How to Improve BMW MPG and Increase Gas Mileage

The cost of transportation is a significant part of American household spending. According to AAA, the average American spends about 17,600 minutes driving every year, and that’s more than 293 hours spent on the road per year.

Close to one-third of the American household owns more than two cars which means more money spent on fueling.

So, saving money on gas mileage becomes an integral part of reducing the overall cost of car ownership. Here we have a list of tips to help you save money on BMW mpg and increase gas mileage. Most of these tips are applicable to all brands of cars even if you don’t own a BMW.

Top BMW MPG Rating Winners

While BMW has a reputation for its power and performance, the in-demand electric, hybrid, and fuel-efficient BMW models are emerging and becoming increasingly popular. Here we have the latest updates on the 2018 top BMW MPG rating winners according to fueleconomy.gov.

The Most Fuel Efficient BMWs in 2018

20 Ways to Get Better BMW Gas Mileage

1. Get Premium Grade Gasoline
2. Go Easy on the Gas Petal
3. Drive in BMW ECO Pro Mode
4. Use the BMW ECO PRO Route Function
5. Know About the BMW Brake Energy Regeneration Function
6. Know the Benefit of the BMW On-Demand Ancillary Unit
7. Utilize the BMW Coasting Function
8. Take Advantage of BMW Auto Start-Stop Function
9. Get the BMW Active Driving Assistant
10. Decrease the Hard Braking
11. Cruising at a Steady Speed
12. Cut the Idling Short
13. Keep Up with BMW Maintenance Schedule
14. Adjust the Air Conditioning Setting
15. Check Your Tire Pressure
16. Clean Out Your Car
17. Plan Your Route and Consolidate Trips
18. Take Advantage of Your Membership Cards
19. Use a Gas Price App
20. Get More Cash Back on Gas

20 Ways to Get Better BMW Gas Mileage

1. Get Premium Grade Gasoline

Premium grade gasoline can deliver up to 4% increase in fuel economy and is the optimal choice for performance-oriented engines. According to the BMW Owner’s Manuel, premium grade gasoline is recommended for fueling a BMW.

This may sound like the opposite of saving money, but in the long run, you are saving money overall from keeping your BMW in good running condition and protecting its engine.

2. Go Easy on the Gas Pedal

Driving style and behavior have a significant impact on your car’s fuel consumption. For example, going on the freeway at a consistent 60 miles versus 70 miles per hour can save, on average, about one gallon of gas in a week of commuting.

Monitor your driving behavior by keeping an eye on your BMW MPG and fuel consumption on the dashboard.

3. Drive in BMW ECO Pro Mode

Driving your BMW in ECO PRO Mode can save fuel up to 20%. The ECO PRO Mode is part of the BMW EfficientDynamics, which is the core energy conservation concept behind all the latest BMW models.

ECO PRO Mode controls all the onboard systems in BMW to achieve fuel saving, and settings can be further customized via the BMW iDrive.

4. Use the BMW ECO PRO Route Function

The ECO PRO Route function works with the BMW Navigation System to prompt the driver to choose a system suggested route which consumes the least amount of fuel.

It is a great way to save on gas mileage in the long run without much work on your part. The ECO PRO Route function is a setting within the ECO PRO Mode which can be selected via the BMW iDrive.

5. Know About the BMW Brake Energy Regeneration Function

The BMW Brake Energy Regeneration Function as part of the ECO PRO can maximize energy saving without sacrificing performance. When ECO PRO Mode is activated, Brake Energy Regeneration works together with the other energy-saving setting within ECO PRO Mode to accurately project and reduce energy consumption while achieving the most fuel-efficient drive.

The setup ensures the power of the vehicle’s electrical system is generated during braking and coasting, so optimal fuel consumption can be achieved.

6. Know the Benefit of the BMW On-Demand Ancillary Unit

The BMW On-Demand Ancillary Unit as part of the ECO PRO function further contributes to the energy conservation in BMWs.

The system includes energy-saving components such as the On-demand Coolant Pump, Map-controlled Oil Pump, Electric Power Steering system, and the special air conditioning compressor which all work towards minimizing power drain.

7. Utilize the BMW Coasting Function

The BMW Coasting function is also part of the ECO PRO system that cuts off fuel supply as soon as the driver stopped pressing on the accelerator. The system offers useful energy-saving tips to execute the drive more efficiently.

Fuel consumption and the calculation of estimated mileage that can be driven by the available fuel are shown in the Central Display for easy statistics reading. The convenient BMW Coasting function also works to reduce engine consumption by automatically disengaging the engine (idling) from the transmission when traveling at a higher speed on a downward slope.

8. Take Advantage of BMW Auto Start-Stop Function

Auto Start-Stop function in BMW helps the vehicle to avoid unnecessary overconsumption of fuel by shutting off the vehicle’s engine instead of putting it in idling mode during a complete stop.

Both the Auto Start-Stop and ECO PRO mode as part of the BMW EfficientDynamics work together to contribute to the lowered fuel consumption and emission reduction of the BMW by as much as 20%.

9. Get the BMW Active Driving Assistant

The BMW Active Driving Assistant is available in the latest BMW models. Partnering with the BMW Navigation System Professional during ECO PRO mode, the system can calculate and analyze an ideal driving style to reduce gasoline intake.

Powertrain automatically adapts to the driving and routing situation so that the system can make recommendations for the drivers with the most appropriate and fuel-saving driving styles. Alerts such as warnings of upcoming speed zone changes and potential stops ahead can be suggested to the driver for maximum fuel efficiency.

13. Keep Up with BMW Maintenance Schedule

Make sure your BMW is up-to-date with its regular maintenance schedule. Keeping your BMW in good running condition is essential to ensure it is running on optimal fuel efficiency.

You can check your BMW’s maintenance due date via the iDrive controlled by the BMW Condition Based System or CBS for short. Also see our complete guide on the latest BMW Maintenance and Warranty.

14. Adjust the Air Conditioning Setting

Summer heat can feel suffocating. It may be tempting to blast the air conditioning in the car to the max to cool down. However, you can keep your car’s interior temperature cool without wasting gas by turning the temperature in your car up more.

Open the window first to allow trapped heat escape from your vehicle after it is parked in the heat for a prolonged period before turning on the A/C. Adjusting the air conditioning setting to a few degrees higher can help save gas mileage in the long run.

15. Check Your Tire Pressure

Keeping your BMW’s tires inflated can also help you save gas up to 3%. If you are not sure what is the optimal tire pressure, you can check the recommended tire pressure levels on a sticker located on the BMW’s driver-side car door or in the BMW Owners Manual.

When your tires are deflated, an alert should appear in your BMW’s dashboard letting you know which tires are low on pressure.

16. Clean Out Your Car

Using your car as storage can lead to more fuel consumption in the long run. Make it a habit to clean out your BMW and reduce the load by cleaning out the unnecessary things.

You will feel better driving a clean and organized car. You can also save time cleaning and keeping knickknacks in order with a handheld, cordless vacuum, and a lightweight trunk organizer.

17. Plan Your Route and Consolidate Trips

If you are serious about saving gas, get into the habit of consolidating trips and errands-runs by planning out your routes. Run small errands when it’s “on the way” to the places you need to go and car-pool with friends and family if possible.

Remember, you can always use your BMW’s ECO PRO Route function and let the system recommend a route that consumes the least amount of gas.

18. Take Advantage of Your Membership Cards

In the States, many of the grocery store or membership clubs offer discounts on gas price. For example, Costco members get exclusive access to Costco gas, which has a very competitive price.

Grocery stores such as Ralphs and Albertsons offer members discounts on choosing specific brands of gasoline. Take advantage of these offers with your local club memberships.

19. Use a Gas Price App

Gas prices can fluctuate from day to day and in different locations. Finding the lowest gas price near you don’t have to be a time-consuming task.

Use a gas price app like the GasBuddy which can locate the cheapest gas near you, so you don’t need to waste more gas and drive out of your way to find great deals. Just enter your zip code and select the grade of gas, you can find the best gas price closest to wherever you are in a few clicks.

20. Get More Cash Back on Gas

You can save more gas money by using a credit card with cash back offers. There are many great credit card options out there with extra cash back on gas purchases.

For example, Chase offers 5% cash back on gas during a specific quarter of the year, while Bank of America and American Express have 3% cash back deals on gas year-round. Many of these credit cards also offer various percentages of cash back on groceries, entertainment, and shopping. Always compare deals and choose the right credit card for your needs.