For the past several months I have noticed in-town gas mileage around 21mph. This was far lower than advertised on the sticker and elsewhere. My SA said he was getting 26 to 27 in his R60 S model and this was in spite of having a "lead foot".

Additionally, I was having a substantial "turbo lag" during all driving conditions which was a lot more pronounced than I remember when first getting the car.

I dropped it off for its 27000 mile regular service and mentioned these conditions. I got a call back that these problems were the result of the car needing a software update and would be corrected. GOOD NEWS.

I got a 2012 Clubman S loaner and couldn't believe the difference between it and my Countryman in terms of engine performance. The dash readout showed 27.0 mpg combined driving on a 10,000 mile car. On the subject of the Clubman, its rearward visibility sure is hindered by the rear head rests and vertical twin door frame. Don't like it at all.

Looking forward to getting the car back from this service.

 

John, I would be interested to know how this turns out for you. Do you have an CMSA4, or a CMS? I have the CMSA4 and have had it about 3.5 months. Only 1800 or so miles on it, and have been babying it. I am averaging 22.5 per an app on my phone, and see about a 21-22 mpg on the car. On one of the other forums, I read to reset the fuel and average speed at each fill up to more accurately represent the mpg. I don't see any turbo lag, although, this is my first turbo and I am babying it still.

Thanks!
Capt.

 

No reason the SA gave you a glowing report about mileage when he wanted to sell you a car, was there? Anyway, lead foot driving is subjective. I get around 26-28 with mostly freeway mileage but the trips are pretty short - around 10 miles per trip, in my ALL4s. I can get better if I stay at 65 and worse if I run 80. The car is very sensitive to that difference.

OTOH, my wife does the same trips in her 2012 R56 hardtop and she gets 31mpg and her car feels a lot livelier what with so much less weight to drag around.

Maybe the software update might fix your lag and maybe less lag will not have you in the turbo as much. Fingers crossed. After all, there is always a Prius

 

Interesting. I feel the laggy turbo (surprising for a snail that small) and get mediocre gas mileage too. Mine is a 2012 CMSA4 so I wonder if it's already got the update or not and if I just have high expectations.

 

It seems the software up date didn't solve the problem. After calling a factory guy in to consult, they are now saying it is a valve timing and or adjustment issue. Some type of major system that controls the valves is going to replace what is now in the car. Been there for 5 days and counting.

They gave me a Clubman S loaner to use. It's performance is noticeably better than my car with 27+ mpg in town. Don't like the car though. Rear windows don't go down and rear visibility is not near as good. It has the reverse warning system which I like.

Update: The "valvetronic" motor that controls variable valve timing was replaced.