Gas mileage drop since Ethanol released - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

boostmiser · 4th June 2006, 03:53

Well, I'm noticing a difference now. Performance actually seems a bit off. I've also dropped 2 miles per gallon since the ethanol blends have hit. While it could be the o2 sensors, I'm thinking it's the gas because it dropped right when I confirmed the local gas had ethanol (several weeks ago). So now I need to buy more gas at a higher price becuase we are trying to reduce our dependance on foreign oil....I call BS! Anyone else?

Beamer_usa · 4th June 2006, 04:55

Well Connecticut has been doing the ethanol thing for a few years now, since MTBE was outlawed here 4-5 years back. To answer your question, I really have not noticed a negative effect

DrewKeen · 4th June 2006, 05:14

Ethanol does not have as much energy per gallon as gasoline does. It will decrease gas milage.

The upside is that is does have a higher knock resistance so if you could find a software programmer you could pick up some power by adding in some timing.

TCM · 4th June 2006, 05:45

Yes, the ethanol is killing my mileage as well. But not much we can do about it. This new plan looks like it is here to stay for awhile. At least we still have around 380bhp to work with I am assuming after the fuel change, haha.

Machtig · 4th June 2006, 06:36

Mine has not changed at all. If you're having problems, do some PM (preventive maintenance) and I will bet your problems will be over.

jclyman · 4th June 2006, 21:10

I would NOT use gas with over 10% ethanol ... actually, I wouldn't use it at all. I think BMW says the same thing ... 10% is OK, by BMW. But, they also state it will reduce your gas mileage and performance slightly.

Laidback · 4th June 2006, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by jclyman

I would NOT use gas with over 10% ethanol ... actually, I wouldn't use it at all. I think BMW says the same thing ... 10% is OK, by BMW. But, they also state it will reduce your gas mileage and performance slightly.

do 76 station have ethanol?

jclyman · 4th June 2006, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by laidbacknags

do 76 station have ethanol?

Not sure, but all stations are required to list if Ethanol (or the old MTFB ... or whatever it was called) is in the gas. A note will appear on all gas pumps that use additives in their gas.

While I will use 76 or Shell or Texaco, I prefer Chevron as it includes Techron (which BMW dealers sell over the counter), as does Texaco.

Laidback · 4th June 2006, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by jclyman

Not sure, but all stations are required to list if Ethanol (or the old MTFB ... or whatever it was called) is in the gas. A note will appear on all gas pumps that use additives in their gas.

While I will use 76 or Shell or Texaco, I prefer Chevron as it includes Techron (which BMW dealers sell over the counter), as does Texaco.

i was just surprise when i saw the ethanol badge on a 76 station (never really paid attention before about it)...i agree i prefer chevron gas if possible...

Lscman · 5th June 2006, 05:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewKeen

Ethanol does not have as much energy per gallon as gasoline does. It will decrease gas milage.

The upside is that is does have a higher knock resistance so if you could find a software programmer you could pick up some power by adding in some timing.

You make it sound as if oil companies are suddenly raising octane rating of their blended fuels. This is not happening.

If gas is rated 93 octane, it really does not matter much if it has lead, cerium and/or alcohol in it. The knock characteristics of fuels we buy will not change significantly with the elimination of MTBE. Octane is the only useful measure of knock resistance...read the pump.

Shakazulu12 · 5th June 2006, 05:36

Forgive me for not paying attention to anything..... But is this a nationwide change? I was trying ot figure out today why I got about 80 miles less on my latest tank than I normally get.