If you're in an area where there's a local BMW club chapter, you might see if they offer any kind of "Car Control School." This is NOT track time, but is intended to work on basic skills. The one in Houston has 3 parts--skid pad (soapy water sprayed on by the fire department), emergency lane change (where you see how many pylons you can...not hit), and a slalom similar to an autocross course, but not as tight. You also practice such exercises as emergency braking w/turning at the same time, and stuff like that. Our CCS is held at the Houston Police Academy, which has a great driver training road course. The BMW club also holds autocrosses there on a regular basis.

These can all be humbling experiences, especially to one who is "kinda confused" about pumping gas!

 

Yea, I really want to partake in one of these. If not a BMW sponsored event, at least some type of advanced driver's training in general. Also definitely want to check out an autocross. Seems very cool! If I can find anything this semester I'll be sure to bring her along.

 

.......well, i just finished my third fill-up, mostly short trips this time and regret to inform you all that i'm down to about 29mpg (from 34 the last tankfull).....freaking MBTE

 

Hey--just noticed your sign-off. We have a '64 SC Sunroof Coupe!

(Do you by any chance like cars from the Fatherland?)

 

The defroster uses the a/c that is the reason for mpg.

 

By your theory I should have much BETTER mpg, since we in Texas aren't using the a/c, and have no need for the defroster, either. And I haven't noticed a change of any sort, up or down.

 

Wasn't there recent research which proved, on modern cars, the AC only decreases fuel economy under like 40 mph and even then it's a very negligible amount? Also if you're not using the AC but instead opening the windows, you're actually decreasing mpg as a result of drag.

 

I live in Oregon and was getting great gas mileage in the summer, but definitely noticed a drop in mileage with the onset of fall/winter weather.

 

A lot of those states banned MTBE starting 1/7/07 because of the issues with it contaminating ground water.
I know it's 10% EtOH in NJ/NY/CT now.

 

My state banned MTBE in 2003. Rules do vary.