Do most people reset the OBC for fuel consumption/mpg. each time they get gas (giving you a "per tank" calculation), or do you just leave it alone giving you a running calculation of "average mpg. since last reset"? If resetting each fill-up, should anything else be reset at the same time for accuracy?

FWIW, since the OBC seems to be consistently optimistic by approx. 1-2 mpg., I've left mine alone since delivery (showing the average for the total miles driven) and have been hand calculating my mpg. each tank. Wondering if there's a better/more useful way. Look forward to hearing your opinions.

 

I reset it with every fill as I'm interested in seeing any pronounced differences from week to week. I write down all my fill information and every so often take the time to do the math to compare against the OBC readings (typically it's 1.5 mpg optimistic).

 

I reset mine every tank and it is optimistic by about 3-4 mpg, but to be fair I really top off my tank. I wish I was getting what that trip computer calculated.

 

I went crazy with the OBC mileage calc on the first tank.
On tank number two, I'm not messing with the OBC and will see if it's calculated mpg is close the miles/gals reality.

I'm tired of crying when I see the mpg drop on the screen!

 

Yes, I think I'll start doing the same. The cumulative average, while interesting, doesn't seem as useful as the "per tank" info. I wish MINI provided a way to capture both on the OBC.

Anybody else?

 

I reset mine each time (well the one time I filled it up so far ). My previous car had a trip A and trip B feature that allowed you to track fuel consumption on a cumulative and per tank basis. I found it interesting and always on the optmistic side.

By resetting each time I can adjust driving habits, compair the gasoline brand, and help identify any "issues" the car may be having. (A calulator works too).

Be sure to fill up each time at approximately the same level of emptiness, with the fuel hose placed consistently, and try not top off.

Here is something to consider -
Since fuel weighs approximately 6lbs a gallon will the first 1/2 tank give you worse mileage than the second 1/2 tank? You would be carrying around extra fuel weight which will, in turn, require the engine to use more energy to pull the extra weight. (In the MINI it probably does not matter too much at all).

 

I reset the OBC at each fill-up. If you go for a long time without resetting it, you'll find that even drastic differences in a single tank's fuel economy won't change the "running average" enough to get your attention. (sort of like trying to significantly raise your G.P.A during the final semester of college - you just can't do it).

 

my question would be, does the OBC only calculate "back" so many miles, then starts dropping the older milage off?

lets say it only calculates or averages 500 miles, so does it drop off what you did 501+ miles. If so, it doesnt really keep a true running tally of what you do over the range of 10,000 miles..?

 

Yeah, all my previous cars have have had at least 2 trip odometers, and I thought I remembered my previous 3 Series calculating both average and per tank mpg. Guess I just miss that feature. Like you, I enjoy comparing gasoline brands/driving conditions (especially these days ) trying to get the best bang for my buck.

In answer to your query, I'd bet you get slightly worse mileage for the first half tank due to the extra weight, but it would be negligible.

 

I think this is the explanation I've been needing to hear (which actually confirms my own thoughts). When we first took delivery a couple months ago, I noticed the fuel consumption changing quickly and quite often, whereas now (roughly 1600 mi. later) it seems much slower to change, regardless of my driving. I think I'd rather watch the OBC info. on a "per tank" basis. Thanks for making that clearer.

 

FYI - I started a fuel consumption thread here if you are interested in comparing your results.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=144463

 

I reset both the mpg and average speed at every fillup. The OBC has been within 1 mpg of my manual calculations as well.

 

I've chosen your method Minidrivr. As of now, I have yet to do the manual calculations.

 

I like to reset both so if I suddenly see a change in MPG, I can reference the average speed to see if it was really different from what it normally is.

I also have a Scangauge II which always gives you a "today" reading on mpg and averages.

 

Thanks, I'll be watching it and will post my findings as I get some concrete data to share. (I appreciate all the details you've provided, as there are so many variables that can affect the bottom line.)

I will start doing so beginning with my next fill-up. I never knew whether or not to reset any of the other parameters along with the avg. fuel consump. and no one really mentioned it, specifically. Seems it might have a bearing on the results.

Makes sense. The data is not really conclusive unless we're all doing the same things, or at least reporting exactly what we've done.

 

I've just been resetting the mpg...guess I should probably be resetting the average speed, too. Hadn't even thought about it, actually! I still have a lot to learn about Galileo .

 

I reset OBC at oil changes (every 5k miles).
Then I check the reading at each fuel fillup (since I usually keep it on instant Econ while driving). My 2004 now has 74k miles and I changed the oil (Mobile1 5W-30) two tanks ago. So far I'm averaging 34-36 MPG (which is marvelous!!) In fact on this current tank I've driven 250 miles before reaching 1/2 tank!!!!

I LOVE MY MINI!! Age doesn't give up anything, its actually improving itself !!!!

 

What do you mean my GPA went up .05 after my last semester of Grad School to get me to 3.9. I was really excited until I found out there are no honors in Grad School, I busted my hump for Summa *** Laude. I guess I should have done a better job of reading the Grad School handbook.

On to the OBC my guess is we will ignore it after a couple of tanks, we will not do manual calculations either. I will not lose sleep over small declines in MPG. We bought the car for fun, it will still get a lot better gas mileage than our Honda Pilot.

 

What do you mean by "really top off" the tank? Isn't that illegal in some states? I hang up the nozzle after it shuts off. A long time ago, I once topped off my Jeep and spilled gasoline everywhere. Never again!

 

As soon as my MINI arrives at the dealer, I'm going to register it on Fuelly and track mileage there over the long haul. I used a google docs spreadsheet for my Mazda3 and only learned about Fuelly after I sold it. It's tracking a number of MINIs but only one clubman so far. http://www.fuelly.com/car/

 

Topping off is illegal here. I have to do it with my Nissan or it doesn't fill the tank (stops with gauge halfway between 3/4 and full). I don't top off the Mini though.

 

I use the trip odometer on my "not a Clubman" and enter all of the info info into MPG on my iPod Touch. Keeps the record for me. I've been averaging 30 mpg over the past few months. I got 34 to the dealer for my test drive. I think that my "not a Clubman" was trying to tell me something!

 

There are 2 Clubman S there now - I just joined. Thanks for the link!

 

My car has two more weeks at sea. I added the RV in the meantime. That ought to bring the site average down!