About mpg on a 320i

[mcalvo]

Hi people.

Hope you could give me a hand. I own a 94 E36 german made 320i (2.0L on 6cyl Lined). I had been watching really close its gas consumption.

I found out that my full tank (64L) would last just 400 km (248 miles). This give me a consumption ratio about 13,8 mpg. Which is pretty low compared to some 323/325 US version engines.

Any idea what should I check? I cover every day about 40 miles. The car is around 87k miles. I had check everything I can trying to increase gas mileage. Next step is to switch spark plugs by platinum core ones (but this is part of regular maintenance). Also thinking into replace its original air filter by K&N replacement (just the filter, not CAI or SAI).

I had notice a strong gasoline smell, not inside, but all around the car outside (of course). So I guess it will not pass control emissions this year (10 months from now). As a matter of fact, when I bought it, it just passed yearly control emissions just perfect.

The last owner told me this was the normal engine behavior. But I feel this mpg so low that I believe something is badworking in the inside.

I will really appreciate any help.

Any trick? Some easy-special test?

BTW, no CE lights. Engines runs apparently OK.

Thanks everyone in advanced,

MC.

[supervisor1886]

fuel leaks from injectors (bad o-ring seals) outside the motor

leacky injectors inside the motor (one or 2 cylinder will run very rich)

Any bad connection that doesnt hold pressure causes to loose fuel (it would defenatly affect the perfomance too)


Also a bad evaporative canister might be bad, but its poinless there anyway. I usually removed them on other cars letting gas vaports into the athmosphere.

How about more info my friend?
Your car needs help. 13 mpg is what i get with my 5.0 liter v8 trans am.

[mcalvo]

Originally Posted by supervisor1886

fuel leaks from injectors (bad o-ring seals) outside the motor

leacky injectors inside the motor (one or 2 cylinder will run very rich)

Any bad connection that doesnt hold pressure causes to loose fuel (it would defenatly affect the perfomance too)


Also a bad evaporative canister might be bad, but its poinless there anyway. I usually removed them on other cars letting gas vaports into the athmosphere.

How about more info my friend?
Your car needs help. 13 mpg is what i get with my 5.0 liter v8 trans am.

Canister? Where is is located?

How can you tell if some cyl is running too rich?

User Manual says that it would run on 37.5 mpg @ 62.5 mph.

What other info could I give you?


Thanks a lot for your answers.

MC.

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by mcalvo

Canister? Where is is located?

How can you tell if some cyl is running too rich?

User Manual says that it would run on 37.5 mpg @ 62.5 mph.

What other info could I give you?


Thanks a lot for your answers.

MC.

I would check primary fuel pressure regulator (only around US$70 to replace).It is common problem on these cars and when it leaks it cause gasoline smell around car and high gas consumption.
BTW ,change also fuel filter , if you did not do it in the past 55K miles or 90K kilometers.

[mcalvo]

Hey guys!

Thank you all for your replies. I forgot to tell you that last december I run a total tune up, injection cleanning included. Also got a OEM K&N filter and got better mpg average now.

BTW, my E36 has not O2 sensor. Difficult to believe, but true, when somebody put in there the aftermarket header he just forgot to add the O2 sensor plug-in, so no sensor so far. It got a cap over the sensor connection to cheat on the ECU. Anyway, even do, I am getting now 20 mpg in mixed driving.

That's it. Just wanted to tell you all.

Thanks again,

MC.