Newbie

[JeZ3]

Hi

I recently bought a 1997 1.9 Z3 automatic, I'm really enjoying the car its a joy to drive.

I've had a look round the forum and there is a wealth of info, I'm sure will be useful.

My only gripe is I'm getting really poor mileage, the last 3 fill ups I've only managed 20 mpg, I've been driving sensibly too.

Its been on a diagnostic with no faults, it was serviced less than 2,000 miles ago although this was 3 years ago, I've not seen any leaks, is there anything else I should be looking for. The only other problem it doesn't like starting on frosty mornings.

Thanks

JeZ3

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello from Cornwall.

 

[t-tony]

I would check the induction hoses and housings, a split could cause unmetered air being introduced which will mean the OBC will give more fuel to compensate. Not forced to show up a fault code either.

Tony.

ps. You may want to visit the Introduce Yourself section and let us know who you are and where you are etc.

 

[BMBabe]

Hellloooo and a Big Welcome from Aylesbury

 

[Brian4]

I would check the induction hoses and housings, a split could cause unmetered air being introduced which will mean the OBC will give more fuel to compensate. Not forced to show up a fault code either.

Tony.

ps. You may want to visit the Introduce Yourself section and let us know who you are and where you are etc.

Agree with Tony check the intake hoses.

Not all code readers will read the BMW codes fully Lets us know where you are as there are quite a few here with BMW specific code readers and can always arrange to meet up.

Welcome and looking forward to warmer weather.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome to Zorg and the [USERGROUP=12]@M44 Massive[/USERGROUP]!

I'm sure one of the M44 owners will be along to give you some advice on your fuel consumption. Be nice to see some piccies.

Enjoy your stay here, Gary

 

[hard top]

Welcome to the forum from me too.
An auto will always drink a bit more than a manual.

 

[jonco]

from me too.
Those mpg are low - what driving conditions are they under?
I can get mid thirties on high speed driving and this drops to about 30 when there is a lot of stop start stuff. Presume your figures are based on tank full to tank full method and not an OBC indication.
As others have said start with air intake checks - diagnostic codes will not catch these. Presume you have checked basic service items - air intake filter etc - also brakes for any binding.

 

[POG]

Welcome from Portsmouth.

 

[JeZ3]

Hi,

I've just bought a 1.9 m44 Z3 loving the car.

I'm based in Milton Keynes looking forward to the sunshine.

JeZ3

 

[hard top]

Welcome on the forum JeZ3 any questions, just ask.

 

[JeZ3]

Thanks for all your replies, I've checked hoses and they all look good the previous owner had replaced a lot of them, brakes are not binding, mpg is checked against fuel log app and my own calculations. I've just been on short commute runs to work not had the chance for a good run yet.

I'll have another look at the air intake filter it didn't look dirty but I might just replace it anyway, I'll try and get some pictures up tomorrow.

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi,

I've just bought a 1.9 m44 Z3 loving the car.

I'm based in Milton Keynes looking forward to the sunshine.

JeZ3

Hi jeZ3. Welcome to the forum from New Jersey. Is Milton Keynes in the UK? Glad to have you with us. Got a "96 1.9 myself. Happy to see any pics of your car if you can. Its easy to post them. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask as there is always someone happy to answer them. Frankie

 

[BMBabe]

Whoop whoop someone near me yey I am in Aylesbury down road.

Iv posted a Z meet up on the 8th March in the Event section hope you can make it Everyone is sooooo friendly and we had a great laugh when i did my first meet up in Aylesbury in December

 

[GazHyde]

ps. You may want to visit the Introduce Yourself section and let us know who you are and where you are etc.

You been down the pub Tony? This is in the introduction section?

I've merged the two intro threads together to avoid any more confusion

 

[zedonist]

Hi Jez,

Serviced 3 years ago is your biggest clue, I would start with an oil and oil filter change, air filter change and a set of plugs. Even if you don't drive the car much I would change the oil at least twice a year.

When looking at the air filter remove the cover off the radiator there is a foam pipe that feeds the air box which can disintegrate.

When did you last have the transmission serviced, I am sure auto boxes have a filter?

As others have said check all rubber hoses linked to the induction and vacuum system for splits and I would remove them to check them.

Injector seals also shrink, and injectors can gum and leak.

If you still have problems consider changing the O2 sensor and cam sensor they do degrade over time, and don't show codes until they get bad and read out of tolerance, but they are used for engine timing and fuel air ratios.

All jobs are DIY.

Once you've done all that, the only thing left is your right foot.

Fantastic engines though if looked after.

Rich

 

[billz]

Welcome, if it is that bad and everything what the rest have said checks out ok then i would take it to a BMW indie who has the software so they can scrutinise it in more datail

 

[t-tony]

You been down the pub Tony? This is in the introduction section?

I've merged the two intro threads together to avoid any more confusion

I spotted that soon after reading it mate before I went out to darts but I thought, what the hell I might just get some extra info..

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

I have the same engine and over 1500 mi have averaged just over 40mpg with a manual. That's pretty much all hiway, little stop and go. You should be getting around 30mpg at this time of year and with the temps where you live. If you're snarled up in a lot of stop and go traffic daily don't worry about 20mpg. As has been said check your hoses carefully, those small cracks hide well.

You been down the pub Tony? This is in the introduction section?

I've merged the two intro threads together to avoid any more confusion

it's Monday darts isn't it Gaz?

 

[Shelly]

Welcome to the forum
Great place to be