MPG Needle...What's the point?

bmq · 02-21-2006, 07:34 PM

The evil geniuses of Bavaria are trying to simplify the dash, but left this gauge in. What is the point of having this there? Anyone actually use it? Is anything other than an interesting statistic? Does it affect your style of driving if you know what the mpg is at any given point? Am I missing something?

3aficionado · 02-21-2006, 07:38 PM

IMO, I think engine temp is a better gauge for that spot. I don't care about MPG while driving, but if the engine is too cold or too hot it does affect my driving habits. Leave the MPG for the on board computer and give us the necessary gauges up front.

deutsch100 · 02-21-2006, 07:38 PM

I honestly use the mpg needle, every day. My 2000 SL500 had it also, and it keeps me in check when I see I am getting 12mpg (my enviornmental conscience kicks in). I would rather honestly have a temp gauge like my M3 had...now that's a very useful gauge.

kobechrome · 02-21-2006, 07:39 PM

It's just there to piss you off whenever you step on the gas and see the needle swing aaaallll the way to 12 mpg

BenMW · 02-21-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kobechrome

It's just there to piss you off whenever you step on the gas and see the needle swing aaaallll the way to 12 mpg

Agreed

AW330i · 02-21-2006, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kobechrome

It's just there to piss you off whenever you step on the gas and see the needle swing aaaallll the way to 12 mpg

yeah its bmw's way of telling you to take it easy on the accelerator, while it is so much fun to punch it the damn car starts reminding you how expensive gas is! LOL

c5driver951 · 02-21-2006, 08:19 PM

My M-cars had oil temp gauges. Now that was useful information knowing what the life blood of the car was doing...

I'd like to have Oil Press and Temp gauges. If I was that worried about the gas mileage I would've bought something with less than 6 cylinders, no 6-MT, and no sport package.

GoBonesGo · 02-21-2006, 08:20 PM

It's useless. Have you noticed that when you come to a complete stop that is maxes out at 50+ MPG? If the engine's running and I'm not moving, how exactly does that work?

SteveMD · 02-21-2006, 08:20 PM

I thought it was just a BMW quirk - a bit of eccentric Bavarian character. Every 3 series I've ever seen has had one. Some other models too.

3aficionado · 02-21-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c5driver951

If I was that worried about the gas mileage I would've bought something with less than 6 cylinders, no 6-MT, and no sport package.

Well said

dom1 · 02-21-2006, 08:25 PM

If memory serves me, I remember old BMW always having the MPG needle. I thought it looked really cool as a kid and always wanted to have a car with it. Now that I'm older, I don't remember why I wanted it so much (although I don't mind it). Now I wish I had a car with a temperature gauge because it looks really useful...

e90rocks · 02-21-2006, 08:31 PM

I'd also rather have a temp gauge. Heck, I'd rather have a rolling compass, a barometer or an attitude indicator...(In case I flied my car)

(how about a radar detector? Now that would be cool.)

Since it's there, I actually can't keep from watching the mpg needle, perhaps because I'm trying to see what kind of effect my M mode driving style is having. While it whacks me for pulling G's, it also rewards me for using cruising...maybe I'm being changed into an environmentalist against my will....Yeah, that's it.

db17k · 02-21-2006, 08:35 PM

i hate that needle, it makes me so self conscious of how i'm driving.

matt19hsc · 02-21-2006, 08:43 PM

i wonder how accurate it actually is.

rossmelvin · 02-21-2006, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dom1

If memory serves me, I remember old BMW always having the MPG needle. I thought it looked really cool as a kid and always wanted to have a car with it. Now that I'm older, I don't remember why I wanted it so much (although I don't mind it). Now I wish I had a car with a temperature gauge because it looks really useful...

i was/am the same way

lux.sh · 02-21-2006, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deutsch100

I honestly use the mpg needle, every day. My 2000 SL500 had it also, and it keeps me in check when I see I am getting 12mpg (my enviornmental conscience kicks in). I would rather honestly have a temp gauge like my M3 had...now that's a very useful gauge.

Exactly. I use it everyday, and it really helps my driving habit to cool down a little.

I think it was BMW's tactics to create more safe driving environment, while trying to get the bmw owners to get good mileage so they can get credit for it.

I like it being there though. Its kind of cool. When I am extremely bored, I use it as "boost gauge"(aka throttle gauge in this subject). Smash the pedal, there goes the needle. all the way to 12psi from 50psi.

tctic · 02-21-2006, 09:19 PM

That gauge is a BMW tradition at least in the 3 series. They will not take it out. If I were to choose between a oil temp gauge or this, I'd still rather have this. I look at it everytime I drive and especially when cruising on highway. It's interesting to observe how it flucuates as you go.

Oz · 02-21-2006, 09:23 PM

I like using the MPG gauge to control my driving habits..The TEMP gauge hasn't been really useful with others cars for me because I never pay attention. I think most people warm up their cars when its very cold so It's not an issue IMO

Nikki · 02-21-2006, 09:25 PM

If it is correct, then I think it is useful to me so I don't waste as much gas.

docbolo · 02-21-2006, 09:27 PM

IMHO, the MPG meter is more about HERITAGE than fuel economy...

e90fanatic · 02-21-2006, 09:42 PM

yea...i agree...the mpg gauge is bmw's tradition...

vladinecko · 02-21-2006, 09:48 PM

and it looks cool going the opposite direction of the RPM needle when you accelerate...

other than that though, yeah, pretty much useless. bring the temp gauge back!

02-21-2006, 07:34 PM	#1
bmq Chief of the boat 10 Rep 38 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	MPG Needle...What's the point? The evil geniuses of Bavaria are trying to simplify the dash, but left this gauge in. What is the point of having this there? Anyone actually use it? Is anything other than an interesting statistic? Does it affect your style of driving if you know what the mpg is at any given point? Am I missing something? __________________ 330i/SG/Black Leather/Burl/Step/Premium/Nav/CA/Sirius/HO 30 Tint/V1 Hardwire
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02-21-2006, 07:38 PM	#2
3aficionado Captain 17 Rep 710 Posts Drives: 02 M3/RRover Super Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List My girl's 2004 Merc ... [0.00] 2006 Range Rover Su ... [0.00] 2002 M3 [0.00]	IMO, I think engine temp is a better gauge for that spot. I don't care about MPG while driving, but if the engine is too cold or too hot it does affect my driving habits. Leave the MPG for the on board computer and give us the necessary gauges up front.
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02-21-2006, 07:38 PM	#3
deutsch100 Colonel 3897 Rep 2,369 Posts Drives: i7 60, XM, M3 Comp, 911 GTS Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Calabasas, CA iTrader: (0)	I honestly use the mpg needle, every day. My 2000 SL500 had it also, and it keeps me in check when I see I am getting 12mpg (my enviornmental conscience kicks in). I would rather honestly have a temp gauge like my M3 had...now that's a very useful gauge.
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02-21-2006, 07:39 PM	#4
kobechrome Captain 38 Rep 699 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335xi Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 335xi Sport [0.00] 2013 Lexus RX 350 [0.00] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	It's just there to piss you off whenever you step on the gas and see the needle swing aaaallll the way to 12 mpg __________________
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02-21-2006, 08:19 PM	#7
c5driver951 Major, no really 0 Rep 43 Posts Drives: '06 330i Blk/Blk Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Dover, DE iTrader: (0)	My M-cars had oil temp gauges. Now that was useful information knowing what the life blood of the car was doing... I'd like to have Oil Press and Temp gauges. If I was that worried about the gas mileage I would've bought something with less than 6 cylinders, no 6-MT, and no sport package. __________________ Joel Wahlsten My other car isn't...
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02-21-2006, 08:20 PM	#8
GoBonesGo What do you do when you see a spaceman? 10 Rep 236 Posts Drives: SG/Terra E90 335i Step Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: La Quinta, CA iTrader: (0)	It's useless. Have you noticed that when you come to a complete stop that is maxes out at 50+ MPG? If the engine's running and I'm not moving, how exactly does that work?
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02-21-2006, 08:20 PM	#9
SteveMD Colonel 193 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 2016 F10 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! iTrader: (3)	I thought it was just a BMW quirk - a bit of eccentric Bavarian character. Every 3 series I've ever seen has had one. Some other models too. __________________ 2006 E90 330i (retired) 2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport
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02-21-2006, 08:25 PM	#11
dom1 Private First Class 10 Rep 163 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Methuen, MA iTrader: (0)	If memory serves me, I remember old BMW always having the MPG needle. I thought it looked really cool as a kid and always wanted to have a car with it. Now that I'm older, I don't remember why I wanted it so much (although I don't mind it). Now I wish I had a car with a temperature gauge because it looks really useful... __________________ 2006 330xi MB, Terra, Burl Walnut, Auto, PP, Nav, Heated Seats, SP w/18in 2002 Acura MDX - wife's ride 2000 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 - wife's SUV retired after 120K miles and lots of problems 1994 Pontiac Sunbird 4 cyl. - retired after 170K miles
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02-21-2006, 08:31 PM	#12
e90rocks Myrmidon 17 Rep 236 Posts Drives: Entwicklung 90 - 325 Xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325 xi [0.00]	mpg I'd also rather have a temp gauge. Heck, I'd rather have a rolling compass, a barometer or an attitude indicator...(In case I flied my car) (how about a radar detector? Now that would be cool.) Since it's there, I actually can't keep from watching the mpg needle, perhaps because I'm trying to see what kind of effect my M mode driving style is having. While it whacks me for pulling G's, it also rewards me for using cruising...maybe I'm being changed into an environmentalist against my will....Yeah, that's it.
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02-21-2006, 08:35 PM	#13
db17k Chicketeh china the chinese chicken, you have? 34 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 335ci hold out Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 S2000 [0.00]	i hate that needle, it makes me so self conscious of how i'm driving. __________________ "In Soviet Russia car forks you!"
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02-21-2006, 08:43 PM	#14
matt19hsc New Member 2 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2006 MB/B 325i & 2006 X3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charlotte iTrader: (0)	i wonder how accurate it actually is.
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02-21-2006, 09:19 PM	#17
tctic Major 38 Rep 1,238 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	That gauge is a BMW tradition at least in the 3 series. They will not take it out. If I were to choose between a oil temp gauge or this, I'd still rather have this. I look at it everytime I drive and especially when cruising on highway. It's interesting to observe how it flucuates as you go.
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02-21-2006, 09:23 PM	#18
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I like using the MPG gauge to control my driving habits..The TEMP gauge hasn't been really useful with others cars for me because I never pay attention. I think most people warm up their cars when its very cold so It's not an issue IMO __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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02-21-2006, 09:25 PM	#19
Nikki Major General 985 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	If it is correct, then I think it is useful to me so I don't waste as much gas. __________________ Nikki
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02-21-2006, 09:27 PM	#20
docbolo BMW worshiper 23 Rep 258 Posts Drives: M3/alpine/manual/prem/19" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA, USA iTrader: (1)	IMHO, the MPG meter is more about HERITAGE than fuel economy...
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02-21-2006, 09:42 PM	#21
e90fanatic Absolute0 165 Rep 5,079 Posts Drives: Has a Roundel Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: TO/HK/NJ iTrader: (6)	yea...i agree...the mpg gauge is bmw's tradition... __________________ To procede or not to procede......
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02-21-2006, 09:48 PM	#22
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	and it looks cool going the opposite direction of the RPM needle when you accelerate... other than that though, yeah, pretty much useless. bring the temp gauge back! __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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