subwoofer hookup and gas mileage questions

[phaelax]

I'm moving my subs from one car and putting them into my '02 300m. What's the best or easiest way to run the power wire from the trunk to the engine? I can't seem to find any place to run a wire past the dash.

And another, but unrelated, question about the gas mileage of the car. I only seem to be getting about 250 miles per tank, 300 tops. My average mpg is about 20-21, and most of my driving is on the freeway. I've replaced the air filter and plan to check the fuel filter when the weather gets a little dryer. I've only had the car about 3 1/2 months.

[tinmanwpk]

If I remember rightly, many folks have gone either under the car or under the carpet. In going under the carpet they removed their seats and did the job. You have been to the 300M club, so check out the search feature. It has been documented many times with pictures in many cases.

The mileage issue may be something as simple as your downstream O2 sensors or may be something else, too. Once again, use the search feature on the 30M site.

[bambambam]

I don't think your mileage is going to improve much, these are big heavy cars with strong engines. I've had my 2000 300M for 3 months now, MPG hangs around 22. 24 if I baby it. I like the car a lot even though it is has a huge appetite. I don't think they were designed with fuel economy in mind...
Bam

[tinmanwpk]

I regularly get 24 with a mix of highway and city. Many others get upwards of that. When did you last change your plugs? Possibly your TB needs cleaning. How many miles on your ride? I have had an M since '98 and have driven (2 of them) over 225,000 miles.

[raiello2001]

The fuel mileage you are getting is about the sae alll around. I get on average of about 21, mixed hwy and streets.

[tinmanwpk]

Originally Posted by bambambam

I don't think your mileage is going to improve much, these are big heavy cars with strong engines. I've had my 2000 300M for 3 months now, MPG hangs around 22. 24 if I baby it. I like the car a lot even though it is has a huge appetite. I don't think they were designed with fuel economy in mind...
Bam

I'm not disagreeing with you about the design (circa 1996 or so). No one was overly concerned with mpg then. I do believe our cars can get up to 25-27 mpg on the open road, however. Obviously there are many variables involved.

[kam300m]

I had a 99 300m and got 30mpg and now have a 02 special and get 26-27mpg

[tinmanwpk]

Originally Posted by kam300m

I had a 99 300m and got 30mpg and now have a 02 special and get 26-27mpg

The special has steeper gearing so the mpg will be lower.

[fedderlm]

Originally Posted by tinmanwpk

If I remember rightly, many folks have gone either under the car or under the carpet. In going under the carpet they removed their seats and did the job.

With mine we went under the carpet and had to take the whole back seat pretty much out the whole process was a huge pain, but well worth it without any of the wires showing in the car. Also to add on make sure you add another battery for the amp power, depending on how powerful they are. I didn't do that the first time and it ended up having me replace my alternator.

[tinmanwpk]

Originally Posted by fedderlm

With mine we went under the carpet and had to take the whole back seat pretty much out the whole process was a huge pain, but well worth it without any of the wires showing in the car. Also to add on make sure you add another battery for the amp power, depending on how powerful they are. I didn't do that the first time and it ended up having me replace my alternator.

Real good point on the extra battery.

[John81]

Originally Posted by tinmanwpk

Real good point on the extra battery.

Yes, you're right, pal.