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Bad mpg

Discuss the problems with your X5 (E53).
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Themoog2
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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:21 pm

My 01 4.4 since Xmas ish has had the mpg drop from 19 average for the last 10 years to 14-15 average on the same regular journeys. I’ve just replaced the engine thermostat as it was constantly running too cold which I thought was the problem but it’s still the same. It’s also had new spark plugs and an oil / filter change.
I did have a new set of tyres fitted which seemed to coincide with the poor mpg but the car rolls better, the steering is straight ie doesn’t pull left or right and the steering is much lighter than previously so surely it can’t be the tyres..
I did have the 022 code for camshaft control bank 2 but I cleared that and it hasn’t come back.
I did post on here a while back about mpg where I got 27mpg (If memory serves) on a 90mile run on the A14 at 60mph. I haven’t had chance to do that again yet so it would be interesting to see if there is a difference.
Any ideas anyone? What other things should I be looking for?

Themoog2
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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Wed Feb 26, 2025 3:28 pm

Oh and the tyre pressures are all at 40psi..

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Bad mpg

Post by X5Sport » Wed Feb 26, 2025 6:15 pm

Can be seasonal as colder weather makes the engine run on ‘cold cycle’ for a bit longer. What we used to use Choke knobs for decades ago.

Tyres can have an unexpected impact if their rolling resistance is higher. If it coincides, then that might be the issue. You’d have to look at the tyre ratings label. I’d be surprised as that’s quite a change. But then as owners have been finding, fitting an EV with the wrong rubber has impacted range by 20%, so the same could be possible with yours.
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Themoog2
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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Wed Feb 26, 2025 9:45 pm

I don't know. Last two times I've had tyres nothing has changed.
I even had a binding brake caliper last year which didn't affect MPG either.
Something is not right. I can feel it if you know what I mean.
I drove it today with live data stream on my diagnostic and as far as I could see everything was OK.

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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Mon Mar 03, 2025 1:37 pm

I've just put a new air filter in and I'm ashamed to say that the old one was almost black and dusty. I haven't changed it in years.. Halfords £6 so not bad. Hopefully the MPG will improve.

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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Sat Mar 15, 2025 5:10 pm

Good news. Mpg is back up to average of 18.5 which is similar to what it was.
Bad news… MOT next week, two front cv axles being installed and a clunk from the steering column being investigated. I reckon the steering shaft uj is worn or the bushes where the column passes through the firewall are worn.
I’m having trouble locating the correct shaft as I heard a rumour that the location hole at the top was changed from hexagonal to square at some point. Can anyone elaborate on this?

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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:57 am

Right here is an update if anyone likes to read this stuff.
MPG is averaging 17.3 which to my mind is still not good enough. I'm still gettythe code 022 camshaft control function bank 2 last night I thought I'd whip out the Vanos solenoid (on the right side of the engine looking from the front - correct?) and give it a good clean.
I have a special socket I made to remove them but the coolant hoses were the way. It must have been the left side I did years ago.. Anyway, I thought if get grips on it it may come out. Nope. The housing just turned and didn't undo.
At this point I thought I'd broken the valve so there was no way back without getting a new one, so off came the coolant hoses and I managed to get it out.
I tested it and it was still working but I gave it a thorough wash out with solvent and when powered again it clicked much more aggressively so it may have been a bit sticky.
All back together and at least the car runs OK but I haven't put my code reader on it yet or driven it any distance.
I still have a new chain tensioner to install too. And the two front cv axles..
One thing I did notice was that the cam sensor is original bmw but bank 1 sensor is unbranded so must have been replaced in the past. It might be bank 2 sensor failing that is giving the code. Watch this space.

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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Sun Apr 06, 2025 9:25 pm

Ok so two driveshafts in. A bit tricky but sort of ok. Driver side I disconnected the thrust arm at the front so the suspension leg would have enough room to be pulled out of the way to get the longer shaft out.
Brake disc guard broke in two so another ordered as are two new anti roll bar links because I went remove one of them but it didn’t have to flat spot or Allen key in them so the nut just spins. I’ll cut them off tomorrow.
Brake calipers cleaned and sanded the repainted in silver body colour instead of chavy blue or red so they should look good.
I have a very small leak from the bottom of the radiator so that requires attention..

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Bad mpg

Post by Themoog2 » Wed Apr 09, 2025 3:42 am

Latest. Drive side caliper was seized or sticking. Could that be the MPG problem? Who knows. I had a Bigg Red refurb kit in the garage so I swapped out the piston and seals so that's as new again. I was on standby to order a new caliper as I couldn't get the bleed nipple undone and I thought it would snap but with some harsh language it eventually came loose.

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Bad mpg

Post by X5Sport » Wed Apr 09, 2025 6:26 pm

It won’t have helped but depends upon how badly it was dragging. The one on my X6 got so bad it started squeaking just as I got to the garage to have it done and was almost smoking hot!
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