Stock Problems/Issues Discussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

how to get more mpg?

Old May 3, 2011 | 10:24 PM
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how to get more mpg?

hi anybody have good mpg for your R50 non-S, like specs (28-36mpg) or more? because my one only have around 24mpg, so is normal?


thanks

 
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Old May 3, 2011 | 10:33 PM
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I get 26 in city driving with aggressive weekend twisty carving. For better mpg, shift up sooner, keep it at 2200rpm or so. Keep the tires properly inflated. A drop-in panel filter may net you a few extra MPG as well. If you want to go all out, you can change your wheel/tire size to suit what kind of driving you do. Mostly stop/go and city: 15" wheels. Mostly highway cruising, go up to 17". Get low rolling resistance tires. Keep weight in mind for both wheels and tires as well.
 

Last edited by dannyhavok; May 3, 2011 at 11:16 PM.
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Old May 4, 2011 | 05:59 AM
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+1

Also, when were your spark plugs and ignition wires last changed? With spirited driving, my MPG went from Average of 24-25mpg to 28mpg because the old spark plugs were not delivering an efficient spark.


Cruise control as well, 55-60mph is a good range on highways to get good mpg provided the traffic isn't going 70mph. I would rather be steady with the traffic and safer than get an extra 1mpg.
 
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Old May 4, 2011 | 08:48 PM
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thanks for reply

i mostly below 3000rpm and normal drive city + highway with non traffic and off a/c. i didn't know when need to change spark plugs and ignition wires, because my miles still under 10k, so i just want to check if anybody will got over 30mpg or above, and is possible will up to 36mpg?

thanks again
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 04:59 AM
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I was at 82,000 when I changed my spark plugs I am the second owner so the first owner didn't even bother changing them.

But under 10K you wouldn't need to change those items. But 24mpg at that mileage seems low...especially since I have an S and am getting more. I will try to do some more research, I am interested in if anyone else comes up with something.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 05:58 AM
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I used to average about 27 mpg in mixed driving, and now it's about 25-26 mpg as the car has aged (2003 MC R50).
Pure highway trips are in the low 30s. If I never exceeded the speed limit of 55 or 65 mph on such trips,
I'd probably do better on the highway. I'm not complaining, however.
I've always been surprised how stable the gas mileage has been and how it doesn't seem to change significantly
when I change from winter to summer tires, change the oil, spark plugs, air filter, add CAI, add cat-back exhaust, etc.
One tip however, is to keep after your tires' inflation pressure.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 06:41 AM
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If your car has under 10K miles I'm guessing you have a 2nd Generation Mini. (built after 2006) You might get more accurate responses posting in the 2nd Gen Forum.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by FreeHUG
hi anybody have good mpg for your R50 non-S, like specs (28-36mpg) or more? because my one only have around 24mpg, so is normal?


thanks

Seems low for a r50....
Lots depends on driving style, traffic and even fuel grade...lower octane may result in the engine retarding the timing and running rich to prevent detonation. Then add in the wild cards....tire size+rim choice....heavry wide rims/tires are very bad...like addons much more (heard about 4x the weight ) since it is a rotating mass....and performance tire don't tend to be low rolling resistance.....
basic mantaince is a must....filters get dirty quick.....
good luck.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 08:02 PM
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I get 26-27mpg going 80MPH on the highway for 20 minutes, and another 20 stop and go.

2002 S/R53
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 04:53 PM
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hi (mini 53) your got pretty good mpg for MCS, better then my MC R50, even my E60 got 24mpg same as my R50. so after compare i feel my MC very thristy for gas

thanks for all nice peoples help and informations
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by FreeHUG
hi (mini 53) your got pretty good mpg for MCS, better then my MC R50, even my E60 got 24mpg same as my R50. so after compare i feel my MC very thristy for gas

thanks for all nice peoples help and informations
You sure your R50 doesn't have a couple of extra cylinders?

My '06 MCSc gets 26.5 MPG average.
 
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Old May 10, 2011 | 06:21 PM
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My '06 R-50 with 35,500 miles gets 29 in town and 36 highway, but I drive like an auld phart...
 
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