Originally Posted by Wagner

For the Bimmer comparisons, I'd expect that from a I4 making under 150hp, not a 3.5 V6 making over 250hp

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I don't see why a modern day 330i can't achieve over 30 miles to the gallon On average, I can achieve 20% better than what the EPA says. Or I just look at the combined cycle for the EU.

Originally Posted by weasel56

Only 325's were referenced. I6 w/mods. Mine has dinan chip, full exhaust w/long tube headers, etc. and should be about 230ish at the crank. And I drive it with my foot pretty far down its throat. When I drive really conservatively on the highway, I get 33 - 34 mpg easy at abou 70 -75mph.

But how does that CVT transmission feel, I haven't had a chance to drive a car with it yet... just a couple 4-wheelers that have it. And I really like it on the quads.

Originally Posted by JCL

Pretty good.

I have broken 30 mpg US, 37 mpg Imperial, with the 535i. That is with steady highway cruising in the mountains, two people plus luggage, 92 pump octane, and not taking any particular advantage of the 300+ hp. I think both figures are good for reasonably sized, performance-oriented vehicles (but I get to shift a real transmission, lol)

And people think they need diesels. Bring on twin turbos, direct injection, and intelligent design, and it matters a whole lot less whether the engine is using the Otto cycle or the compression-ignition cycle.

edit: fixed typo