That general rule would apply to smaller engined cars with smaller torque values... I don't doubt you may have lost a little but 22" Wheels don't weigh that much more than 19". Even if it was 2kg more per wheel, that would be an equivalent of 80kg of sprung weight - the same as having a full tank of petrol!
Problems reported here are closer to about 6-8mpg loss, even more which isn't down't to wheels in Penny's case...
Turks.
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E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Present:
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Miles per Gallon Go Down in Cold Weather
There are many factors that cause the fuel mileage in cars to go down in cold weather
causing your vehicle to get fewer miles per gallon (MPG). As many people have become
accustomed to monitoring their gas consumption, they have noticed decreases in MPG typically
starting around the beginning of November. According to Click & Clack, the Tappit Brothers, of
the NPR radio program “Car Talk,†it is normal to lose about 10% of your gas mileage in cold
weather, however, there are many reports of 15% or more lost MPG. What is the cause of the
lower cold weather MPG?
Here are ten reasons for lower winter MPG:
1.
Winter Gas.Reformulated Gasoline (RFG), also known as “winter gas†is gasoline with
more oxygen and therefore, fewer hydrocarbons. While RFG is required to be sold in many
states, typically starting around first of November, gasoline refiners regularly adjust the blend
of gasoline sold so that even in states without a RFG requirement, a version of RFG is still sold.
In warm weather, gasoline with too many “light†components evaporates easily and
causes vapor lock, an over-rich mixture that causes excessive evaporative emissions, so heavier
components are added to gasoline. Conversely, in cold weather, too many heavier components
keep the fuel from evaporating, resulting in a lean mixture, hard starts and poor converter light
off, consequentially causing excessive hydrogen emissions. The RFG blend of gasoline is made
by diluting regular gas by adding oxygen, often using ethanol or butane, which has a lower BTU
value than the regular gasoline. It is simple logic to understand that if there is more oxygen and
less fuel in a gallon of gasoline, there will be a lower energy content, and hence, fewer MPG.
While proponents of RFG regularly state that the mileage reduction is in the 1-3% range, many
users report far, far worse results.
2.
Cold Weather Starting.Vehicles use a lot more fuel to warm up to the proper operating
temperature in cold weather; it simply takes more fuel in cold weather to get the engine and
system up to temperature before it can run at peak fuel efficiency.In cold weather, a car’s
computer system measures coolant temperature, engine revolutions per minute (RPM),
throttle position, air flow sensor volume and temperature readings to determine the most
efficient air to fuel ratio (AFR) for warming up. To compensate for a not quite warm enough
engine, the on board computer will keep the mixture rich (excess fuel) to keep the engine from
stalling. After warm up, the computer will adjust the AFR for peak performance, but due to the
density and temperature of the air, even after the engine reaches operating temperature; it still
takes extra fuel (energy) in cold weather to keep it at an efficient operating temperature.
3.
Air Density/Wind.Cold air is denser than warm air so there is more air in the path of
your vehicle creating more resistance for the vehicle to go through. Cold weather is also
typically associated with heavier winds– an additional source of resistance. This increase in
resistance is an additional load on the car’s engine, lowering MPG.
4.
Increased Engine Load.Cold weather drivers typically use more vehicle accessories than
warm weather drivers. Accessories such as the heater, defroster, electric seat warmers and
windshield wipers put an additional strain on the engine which reduces fuel efficiency. For
example, the heater takes heat from the engine, which makes the engine run less efficiently or
causes additional running time before the engine reaches its most efficient AFR.
5.
Fluid Viscosity.Heat reduces viscosity (makes it thinner) and cold increases viscosity
(makes it thicker) of the fluids in a vehicle. There are several fluids and lubricants in a car
engine, such as oil, that make an engine operate efficiently only when they are warm and can
flow easily. Cold weather causes sluggishness of the fluids leading to lower engine efficiency,
reducing the MPG until they fully warm up.
6.
Tire Pressure.In colder weather, tires lose air pressure, as a rule of thumb, one pound
of pressure for every 10 degrees (F) drop in temperature. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. At least this problem can be readily fixed by properly inflating your tires.
7.
Road Conditions.Driving conditions in winter, such as rain, ice or snow, are worse than
the driving conditions in warm weather. The roads are more slippery which often causes wheel
spin upon acceleration. Wheel spinning can also occur when trying to get out of snowy or icy
parking spots. Wheel spinning without going anywhere reduces the MPG. The ability to grip
the road always results in better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the poor road conditions can
cause you to drive at less fuel efficient speeds.
8.
Human Warm up Time.Humans are like cars and need to warm up as well; so many
people start their cars to warm them up before even getting in them. Running a vehicle
without going anywhere certainly reduces the MPG. In addition to the start up, many people
leave the car running for short stops, or while waiting for someone, in cold weather that would
have turned the car off in warmer weather. This is especially true for short trips and people
tend to make more short trips in inclement weather; who drives to a neighbor’s house in the
snow?
9.
Extra Weight.If cold weather brings snow or freezing rain that accumulates on your
vehicle, you are carrying a lot of extra weight. A car covered with icicles could easily weigh an
extra 100 pounds; extra weight means fewer MPG. It is also safer to drive without a snow
covered vehicle, so remember to clean off snow and ice as completely as you can (don’t forget
the roof!), not just the windshield
10.Headlight s. Since cold weather is typical of the winter, which has fewer hours of sunlight
than the rest of the year, there are more hours spent driving with the headlights on. The
headlights take additional power which reduces the MPG.
The above information is compiled from information believed to be reliable. If you
would like to add other items to this list, please contactLou .Elwell@Vo rt exFu elSaver.com,
Chairman ofwww.Vo rt exFlu id Optimiz er.com, manufacturers of the Vortex Fuel Saver
Remember the days when you needed to pull the choke out. If these engines had these i think in this weather mine would be out all the time
There are many factors that cause the fuel mileage in cars to go down in cold weather
causing your vehicle to get fewer miles per gallon (MPG). As many people have become
accustomed to monitoring their gas consumption, they have noticed decreases in MPG typically
starting around the beginning of November. According to Click & Clack, the Tappit Brothers, of
the NPR radio program “Car Talk,†it is normal to lose about 10% of your gas mileage in cold
weather, however, there are many reports of 15% or more lost MPG. What is the cause of the
lower cold weather MPG?
Here are ten reasons for lower winter MPG:
1.
Winter Gas.Reformulated Gasoline (RFG), also known as “winter gas†is gasoline with
more oxygen and therefore, fewer hydrocarbons. While RFG is required to be sold in many
states, typically starting around first of November, gasoline refiners regularly adjust the blend
of gasoline sold so that even in states without a RFG requirement, a version of RFG is still sold.
In warm weather, gasoline with too many “light†components evaporates easily and
causes vapor lock, an over-rich mixture that causes excessive evaporative emissions, so heavier
components are added to gasoline. Conversely, in cold weather, too many heavier components
keep the fuel from evaporating, resulting in a lean mixture, hard starts and poor converter light
off, consequentially causing excessive hydrogen emissions. The RFG blend of gasoline is made
by diluting regular gas by adding oxygen, often using ethanol or butane, which has a lower BTU
value than the regular gasoline. It is simple logic to understand that if there is more oxygen and
less fuel in a gallon of gasoline, there will be a lower energy content, and hence, fewer MPG.
While proponents of RFG regularly state that the mileage reduction is in the 1-3% range, many
users report far, far worse results.
2.
Cold Weather Starting.Vehicles use a lot more fuel to warm up to the proper operating
temperature in cold weather; it simply takes more fuel in cold weather to get the engine and
system up to temperature before it can run at peak fuel efficiency.In cold weather, a car’s
computer system measures coolant temperature, engine revolutions per minute (RPM),
throttle position, air flow sensor volume and temperature readings to determine the most
efficient air to fuel ratio (AFR) for warming up. To compensate for a not quite warm enough
engine, the on board computer will keep the mixture rich (excess fuel) to keep the engine from
stalling. After warm up, the computer will adjust the AFR for peak performance, but due to the
density and temperature of the air, even after the engine reaches operating temperature; it still
takes extra fuel (energy) in cold weather to keep it at an efficient operating temperature.
3.
Air Density/Wind.Cold air is denser than warm air so there is more air in the path of
your vehicle creating more resistance for the vehicle to go through. Cold weather is also
typically associated with heavier winds– an additional source of resistance. This increase in
resistance is an additional load on the car’s engine, lowering MPG.
4.
Increased Engine Load.Cold weather drivers typically use more vehicle accessories than
warm weather drivers. Accessories such as the heater, defroster, electric seat warmers and
windshield wipers put an additional strain on the engine which reduces fuel efficiency. For
example, the heater takes heat from the engine, which makes the engine run less efficiently or
causes additional running time before the engine reaches its most efficient AFR.
5.
Fluid Viscosity.Heat reduces viscosity (makes it thinner) and cold increases viscosity
(makes it thicker) of the fluids in a vehicle. There are several fluids and lubricants in a car
engine, such as oil, that make an engine operate efficiently only when they are warm and can
flow easily. Cold weather causes sluggishness of the fluids leading to lower engine efficiency,
reducing the MPG until they fully warm up.
6.
Tire Pressure.In colder weather, tires lose air pressure, as a rule of thumb, one pound
of pressure for every 10 degrees (F) drop in temperature. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. At least this problem can be readily fixed by properly inflating your tires.
7.
Road Conditions.Driving conditions in winter, such as rain, ice or snow, are worse than
the driving conditions in warm weather. The roads are more slippery which often causes wheel
spin upon acceleration. Wheel spinning can also occur when trying to get out of snowy or icy
parking spots. Wheel spinning without going anywhere reduces the MPG. The ability to grip
the road always results in better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the poor road conditions can
cause you to drive at less fuel efficient speeds.
8.
Human Warm up Time.Humans are like cars and need to warm up as well; so many
people start their cars to warm them up before even getting in them. Running a vehicle
without going anywhere certainly reduces the MPG. In addition to the start up, many people
leave the car running for short stops, or while waiting for someone, in cold weather that would
have turned the car off in warmer weather. This is especially true for short trips and people
tend to make more short trips in inclement weather; who drives to a neighbor’s house in the
snow?
9.
Extra Weight.If cold weather brings snow or freezing rain that accumulates on your
vehicle, you are carrying a lot of extra weight. A car covered with icicles could easily weigh an
extra 100 pounds; extra weight means fewer MPG. It is also safer to drive without a snow
covered vehicle, so remember to clean off snow and ice as completely as you can (don’t forget
the roof!), not just the windshield
10.Headlight s. Since cold weather is typical of the winter, which has fewer hours of sunlight
than the rest of the year, there are more hours spent driving with the headlights on. The
headlights take additional power which reduces the MPG.
The above information is compiled from information believed to be reliable. If you
would like to add other items to this list, please contactLou .Elwell@Vo rt exFu elSaver.com,
Chairman ofwww.Vo rt exFlu id Optimiz er.com, manufacturers of the Vortex Fuel Saver
Remember the days when you needed to pull the choke out. If these engines had these i think in this weather mine would be out all the time
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Another snippitt
Have a gander at these calculations for a Honda Civic hybrid at 60 MPH in varying ambient temperatures:
MPH-----AMBIENT-TEMP-----MPG (US)
60------------95----------52.98
60------------85----------52.62
60------------75----------51.16
60------------65----------49.12
60------------55----------47.22
60------------45----------44.67
60------------35----------43.05
60------------25----------41.54
60------------15----------39.41
60------------05----------38.09
Look at the extremes: the coldest MPG is 28% lower than the warmest.
Bring on the summer 
Have a gander at these calculations for a Honda Civic hybrid at 60 MPH in varying ambient temperatures:
MPH-----AMBIENT-TEMP-----MPG (US)
60------------95----------52.98
60------------85----------52.62
60------------75----------51.16
60------------65----------49.12
60------------55----------47.22
60------------45----------44.67
60------------35----------43.05
60------------25----------41.54
60------------15----------39.41
60------------05----------38.09
Look at the extremes: the coldest MPG is 28% lower than the warmest.
Bring on the summer Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Thanks for that bungie. A couple of obvious points attributed to cold weather... but I think the cases in this thread are more extreme and aren't to do with cold weather increasing consumption - at least for Penny anyway.
Also, the figures quoted above are for a Hybrid car... batteries are very inefficient in cold weather therefore with a Hybrid as the temperature drops the reliance on the engine increases.
Turks.
Also, the figures quoted above are for a Hybrid car... batteries are very inefficient in cold weather therefore with a Hybrid as the temperature drops the reliance on the engine increases.
Turks.
Present:
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
Hi folks, thanks for the replies, some very intereting reading here. Going to check a few things out hopefully this weekend and see if I can find any obvious problems.
Penny I will let you know how I get on and if I find a reason for the poor consumption. My M8 who lives less than 5 miles from me gets an average of 28mpg, I would be delighted if I could obtain that sort of figure.
Anymore suggestions are very welcome, it has turned into a very informative post.
Thanks
Penny I will let you know how I get on and if I find a reason for the poor consumption. My M8 who lives less than 5 miles from me gets an average of 28mpg, I would be delighted if I could obtain that sort of figure.
Anymore suggestions are very welcome, it has turned into a very informative post.
Thanks
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
There is loads to do with fuel system / consumption to check out... I have mentioned a few earlier. Try and discount as many from the list as possible before taking to an indy to try and diagnose, that way you can save on possible wasted time costs searching items you already know are ok!
Try also looking at the Injectors for leaks and also failed fuel pressure regulators. Not sure how to test this properly or whether it would come up if you used a scanner but I imagine it could be something like this... if the injector is just spewing fuel into the cylinder then it will be wasted.
Good luck finding the problem.
Turks.
Try also looking at the Injectors for leaks and also failed fuel pressure regulators. Not sure how to test this properly or whether it would come up if you used a scanner but I imagine it could be something like this... if the injector is just spewing fuel into the cylinder then it will be wasted.
Good luck finding the problem.
Turks.
Present:
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
-
motormender
- Newbie
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:38 pm
- Location: Retford Nottinghamshire
- Contact:
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
the 3.0d does suffer from a problem with the egr thermostat and if it fails it slows the warm up time a lot. it is simple to check and takes only ten mins from start to finish. At the front of the engine there is a square steel box with pipes at each end . it is the plastic thing bolted on top. remove the pipe from the back and look inside to see if its open when cold. you may have to remove it to confirm but its easy.
worth a look.
hth
dave
worth a look.
hth
dave
06 E53 3.0d Sport exclusive le mans blue. Fully Loaded
www.priorygarage.co.uk
www.priorygarage.co.uk
-
storminmike
- Snr Member
- Posts: 1013
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 3:52 pm
- Location: Manchester
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
[quote=""motormender""]the 3.0d does suffer from a problem with the egr thermostat and if it fails it slows the warm up time a lot. it is simple to check and takes only ten mins from start to finish. At the front of the engine there is a square steel box with pipes at each end . it is the plastic thing bolted on top. remove the pipe from the back and look inside to see if its open when cold. you may have to remove it to confirm but its easy.
worth a look.
hth
dave[/quote]
Is it this thingy (with the elbow) at the bottom right of the picture?
Picture borrowed from forum member X5Sport
worth a look.
hth
dave[/quote]
Is it this thingy (with the elbow) at the bottom right of the picture?
Picture borrowed from forum member X5Sport
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
hi folks, due to the relatively low cost involved would my changing the Crankcase breather and EGR valve improve the consumption ? wondered if the breather was blocked would the back pressure cause the engine engine to work harder and after reading other postings ref the egr valve others eeem to better their consumption after cleanning the egr valve so hopefully replacing will benefit further.
Thanks
Thanks
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
I'm watching this very closely as so far my X5 is showing about 18 mpg and although I have been doing mostly short journeys and only a couple of hundred miles since owning it, it does seem very low and I get an unburnt fuel smell. I will monitor it for a while before doing anything. It's under warranty but I'm conscious that diagnostics for such problems can cost a fortune so am keen to check whether in fact I do actually have a problem before discussing it with the dealer and also to check simple things that won't risk a warranty void. If anyone has the knowledge/experience, a suggested step by step/ordered list of what to check and what to look for when checking would be very helpful. My expectations weren't too high re mpg in that I expected to average somewhere between 25-30 mpg but the current MPG is rediculous for a diesel and a lot worse than the 996 it's replaced. Like I said, maybe it's just that I haven't driven it enough yet to get a proper idea and I will give it a chance for a while before drawing any conclusions but if it does turn out to be that bad then I might as well have bought a V8!
2004 E53 3.0D Sport
2016 F25 X5 35D MSport
2016 F25 X5 35D MSport
-
motormender
- Newbie
- Posts: 28
- Joined: Sun Nov 14, 2010 6:38 pm
- Location: Retford Nottinghamshire
- Contact:
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
no the thing with the elbow is the egr valve itsself. if you follow the elbow down it goes to the sguare box and the egr thermostat will be on top. if i get one in at work tomorrow or next day i will take a pic or next time i take my engine cover off.
06 E53 3.0d Sport exclusive le mans blue. Fully Loaded
www.priorygarage.co.uk
www.priorygarage.co.uk
-
storminmike
- Snr Member
- Posts: 1013
- Joined: Sat Oct 30, 2010 3:52 pm
- Location: Manchester
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
[quote=""motormender""]no the thing with the elbow is the egr valve itsself. if you follow the elbow down it goes to the sguare box and the egr thermostat will be on top. if i get one in at work tomorrow or next day i will take a pic or next time i take my engine cover off.[/quote]
That would be great....I have no problem locating the dipstick....it's typing these replies to you fellow forum members
That would be great....I have no problem locating the dipstick....it's typing these replies to you fellow forum members
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
EGR could well be causing the problem with consumption and also give an unburnt fuel smell from the exhaust.
Turks.
Turks.
Present:
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
2018 (18) F85 X5M - Donnington Grey
Past:
2014 (14) F10 M5 - Monte Carlo Blue
2004 (54) E53 X5 4.8is - Sapphire Black
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
[quote=""Turks""]EGR could well be causing the problem with consumption and also give an unburnt fuel smell from the exhaust.
Turks.[/quote]
If i wanted to test this could i block off the Black / blue pipe and drive it for a week to see if any improvement in fuel consumption? Would this also rule out the egr thermostat?
Thanks
Turks.[/quote]
If i wanted to test this could i block off the Black / blue pipe and drive it for a week to see if any improvement in fuel consumption? Would this also rule out the egr thermostat?
Thanks
2001 X5 3.0d sport
Re: E53 3.0d POOR FUEL CONSUMPTION
[quote=""storminmike""][quote=""motormender""]no the thing with the elbow is the egr valve itsself. if you follow the elbow down it goes to the sguare box and the egr thermostat will be on top. if i get one in at work tomorrow or next day i will take a pic or next time i take my engine cover off.[/quote]
That would be great....I have no problem locating the dipstick....it's typing these replies to you fellow forum members[/quote]
If it helps it's this part here..... http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=40&hl=36
That would be great....I have no problem locating the dipstick....it's typing these replies to you fellow forum members
[/quote]If it helps it's this part here..... http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=40&hl=36
54 PLATE E53 3.0d X5 FACELIFT BLACK WITH BLACK