For comparison purposes. I have a 07 plate 335d without the efficient
dynamics and have averaged 45 mpg on a long run to Wales and back down the
M4, but normal average for shorter runs down A roads it is about 37 mpg or
above.  How does that compare with the new models?  Personally I'm very
happy with the fuel economy as it has the performance and happily eats up
the miles without effort.

Graham

Hi
Thanks for your reply.
I my opinion, you will not get anywhere near the mpg figures quoted by BMW
for their Efficient Dynamics" engines. The differences between the quoted
figures of the new models and the actual results drivers are getting are
much bigger than models previous to Efficient Dynamics. All I say is beware.
I've had my current 06/56 330d (197g CO2) auto for 2 months now and am
getting very nearly the same mpg of the 06/55 320d (153g CO2) manual I had
before, and the two before that, one an E46 (148g CO2). None are Efficient
Dynamics models.
I think that the Efficient Dynamics program is part of a plan by BMW to
maintain their level of sales, 70% of BMW's business is company cars, and to
maintain the level of sales since company cars ( and drivers) are taxed
according to CO2 figures as well now, they have had to find ways to reduce
the fuel consumption of their cars. One of the ways was to introduce the
stop start technology which other manufacturers toyed with in the eighties.
But in the UK, drivers do not use their handbrakes at junctions or traffic
lights, they hold the car stationary using the footbrake instead. I once
calculated that in the UK alone, this wastes megawatts of energy daily just
from the illumination of the brake lights.
Also, the brake energy regeneration is meant to only charge the battery if
it is low, or on the overrun, that is when the car is in motion but not
under power from the engine.
Imagine in winter in a major city in rush hour gridlock, drivers have their
lights on, air con running to keep the screens clear, CD playing, if it is
raining then wipers on, car not moving. A large electrical demand on the
vehicle's electrics, but no supply from the alternator because either the
engine is not running to save fuel. Every time the car moves, then more
demand from the battery to start the engine.
A vehicle does a better mpg if the battery is fully charged.

BMW does make fabulous engines, don't get me wrong, and their cars are fine
to drive compared to the competition, but they were better before the
introduction of Efficient Dynamics and run flats.I just wish I had the
choice of not having electric steering and having a proper space to carry a
spare tyre.

By the way, I got a new tyre 'all inclusive' for £140.41p ,  £84 cheaper
than the dealer wanted for exactly the same tyre in the pics in the above
posting.

Try the 330d. You might be surprised. Better mpg than the petrol, much more
torque, and lower CO2 too.

Best regards

David Skelton