After feeling secure with my recent front end refresh, I decided it was time to get the hell out of LA for a few days. Portland, OR, was the target.

The Mini ('04 R53) got better and better the more I drove. Hwy MPG increased from mid-20s to an average 31. Better yet, once I crossed the Oregon border, I filled up with 91 octane - made a huge difference in MPG, now over 35 on average. That nets almost 500 miles per tankful. I again filled up today, this time with 92 (or 93?). We'll see how it goes.

But I have to say, the Mini drives like it's brand new. Idles perfectly smooth quiet at stoplights, all the power I need for the hills. All is good.

Oh, and then out of the blue, this guy drives by and parks this beauty.

 

excellent!

 

All these people claiming they get 35hwy in an R53. Are you reading the OBC or calculating yourself? My dad has owned his R50 since new in 2002 and he's never gotten over 30hwy in 14 years of ownership. My R53 hasn't been over 28mpg. And I always fill up with 93.

 

After a 6500 mile road trip last year, including OR, the OBC said 30.1 and the total miles/total fuel ratio came to 28.8. Go figure. Wouldn't complain though, topless most of the way and no better way to motor.

 

I get similar numbers with my R52 JCW. OBC runs about 7-7.5% optimistic. Speed also matters. If I can stay at about 70 mph, I can get real 30 mpg, 93 octane (octane shouldn't matter on the highway). Car is really geared too stiff to do much better on the highway.


Regards,
Jerry

 

Yeah, you got me. Did the math and it came to 31. Still, that's a great average.

The numbers were also better at 70mph than at 80mph. It's not the FL 6-speed gearing, though.

 

I've been driving quite a bit on the highway and there is a big difference in mpg between 70 and 80. Car seems to sit high on the rpms while cruising.