330d MPG Issue - Millers Additive?

[mikey-r]

The wife's '02 330d Sport(70k) appears to be a bit juicy and is averaging 27MPG on her 20 miles daily commute (B roads). I have an '04 330d SE Touring and, over the same journey, average 33MPG. Not a great difference I admit but seeing as hers is the old 185BHP engine whereas mine's the newer 204BPH I presumed her's would be a shade more economical?

Her car's just been serviced (it has full BMW service history) and I'm just wondering if the injectors may be a little clogged? Would anyone recommend a course of 'additives' for the next few tanks of fuel - Millers maybe - or would I risk damaging the car? It's also still under Warranty.

Currently use Tesco fuel. Maybe a premium brand would be as beneficial?

Any ideas chaps?

Cheers.

[cptsideways]

Purely down to driving technique style I'd say. I bet she drives it like a petrol engine! Lots of revs & in always in 2 gears lower than she needs to be, I see it all the time.

Mate of mine just aquired a new Golf Tdi his first ever diesel, averaging mid 30's for the first month, then it was explained.... up to 50 odd now

[mikey-r]

Very good point. We had an 'issue' with my Impreza where the Mrs did half a tank in less that 80 miles whilst claiming she wasn't ragging it!

However, both our cars are Auto's which I think my lessen the chance of it being her diving style (wrong gears etc). What do you think?

[Gallen (BPH)]

when you're driving an auto for economy get up to speed... then back off the throttle.

It's amazing "how much" you can back off and stay at the constant speed.

Saves £££'s.

[cptsideways]

Does she go through brake pads more than you

[mikey-r]

I think I get what you're saying.;)

We're swapping cars for the rest of the week so hopefully we'll find out for sure if it's driving style or not.

Does anyone have any comments re: the additives? Are they any good or do you run the risk of damaging some internals (injectors etc)?

[sniff diesel]

At around 100k it can worthwhile getting the injectors refurbished to restor lost power and economy. Only cost me £150 for the set on my 325tds and an easy enough DIY job.

[Gallen (BPH)]

additives? ...don't waste your money!

[Methane Bloke]

We had an auto 02 330d and used to achieve similar MPG. It's predecessor M3 evo manual used to get about 18MPG on the same commute for a comparison. We then changed for a 54 plate 330d auto and the MPG improved slightly but not by a great deal. Both diesels were very low mileage AUCs so not knackered.

Regards

Chris

[mikey-r]

Well chaps, it's all in the wrist... oooppps, wrong subject - it's all in the ankle.

As CPT suggested, it's all down to driving technique. We swapped cars and the MPG stayed with the driver - I managed 34 whilst Mrs managed 27.

Looks like some tuition will be administered this weekend (or a slap?).

Thanks for the feedback, especially with regard to injector refurbs. I didn't think they were that reasonable to get done. Both our cars are 'keepers' so I'll definately be getting them done when we get nearer to the magic 100k.