS’s out on a deserted country road with some tight turns thrown in for good measure so as to make them completely second nature then to see you running in traffic situations you may not be used to while running the same techniques to the detriment of all … Take small bites and it will come to you. Take large bits and you might choke on it :)

___Just thought I would bring to light a bit of cautious optimism is all. I know you are moving in the right direction but are probably trying a bit to had for the big numbers early on. Don’t worry, they will come but give it a little time as this is a completely different way of driving. Read the articles and the forums posts for a while and we will be there for you 100%. I just don’t want to see you get harmed in the process is all :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Kingsly, I don't think you should be doing D-Fas's yet. Don't try to shortcut the learning process. Get better at the other techniques first. D-Fas and close-in drafts can be dangerous, and might even be illegal in your area. How are you comming allong with DWL ?

Have you read the Hows and Whys to hypermile article? Get the basics down. Sure, you will only be improving a few MPG at a time, but it all adds up and when you get all you can out of the basics then you should consider the more advanced techniques.

You are looking like you have the will to do better and I'm very proud of what you have posted so far, but we want you to be safe and get the most out of your car. Ignoring the basics and going to the advanced leaves a whole lot of untapped mileage that is much safer.

I know the D-Fas is a bit too much for me now... and I only tried it because the opprotunity presented itself with a perfect target and long, level, and traffic free stretch of road.

DWL, on the other hand, is going very well.

It's not particularly easy to hypermile in LA county, as the majority of the driving population seem to be in an extreme hurry, have little to no care for the other drivers's safety, and attempt to multitask in more ways than one. (I have literally seen people talking on the phone, eating, and doing makeup at the same time, while exceeding the speed limit in moderate traffic!)
I know as my skills improve it will become easier...

Wayne, could you explain the regimen for me to follow when FAS-ing? Also, what do you mean about the tight turns?

I have a theory: in my OP I mentioned upgrades and modifications. Since many of the upgrades available for my bimmer seem increase efficiency by pulling more HP and torque out of the same engine, such as a preformance chip, freed up exhaust, and aftermarket intake, would'nt that be benificial to a hypermiller? Tipically, people report slightly worse MPG with said upgrades, but are admittedly more lead-footed, since the car is sportier. If I keep my hypermilling habits, but increase HP and torque coming from the same displacement engine, that, to me, means I can use less gas to accelerate to the same speeds, etc, since it takes less throttle to do the same thing.

Does that make sense?

Try what you are comfortable with...some of these things SHOULD NOT be tried first in traffic.

I have heard freed up exhaust does help. But remember, another point of this site is to reduce emissions. Some the mods tend to remove or replace some of the emissions controls.

I'm not sure about the chips and other stuff. It could be the chip runs you richer which would probably hurt your FE.

I'm not sure about the intake or that kind of thing. Maybe one of the mechanics that hang out here can help answer those questions.

Hi Kinglsly:

___Possibly but in most cases, higher performance via HP additions leads to lower FE. I know chipped F250 and 350’s using the PowerStroke 6.0 and 7.4L diesels have an increase in FE but their emissions are out the window. Along the lines of a CAI or freer breathing exhaust, again, in most cases, the performance numbers are there but the FE increases do not stand up to scrutiny by any stretch.

___I see your 93 325i peaking somewhere in the low 50 mpg range when pushed on the right type of roads with the right driver in the right conditions given its EPA of 20/28. Even so, there are practical limits as I believe you have already discussed with your LA traffic holding you back to a large degree. I am hopeful you will see a 40 + mpg segment from her in the not to distant future but sometimes, one’s location, particular vehicle, traffic, temperature, road conditions, terrain or traffic just don’t allow it is all … See Tarabell’s write-up entitled External Factors Affecting Mileage, or why “YMMV”. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3168)

___Seeing the improvements you have obtained so far are encouraging and I hope to see you continue on your present path without many issues getting in the way. I like to point out to others that the snake-oil and performance additions are 99% of the time bunk but to prove it to yourself, peak first and then apply whatever HW or fuel additive you want. Only then will you prove to yourself if it was worth it or not. As a placebo effect, if it increases your capabilities, I am all for it! To post the same for others consumption, that causes me more then a few issues ... Bring your 325i up to a point where you have peaked over 5 or 6 tanks and then see what the changes allow afterwards. I am sure you will find like most past hypermilers that the additives, concoctions, and HW add-ons turned out to be good to pad someone else’s pocket rather then improve upon your own FE :(

___Let us help you get your numbers up first and then you can start the real world comparison with a lot of knowledge behind you so as to back up or crush others claims.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

50MPG?! I would be in paradise if I got 35! :D

Not to worry about additives, I have always thought they were pointless... plus I am wary of introducing unknown chemicals to my precious engine!

I am ready and willing to learn from you guys. Thanks for making CleanMPG such a friendly, helpful place to be! :)

Update:

I just made the trip from Santa Clarita to Fillmore and back, about 22 miles one way, on highway 126, a mostly flat, but chock full of small, rolling hills, four lane highway.

I used CC on the straightaways, going a steady 55 in the slow lane. Just before hills I would disable the CC and DWL over the hill and coast down the other side in N. There were a few times where I had to let BMW's M50TU engine out of it's cage... most notably when a tour bus changed lanes into me.

Result? 36.2 MPG. :D

There were plenty of times during the trip that the i-FCD read over 45MPG, but, as I said before, city driving does a fantastic job of negating those numbers... :(

Hi Kingsly:

___1 day of Hypermiling 101 and you are already up 10 - 15%. I would say you have a great start and your first 35 mpg tank is very close with your first 40 mpg tank maybe 2 months away ;) Keep up the intensity and we will be right there cheering you on! Congrats on your first decent segment with many yet to come.

___About the city … With an Auto or stick, you have to get really aggressive to make anything come of it. I don’t want you to go all out just yet although I know you really want too :D Learn your freeway techniques until you have them and their nuances down pat. Afterwards, you can work on the really aggressive stuff into and out of the city portions of your daily grind.

___The real fun has just begun :)

___Good Luck

___Wayne

50MPG?! I would be in paradise if I got 35! :D

Not to worry about additives, I have always thought they were pointless... plus I am wary of introducing unknown chemicals to my precious engine!

I am ready and willing to learn from you guys. Thanks for making CleanMPG such a friendly, helpful place to be! :)

Welcome to CleanMPG! Wayne used to tell me that 70+ segments were possible in my Saturn and I thought he was nuts! ;) Since then, with a bit of instruction, I've hit 70+ several times with one or two 80+ segments.:)

Guess I kinda stuck my foot in my mouth with the 35MPG comment... :o ;)

Anyway, I am more than thrilled with this most recent number, and look forward to honing my freeway skills.

I am slightly worried, however, about harming my transmission with all this constant shifting from D to N and back to D again while in motion. I guess it's fine, but could someone please confirm?

Hi Kingsly:

___That one can be tough as I am not sure how a Beemer auto was designed. FAS’ing to a stop is one thing, re-engaging at speed is another? GM and Honda Auto tranny’s are decent enough but Ford Auto’s are out to lunch. In any case, I always rev match vs. letting her adjust at any speed and any RPM.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

From what I understand, the 325 uses a GM transmission (this was told to me by a crotchety old bimmer mechanic with a thick German accent, so it is likely that I misunderstood him!)

Either way, I am also doing my best to rev match as I shift back into D.

Sorry to bump this thread, but I am nearing the end of my tank, and want this next one to be good!

Things seem to be going well. My OBC is averaging 28-30MPG each trip that I take (I reset it before leaving my parking spot and check it just before shutting the engine down).

I am doing my best to accelerate gently, and usually go at least 5 MPH under the speed limit (closer to 10 under on the highway). As I said before, traffic here is very unforgiving and people manage to get really angry and frustrated if I am not going at LEAST 15MPH over the limit. :mad:

Fearing for my life, I try to conform to traffic.... just a little slower than everyone else. :o

I am wondering if there are any last minute tips before beginning a new tank. Particularly with accelerating from all these stop signs and up hills from a stop. Also, in the freeway with light inclines (I can only tell they're there because my mpg-o-meter in the dash drops when running the CC) is it better to let the CC go or DWL?

Thanks all. Looking forward to this next tank!

It is always better to drive with load.

As far as other people on the road go, be as courteous as you can, but remember, they don't always act in the best interest of themselves or others so sometimes they are going to get made.

I had one guy in a mustang that insisted everyone knew he had an 8 cylinder, so he would punch the gas every time he accelerated. AND WE WERE IN CITY TRAFFIC. One time he was a few cars ahead of me and I saw him showing off and changing lanes and his rear wheels let loose. The interesting part was he had to stop 50 feet after for traffic that was stopped. I don't know why he feels his car is so great to have an 8 cylinder when he basically is just wasting his beer money on it. These people are going to be on the road. Try to be kind to them and let them get around you and drive safe stay calm, and get the best mileage you can while trying to make the roads better for everyone.

Good luck on the next tank. I'll be starting a new tank in the next few days as well.

Thanks. If it occurred to people that there is another lane for passing me, that would be one thing. Unfortunately, every day that I drive I manage to get ahead of someone who refuses to change lanes and pass me, preferring to tailgate and honk or flash lights. The thing is, I am going a reasonable speed! 5MPH under the limit is perfectly fine, in the DMV's eyes. They also all vie for the intersection crossing world speed record, making a slow acceleration from stop quite interesting!

Anyway, I'm ranting now. New rule for self: As long as I'm being safe and following the rules of the road, the other guy can yell all he wants. ;)

Quick update: So, I'm halfway into my first tank as a hypermiler and am so far quite pleased with the results. I just reached the 1/2 mark, with ~230mi on the odometer. My first tank in the car I think I got 300 for the whole tank! If I continue at this pace I think I can look forward to being over 460 by the time I fill up. Also, since I don't wait to fill up when I am completely empty, I am going to hazard that there is still a good ~1.5 gal reserve in the tank after I hit E. That calculates pretty darned close to 30MPG, depending on how much reserve is left (I'll know when I see how much gas my car takes to fill up!)

Thanks all for the help. After this tank I am looking forward to learning some advanced techniques! :D

Great job, Kingsly!

The guys (and gals!!) here have great advice and it really does make a big difference. My mileage numbers are well on their way toward +10 over what I was getting before I asked for more advice and tried some new techniques -- and that was just last week!

It feels like a lot to handle all at once (:Banane27:) but after a bit it is no worse than learning to drive a car for the first time.

Keep us updated!

Good going!
I'm sure your consistent efforts are already paying off.

Arrh. So I filled up today. The numbers aren't exactly what I had hoped for. I, for one, am never picking my sister up from school again. :rolleyes: :mad:

My in-the-bag 30MPG tank became a just-okay 26.7 MPG (http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG(US)&viewcar=367) tank with just a few hill climbs... :(

Oh well. :o

Hi Kingsly:

___Don’t let this tank or the initial numbers discourage you. Consider us your therapy for the bad days with much better days yet to come :)

___Good Luck and don’t ever give up. It is just to important …

___Wayne

The first tank with the hypermiling techniques is rarely a stellar one. It takes time for a driver to play with them and figure out where each tool fits into the commute. As you practice and your method becomes more fluid the numbers will go up.

Have a look at the gaslog for my Accord:
http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG(US)&viewcar=56

Notice that I started hypermiling on the 3/16/06 tank but the results, though "OK", were still below EPA highway (32mpg).

Dont get me wrong, I am thrilled that I beat EPA at all! I'm just disappointed that my math didn't work out the way I had hoped (I should've know that my math would'nt have worked out... It never does. :o :rolleyes: :D )

The hardest part to get REALLY good mileage is to be persistant. One bad trip can ruin a tank (You might have noticed ;) ) Every trip out is a challenge. Keep up the fight. Now that you have that tank as a reference you can work to beat it on the next one.

I've been contemplating filling up once I reach 1/2 a tank. It's less depressing that way (spending $25 instead of $50)...

Is it alright to do that or will it throw off my readings? :confused:

You can do that. It will throw of your imediate readings, but over time it isn't going matter. Ultimately it is going to be how many miles did you drive and how much fuel did you put in. At worst the margin of error will be the amount of fuel your tank can hold vs how much fuel total you have used.