R55 Fuel Economy Mods
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Maine
If you can some how figure out how to drive in a vacuum, then you can really increase your mileage. Also, for $40,000, there's a company in South Carolina that will put an electric motor in your car. I've got some other ideas that involve tying ropes to objects in outer space, but I won't discuss it because I wouldn't want you all to think I'm crazy.
I agree - but does anyone still downshift through the gears to stop? I generally predict momentum to the upcoming stop, make sure I have enough speed to arrive at a normal pace, push the clutch in once and coast my way there barely needing to brake at the end. Brake pads are cheap and I can't remember not getting at least 70k out of pads on manual cars. Huge fuel saver too. Of course this doesn't include a fun drive through a twisty canyon.
Plus coasting in neutral is very dangerous...just imagine if someone was flying behind you not even thinking about using their brakes....much easier to get back on the gas than gaving to select a gear and get on the gas
What I do is usually just downshift when gear and ride it out to a little over 1000 rpm (which is close to 10-15mph in most gears), then clutch in and put into neutral
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
One quick addition about the Cooper vs. S models. The Cooper Clubman has taller gearing, meaning it will rev lower in all gears at the same speed than the Clubman S.
Last edited by stevecaz; May 20, 2008 at 06:59 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Grand Junction, Colorado
My MA told me that regular gas (87 octane) for a non-S is fine. I didn't think that it would be based on the owners manual but she said that is what her customers use......either 87 or 89. I was surprised.
Any feedback regarding fuel for a non-S? I don't want to mess up my engine. I'm filling it up in the morning for a road trip.
Any feedback regarding fuel for a non-S? I don't want to mess up my engine. I'm filling it up in the morning for a road trip.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Sailorboy, I believe you meant mpg increased. Nonetheless, if you are wishing to increase your gas mileage, I suggest two things.
First, know your gas mileage with your current driving style. I recommend a ScanGaugeII. Although $170 is a lot to tell you something you can easily compute on average, it tells you instantaneous mpg as well as every other statistic available through an OBDII port.
Second, while hypermiling is somewhat extreme, watch this video and take away a few things.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...NZzA4ALN662SDA
First, know your gas mileage with your current driving style. I recommend a ScanGaugeII. Although $170 is a lot to tell you something you can easily compute on average, it tells you instantaneous mpg as well as every other statistic available through an OBDII port.
Second, while hypermiling is somewhat extreme, watch this video and take away a few things.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...NZzA4ALN662SDA
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,589
Likes: 2
From: Oregon, USA
Woah, wait a minute. I take issue with this statement. There is no difference in detergent levels between 87 and 93 octane, if purchased from the same brand. Mobil 87 (for example) is not "dirtier" than Mobil 93. The only difference is octane. Minis control detonation by retarding timing (and reducing boost on turbos) so lower octane fuel will force the engine to limit itself to avoid detonation. But that is not going to increase the amount of deposits inside the engine. Running generic gas like something from Costco or Racetrack might allow the engine to build up carbon since there are no additives.
It is the additives, not the octane rating, that keeps engines clean.
Regards,
Terry
It is the additives, not the octane rating, that keeps engines clean.
Regards,
Terry
This is not entirely true.....Chevron does have specific additive packages for the different octanes. I don't know about the other brands tho.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 0
From: Maine
That's what I do! My Clubman sits in my garage while I commute 15 miles each way to work. A tank of gas lasts me many weeks. It's been one month since I filled up my Clubman and over four months since I've filled my truck (which still has a 1/2 tank).
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