118d economy

[davej311]

I'm seriously close to getting one, I do about 3000 miles a month so economy matters, but so does having a car that puts a smile on your face. Just wondered if anyone can report their experiences with these, my drive to work is 98 miles (one way) on virtually all motorway or dual carriageway, cruising at 80.

I'm looking at the start/stop models & am astounded by the figures they give, just wondered what people's real experiences are.

Or should I get a bigger car for this kind of journey? I'm used to doing this journey in my Audi A3 if that helps.

Edited by davej311 on Tuesday 21st February 20:10

[edc]

I have, soon to be had, a 318 d M Sport. The computer will typically show a long term average of 47 - 50 mpg. My mileage was circa 2500 - 3000 miles a month mainly on M4/M3/A303 and 1 hour plus journeys. To be fair I never tried to be economical but if you do it would easily show 55 mpg+ if driven with a light foot at the NSL.

[tim0409]

No need for a bigger car - my 118d (with start stop) feels really solid and is ideal for motorway work. As far as fuel economy is concerned, you will probably average circa 50mpg (although if you are happy to sit at 65 in 6th you will do better) - I get 47mpg with a combination of back roads and motorway.

Are you thinking of buying used?

[edc]

I had an 07 A3 before the 318d. The BMW is a much better car for long journeys and high mileage. The longer wheel base gives a better ride and the can is more refined. The only thing I miss on the A3 is the auto lights and wipers. The primary controls are also much lighter on the A3 so in that regard it is an 'easier' car to drive.

[smashy]

ive never driven a 118d but the smile on your face MAY?? be more in a 120d and you will get 45+ on your journeys.Middle lane stuff in warm weather 55.

As with all diesels in town driving can bring mine down to late 20s early thirties .

[muppets_mate]

tim0409 said:

No need for a bigger car - my 118d (with start stop) feels really solid and is ideal for motorway work. As far as fuel economy is concerned, you will probably average circa 50mpg (although if you are happy to sit at 65 in 6th you will do better) - I get 47mpg with a combination of back roads and motorway.

Are you thinking of buying used?

This is a pretty good summary.

I’m driving a 118d SE at the moment. It's very competent but not really what you'd call exciting, but I'd say it’s probably better than a lot of the competition. It feels solid and secure on the motorway. Punchy out of roundabouts and overtakes, but not quick. Reasonably practical too.

Over 3,000 miles I'm averaging 50mpg on the on board computer. Little urban driving, mostly motorways, dual carriageways and free-flowing rural roads.

On runflats the ride is hard and jiggly which can make it a bit tiring. Currently running winter tyres and the ride has improved greatly, I imagine changing to non-runflats would have a similar improvement in ride comfort.

I would happily do big mileage in one.

Interesting point about the 120d. I don't know what the mpg penalty would be?

[davej311]

Thanks for that! Problem is I've recently had a bump (my fault) & then my A3 got stolen, so am looking at a pretty hefty insurance premium now for a 118 so was hoping maybe for better news on the economy front. Quite tempted by an Alfa 159 too, but not sure it's a good idea. Maybe another A3..

[RyanJ]

davej311 said:

I'm seriously close to getting one, I do about 3000 miles a month so economy matters, but so does having a car that puts a smile on your face. Just wondered if anyone can report their experiences with these, my drive to work is 98 miles (one way) on virtually all motorway or dual carriageway, cruising at 80.

I'm looking at the start/stop models & am astounded by the figures they give, just wondered what people's real experiences are.

Or should I get a bigger car for this kind of journey? I'm used to doing this journey in my Audi A3 if that helps.

Edited by davej311 on Tuesday 21st February 20:10

I have a 120d Coupe Sport Auto and i love it, especially as i live in London. Can easily get 40mpg on a long motor way run and i'm around 30mpg driving short distances around London.

It's a very comfortable ride for all types of journeys i find. I go to see my brother in Swansea a lot and never had an issue with it at all on the motorway. It's a car more suited to nipping around town, being easy to park though.

I have had 4 people in it with some luggage without much of a problem and personally think it's a really good looking car. It also has really good handling.