Parked at the car wash yesterday I flipped through my MCSa's manual and fiddled with the computer (standard version) settings--first time I have done so with manual in hand. The display read 18.6 mpg, 13.2 mph average and 286 miles.

I figure the 286 miles might have been recorded since the last time I accidentally bumped the button (perhaps when cleaning the interior). I suspect 13.2 mph is not too far off from my average speed (all urban areas). But 18.6 mpg must be too low because I drive as though I had an egg underfoot and believe I am averaging around 23 mpg (math was my weakest subject aside from chemistry and physics and economics and engineering and law and civics). Or did the displays tell me instantaneous information--such as 18.6 mpg at 13.2 mph--although the car was parked with the engine off at the time.

I know from NAM that the fuel consumption display is usually a bit optimistic but could it be so pessimistic as well? Maybe I pressed the buttons in the wrong way and got the readings for the shuttle van parked next to me.

 

Next time you fill up, just divide the number of miles traveled by the number of gallons used to fill the tank up. That will give you a number to compare to the OBC.

 

Mileage sounds low, but then again at 13mph, you won't be getting great mileage - lots of stop and go, and idling.
I'd reset (go to avg fuel consumption display, then hold down the OBC button) and see how the next tank goes.

 

I bet the only way you are really going to know is write it down for a couple of tanks and compare.

 

With an average speed of 13mph, you must have a lot of idle time - which will easily drag down avg mpg.

Reset the Averages (by holding the button for a few seconds) at each fill-up and you can achieve more accurate reads per tankful. The Range estimate will also be more accurate this way.

...too bad there aren't dual average or dual tripometer settings: one for overall and one for each tank.

 

The Nav OBC does just that (Avg 1, Avg 2.)

 

I do the same as Kapps since I don't have an onboard computer. My wifes Z3 has the onboard computer and her average mph is around 20mph. She drives rather fun like but does sit quite a bit in traffic so that brings down the mph average.

 

....I know. It's one of the features I miss from the factory NAV.

I'm planning on an aftermarket unit for Xmas - but there will be features like this that I still won't have again.

 

Thanks for the responses and recommendations. I realize that with an average speed of 13.2 mph I could really use a bicycle half the time.

Too late, but I wish I had gotten the optional OBC. In my case it was a boo boo to economize when ordering the car because I have been trying to "compensate" since seeing other NAMMINIs. An aftermarket OBC would be complicated and cumbersome.

Today I get to drive my car out of town and I will see by how much I can boost my average speed.

 

I'm about as cheap as they come, but I'm fanatic about my cars, so I always go for the extras. If you drive it every day, and having the OBC/heated seat/MFSW/etc. makes you nod appreciatively just once a week, your ROI is very good.

If it makes you feel better, the OBC doesn't tell you much you don't know already, and is usually optimistic.

Re-reading, looks like you mean the Nav - the MINI Nav is cool.
That said, I use a Garmin 60CS for backpacking and in my other cars, and it works great. Not as nice as having the built in version, but they are getting smaller, cheaper and with great features that the MINI Nav doesn't have (waypoints, autotracking, easier POI access.) The PDA based ones are pretty slick, and a good compromise if you use one.

Enjoy upping that average speed, and use the paddle shifters, for fun if nothing else!

 

Thanks, Eric. It's the Nav option. MINI USA does not explain that it comes with the sleek shark fin antenna. That would have decided it for me. When Google wirelesses(wording?) up the Bay Area (yes!) I will carry a laptop in my car.

Traffic to and from San Mateo was awful today so I was unable to up my average speed by much. And I keep forgetting to use the paddles so their use is being incorporated into my resolutions for 1/1/06.

 

Well, you'll be relieved to know that the '05 didn't have the ultra cool shark fin antenna for the Nav - they redesigned it so they all have the same base and antenna. One of the reasons (along with IB) that I have an '04.
Bummer on the average speed - traffic bites.

 

And a lot of acceleration, which will have an even larger effect, even if it's gentle. Idling barely burns any gas.

 

I always learn from NAM. I thought an idling motor is bad for fuel economy except in a diesel. I believed that one without checking because different groups of mechanics (highway patrol and city buses) told me. They did not explain why though. Not sure if fuel economy is the reason but in my town it is illegal to have the motor idling for more than 30 seconds when parked. I did not check that out either but one of my cop friends told me when I said it bothered me that people leave their motors running when parked.

 

It's funny because when people ask about the car, they almost invariably say something like "well I bet you get good mileage". I find I'm at the pump every 2-4 days with consistant driving, particularly if I'm driving aggressively. Small tank + supercharged high rev engine + high test gas.... I'm making a considerable contribution to crazy oil company profits.