hi all I just picked up a 2005 Mini Coupe to use as a commuter car. I got a 60k model for a great price of 7k.

What I would like to know is if anyone can recommend any changes or modifications to the car that will improve MPG. I drive a lot and anything will help.

I have read that there are ECU programs that will increase both HP and MPG. Has anyone checked there MPG after installing one or is everyone really just interested in the HP?

What "real world" MPG numbers can I expect? I am generally a relaxed driver (course that could come from the fact that I didn't have a choice in my old Diesel Mercedes)

Thanks for the help!

 

good tires properly inflated, and a clean air filter...

stop & go, high twenties

hauling butt, high twenties

being nice, highways and back roads, I see 35+ regularly

my overall average is about 33

cheers,

Charlie

 

I just recently bought an 04 cooper s that had 60k miles. I was getting something around 18-20 mpg doing all city driving. I did some normal maintenance on the car and improved that gas mileage above 25 mpg.

The biggest thing was changing out the spark plugs. 3 of the plugs looked fine, but the first cylinder plug looked terrible. Along with changing the plugs, I changed the wires too.

Then I changed the oil, which is always good to do when you buy a used car.

The final thing which really helped my gas mileage was getting a k&n air filter. Paper filters are fine, but the cloth filters seem to increase the air flow a lot.

Hope that helps.

 

I just ran the Go Kart (hey every car has to have a name right?) just over 170 miles of mixed city and highway (70% highway) and achieved 33.5mpg. I was getting on it more than normal (you have to have some fun in a new ride) and I am impressed. I will be changing the spark plugs, wires and adding a cold air along with thinking about upgrading the ignition system.

I am also going to be tinting the windows. I will post some pictures when I get the time. thanks