Improving fuel efficiency is one of the primary ways to reduce the cost of operating a vehicle while contributing to environmental protection by reducing emissions. BMW is a major luxury car brand that has been producing high-performance vehicles for over a century. Improving fuel efficiency in BMW cars requires an understanding of the BMW brand, tips on managing fuel costs, and identifying the best fuel-saving practices.
In this article, we will walk you through how to improve the fuel efficiency of your BMW car, changes to your driving habits, and modifications to your vehicle that can result in better fuel consumption.
Choose the Right Fuel
The quality of fuel you use determines the performance of your BMW car. Fuel quality affects the engine’s performance and efficiency, and it is crucial to use the right fuel to enhance fuel efficiency. The BMW car owner’s manual recommends the best fuel type to use in your BMW car.
Suppose you have a high-performance BMW car, such as a BMW M4, the engine is designed for higher octane fuel, and using a low grade can result in poor performance and lower fuel efficiency. On the other hand, using higher grade fuel than what your manual recommends will not improve the engine’s performance or fuel efficiency.
Another factor to consider is the fuel’s ethanol content. Ethanol-based fuels are cheaper and more environmentally friendly, but they have a lower energy density and, therefore, result in lower fuel efficiency.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your BMW car is essential to improving its fuel efficiency. A well-maintained car helps to identify and address any mechanical faults that may result in increased fuel consumption. Engage a qualified mechanic to inspect your BMW car regularly to check for worn-out parts or clogged air filters that may affect its performance.
Ensure that your BMW car’s oil is changed at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals, as dirty oil interferes with an engine’s performance and efficiency. Additionally, under-inflated tires, misaligned wheels, or worn-out brakes result in dragging while driving, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Reduce Vehicle Weight
The weight of a car is a crucial factor that affects fuel consumption. Reducing your BMW car’s weight can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Overloading your BMW car with unnecessary items increases the fuel consumption rate, as the engine works harder to carry the excess load.
Reduce clutter in your car, such as empty luggage, heavy car seats or any other aftermarket items that you rarely use. Also, using lighter parts such as carbon fiber over heavy steel parts in your car will help reduce the weight leading to better fuel efficiency.
Modify Your Driving Habits
Driving habits significantly affect your BMW car’s fuel efficiency. Simple changes in your driving habits can help you unlock discounts on fuel costs. Consider driving more slowly and smoothly, as swift acceleration and sudden stops result in increased fuel consumption. Coasting to a stop instead of braking before traffic snarls and stoplights also reduces gas usage significantly.
Furthermore, refrain from unnecessary speeding or overtaking other vehicles aggressively. When you accelerate, fuel is burned up to create this energy. Thus, using less acceleration will lead to less fuel consumption, ultimately improving fuel efficiency.
Another critical tip is to turn off your BMW car when idling for a long time. Your car continues to burn fuel when in motion, even when idling, yet idling will not lead to your destination. This habit can reduce gas mileage by a significant percentage.
Specialized Driving Modes
Many BMW models come with multiple driving modes that can help improve fuel efficiency. BMW Driving Experience Control located on your car’s console allows drivers to choose ECO and Comfort mode for better fuel economy.
In ECO mode, the engine is automatically adjusted to reduce power output, thereby reducing the consumption of the vehicle leaving more fuel in the tank. In Comfort mode, the throttle sensitivity is decreased, and the transmission shifts up quickly. This results in a smoother and more relaxed driving experience, lowering fuel consumption.
Aerodynamics
BMW cars are designed to achieve sleek aerodynamics for better performance. Certain aftermarket aerodynamic parts or a specialist aerodynamic kit can be installed to enhance your BMW’s aerodynamics. These modifications will significantly improve fuel efficiency.
Use Apps
BMW has various apps that can help you manage your fuel consumption, track your driving style, and provide tips on how to improve fuel efficiency. The BMW ConnectedDrive app has a unique function to optimize BMW connected cars to improve fuel economy. The app helps in analyzing driving styles in real-time, indicating areas where the driver can improve to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.
Track Your Fuel Consumption
The use of a BMW fuel consumption tracker helps you to monitor your fuel consumption daily. Various apps and services such as Fuelly, Fuelbook or Fuelio can be used to track your fuel consumption, fuel expenses, and fuel economy. It helps to control fuel consumption and maintain good driving habits.
conclusion
In conclusion, improving the fuel efficiency of your BMW car is an essential practice worth adopting. The cost of operating a vehicle continues to increase, with fuel prices being a significant contributor. Reducing fuel consumption through best practices such as choosing the right fuel, regular maintenance, reducing vehicle weight, modifying driving habits, using specialized driving modes, optimizing aerodynamics, using apps, and monitoring fuel consumption are all essential in achieving maximum fuel efficiency.
Adopting these practices goes beyond cost reduction; it is also essential in creating a sustainable ecosystem for future generations. BMW car owners who implement better fuel consumption practices contribute to the preservation of the environment while helping themselves to save costs.
The BMW brand has an array of advanced technologies designed to optimize fuel efficiency. From specialized driving modes to BMW ConnectedDrive, there are extra means to help you improve your fuel economy while driving your BMW.
Car owners must prioritize regular maintenance, which ensures their cars function optimally, depressing fuel consumption. Weight reduction is also crucial in improving fuel efficiency, and car owners should take care not to overload their car with unnecessary items.
In summary, adopting better fuel usage practices such as proper vehicle maintenance, choosing the right fuel, driving sensibly, optimizing your driving modes and considering aerodynamics, will go a long way in saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint, making BMW fuel-efficient without sacrificing on performance.
