This is similar to many existing threads about optimizing one's mileage because of high gas prices, etc... but I never tried this until today when I saw a report on the news on the weekend about hypermiling.

Basically when you're hypermiling you're trying to squeeze every last but of efficient mileage out of your car by fighting every impulse you have to drive fast. With an R56 S, manual transmission, this is pretty hard do to because it just loves being driven HARD.

More about hypermiling and techniques, here: www.hypermiling.com

So here are the details of my results. My normal morning commute to work is about 39 kms, one way. Prior to hypermiling I was getting about 31mpg according to the OBC. Today I got 41mpg, with the air conditioner on, too.

 

How a mini likes to be driven Vs. Hypermiling:



This is an old clip, but still funny.... I'm all for conserving.... when I'm not in my mini that is

 

I tried hypermiling on a bicycle once. Got the same mileage both ways. Never tried it again.

 

Y'know, you always read about the decals on your mods being good for so many HP... I wonder if the manufacturers can tweak the decals to provide more MPG...

 

TWON:

Yup, pretty much that's what it felt like for me.

 

Twon,
That could'nt have been said any better.
-hilarious visual aid.I was gonna say something angry about hypermiling my mini,but that video zapped my energy....like the polar bear.-insert sleeping smileyface.

 

It DOES work, but it drives me nuts to slug along behind an SUV.
However, now that we're so close to $5.00/gallon, I may just have to take a few deep breaths and slow down.

 

I've been trying hard to squeeze a few more feet from each gallon ($4.779 at Costco this weekend) from my little car, but it goes against every fiber of my being. I like to hear the supercharger whine too much. Love the video....

 

Start eating only instant noodle bowls and drink only tap water. You'll have enough money for gas.

 

I like the idea, so I tried it this morning. You wouldn't believe how many fools are out there rushing to red lights, then braking hard. Luckily during the middle of the trip I found myself between a couple of hypermilers, going at a nice steady pace, timing the red lights, and not tailgating.

The OBC active MPG indicator is a great tool for this, btw, I love it when you lift off the gas and see the OBC read 99.9 mpg :D

 

a good way to lose weight toooo

 

Also a good way to have high cholesterol and high blood pressure. CRAZY amount of salt in there.

You can eat on the cheap without Ramen noodles... just need to stay away from prepackaged stuff and actually cook. LOL.

 

For me the "to" trip is always slower than the "from" trip. But I admit I occasionally get a kick out of driving the speed limit, getting 54mpg on level highway on cruise control, while some guy driving alone in an empty heavy duty pickup, blasts past. After all, better fuel mileage was ONE of the reasons I chose the MINI.

Interesting topic. The various articles published now about how to save gas always include such things as "remove the snow shovel and other non-essentials from your car." Slowing down is always thrown in the list somewhere but never seems to be emphasized, yet without a doubt driving 60 instead of 70 (just an example) gives a SIGNIFICANT increase in mileage and is the single most important thing you can do (at least without some of the crazy things like drafting behind a semi.) It may not be fun, but if your primary objective is increasing your MPG, just slow down and drive smoothly!!

 

Tailgating a semi will yield in 42% better fuel economy as proven by MythBusters. That's what I do

 

How about tailgating an SUV? Or would that just be adding insult to injury?

 

It will also result in a 42% shorter MINI if you're not paying attention when he hit's the brakes!

I've noticed a lot more people driving 55 or 60 these days, as long as they stay in the right lane, I say more power to them, but I'm gonna drive like I enjoy, at least till I can't afford it anymore - by then I'll be walking..........

 

Tailing a semi can also yield in 42% more tickets and/or 42% more injured MINIs. I'll follow a semi but not nearly as close as the Mythbusters did for their 42% gain.

I particularly enjoy driving between two semis as they travel down the road. Always wonder what they're saying about me....

 

If you like to monitor your mpg progress and read live data then

try a Scan Gauge II, it connects to the OBDII port and costs about $160.

Works in any car.

You can see how you do with fast driving vs coasting and being easy on the throttle.

Makes a big difference.

So far my best mpg is about 29 in my MCS with stock 15" wheels.

 

/\/\ and how is this different than "instant MPG" that the OBC is providing

 

yeah, I LOLed at the Mythbusters hyping how really dangerous it was to conduct this test They had a semi that was going dead 55mph no matter what and yet they still thought it was dangerous, even at 100feet
Plus even if the truck slowd down it's not like he's going to stop on the dime and you'll hit it with 55mph velocity. Worst case scenario there will be about 20mph impact speed. Take to consideration that it takes truck a waaaay more distance to stop than it takes a regular passenger car.
I don't think anyone is keeping 100feet or more during our daily drives.

 

I have no trip computer in my MCS. No cruise control either.

Scan Gauge II reads many things (both instant and for the trip)
mpg
rpm
mph
Throttle position
Load on engine
temp of water
Voltmeter
Temp of air intake
Manifold air pressure
ignition timing
gallons per hour
Cost per trip based on setting cost of fuel per gallon
Etc.

You can calibrate for speed variance
set gas tank volume
cost per gallon of fuel
type of fuel (gas vs diesel)
size of engine in liters
Set metric vs US measure

I think it helps the most by making you aware of the difference your driving style and behavior can make on fuel efficiency. The exact number it reads is not that important.

As cost increases it's useful to be as efficient as possible.

 

My car will not display current MPG, nor current speed, only averages. It was like this on all the early ones.