Okay, I know that by driving conservatively I can increase my fuel economy, but I've only had it for three weeks, so cut me some slack O.K.?

My new-to-me 03 MCS has 68000 miles on it, and I've been getting about 24.2 MPG according to OBC. I use 93 octane gas, and drive about 40 miles per day, about 60/40 city/hwy. (Edit) Oh yeah, 6-speed manual transmission

I just had the oil changed, and the air filter looks clean. Anyone have any suggestions on how I could improve my MPG (besides "drive like your mother does")?

I appreciate your help. These NAM forums are a goldmine for a Mini newb.

 

Well, ~24 MPG isn't absurdly low, especially with a driver that's still in the first month of "MINI-love".

Also, the OBC isn't always accurate, so I'd use a calculator for a few fill-ups to see what kind of numbers you're really getting.

With 68,000 miles put on the car by someone else, I'd probably run a fuel system cleaner for a few tanks just on general principle and see if that improves things any.

If the oil's fresh and the air filter looks good, I'd suggest pulling the spark plugs and see how they look. The overall colour should be whitish-tan, with no obvious burning or oil deposits on the center insulator.

With the mix of driving that you're doing, I usually get about 26-27 MPG on my 2006 'S'. Is your an automatic or a stickshift?

 

Thanks for your reply - I'll do both. I'm not too unhappy with the MPG (my previous truck was getting 14!), but I've seen many posts indicating much higher. Perhaps, after a while, I'll bet bored and drive like my mom. NOT!

 

Set your OBC display to instantaneous mileage readout and also average readout to get a feel for which driving styles do what to your mileage. Don't punch it when you are in traffic and really no place to go. City driving will kill your mileage.

See what the instantaneous mileages is according to the OBC when you are driving as steady as you can on level ground at about 70.

YD

 

When you're looking at other posts, keep in mind that the new R56 models *do* get significantly better mileage than the prior models. I think the window sticker on my 2006 claimed 25 city, 32 highway, and I've found that to be in the ballpark (although my highway economy drops off drastically above 70 MPH).

 

the OBC sucks. There is variance all over the place. The older OBC doesn't do instantaneous, don't know when the switch was (I have an 02). Get new plugs, and do a search on Sea-Foam. From what I've learned, while the plugs CAN last a real long time, the gaps change (errode) a bit and whenever I put new ones in (every 10k-20k miles) I get a bit snappier throttle response and better gas mileage by 1-2 MPG. Also, if you want to go the extra mile, take out the injectors for ultrasonic cleaning at a place like Witchhunter (http://www.witchhunter.com/). I'm sure there are places near you that can do the same thing, but this will improve flow, atomozation, and more importantly, equalize flow a bit. This all will help out.

But then you'll find that your car is even more fun than it was before to drive hard, and you'll just give up your benefits and more.... So don't do anything, and drive like your mother!

Matt

 

I've noticed a big difference w/ my MPG when I short shift during regular commuting (i.e. shift before 3k). I get about 31 mpg with this method.

 

Also depending on what mods have been done, or in the case havent been done. If your still running the S-Lights with Runflats. Switching to a set of Lightwieght wheels and tires with improve the Gas milage as well as the performance.

 

I've noticed that too. taken the lead out of one's foot helps...

 

I have found that the OBC is rather optimistic when it comes to measuring fuel economy, usually by several MPG. When my mileage computer says 28, I am often getting more like 25 when I actually fill up and use my calculator. As another poster mentioned, driving like a little old lady is the best way to get better mileage.

 

You didn't mention any mods. A fairly popular mod that may have been done to your MINI is the 15% S/C pulley.

When I had one put into my '05 MCS, I found that I had a lot more pull (which I thoroughly enjoy) but my gas mileage went down by 2 or 3 mpg.

 

03's don't have that option unfortunately. We only have Temp, Avg. Economy, Avg. Speed, and Distance til Empty

 

Which year did MINI start doing this I wonder...

 

and it's a pain to switch the body control module over. Well, not a pain, but not cheap.

Matt

 

I just recently went to the 15% pulley and, with the exception of when I'm actually using the newfound power, I've found my fuel economy actually hasn't changed. I've also added the Scangauge II and find that keeping the TPS as one of the displays (as well as the instant MPG on the OBC) encourages me to have a light throttle foot. I make a game of not going more than 25% or 33% throttle, or keeping it below 20% while cruising.

 

where can i get a 15% pulley

 

i put a K&N filter in mine and stay out of boost for normal driving and shift at like 3500 and i get like 30 city and 39.5 highway and trust me im 18 i dont drive nice

 

40 MPG highway on a first-gen 'S'?? That has to be the highest number I've ever heard.

MINI should hire you to do the EPA economy testing for their cars!

 

lol i just go sixty in 6th gear or i can get 42mpg going 55 in 6th

 

What year is your MINI?

 

I doubt that any mods were done - except for the Falken tires, everything looks stock including the 17" rims.

Anyway, I've already started short shifting in traffic, and coasting when I think it's safe - we'll see what happens. I'll let y'all know in two or three tanks.

 

2002 mini s

 

don't trust the number. Mine was off about 34% from the factory. Use the odometer and math.

And you can get a 15% pulley from pretty much any Mini parts vendor.... (that doesn't do tee-shirts or vinyl...)

Matt

 

wow, my thoughts too. that's pretty impressive mileage.

 

My '05 has the instantaneous consumption.

As far as ideas for improving mileage; new plugs, air filter and oil changes have brought mine up right around 4 mph combined. The plugs were done later and added 1.5-2 by themselves.

I'm getting around 35-36 in my 05 MC 70% highway driving. I also do everything I can to not have to slow down then speed back up again. That includes coasting into lights when they are red and try to have my speed as high as possible for when it turns green again. It's just a matter of timing. As constant of a speed as possible is the idea. I really wish I had a six-speed to keep the RPMs down on the freeway though - that would help a ton.