X5D Challenge (NJ to Chicago)

[300hp]

So I am pretty confident I can make this trip on a single tank and maybe 2 to 3 ticks of another tank but one tank should get me there or pretty close. The trip is 770 miles. I plan to drive at or a little above the speed limit all the way. So I guess I am suggesting about 30mpg.

I just clocked the X5D for 470 miles of 60% city/40% highway on a single tank.

Any suggestions of how I can prove I have done this (if it can be done). Of course I could cheat but I wanted to have a sure way of proving that I have done it.

The trip is over the July 4th holiday. Wish me luck

[blue dragon]

You can also hypermile if you are willing to draft behind the semis.....

[RllyDrvrIX]

Everytrail or Speedtracker apps can show speed over time graphics. Everytrail is more map-related and free.

Have a look!

[Draper]

Originally Posted by 300hp

Any suggestions of how I can prove I have done this (if it can be done). Of course I could cheat but I wanted to have a sure way of proving that I have done it.

An old school way would be to snap a pic showing your odometer and fuel level every hour or so.

[300hp]

Thanks guys. I think the BMW remote app should work since it shows a lot of information. If I add any more fuel to the tank it should be easy to pick up that inconsistency. You can also calculate mpg.

[joe_planet]

Best way is to slow down, my commute is about an hour each way and last tank I got 24 mpg and 550 miles probably driving around 70-75. If I go 80-85 I'll lose an mpg or two. If you're trying to get 770 out of the tank you better drive 50 lol.

[P1]

Sounds like a fun challenge. Fill your tank up to the neck, make sure tires are inflated properly, turn off the A/C and keep windows rolled up. Toss out all excess weight. And keep the speed low along with drafting off semis.

[300hp]

I can't multi quote using my phone which sucks

I am not trying to achieve the best mpg by employing some of the methods listed above. I am just trying to see what the truck is capable of with normal driving.

I will have my wife and 2 kids, both still in car seats and luggage for the entire week we are there. Air con will stay on and I will drive at or just above the speed limit.

We should be on our way late tomorrow night. Any suggestions of places to see/eat in ohio, Chicago and neighboring States are welcome

[300hp]

Day 1 of the challenge has begun. I went to fill her up about 10 miles from home. I reset the OBC at the gas station and drove on average at about 45mph maybe there were two to four stops along the way. OBC reads 30.1mpg. Not representative of the trip but encouraging to some extent. So here are some pics of how everything is set up before the trip. I plan to take same pics after every 100 miles or so.

[joe_planet]

Whats with the CEL?

[300hp]

Originally Posted by joe_planet

Whats with the CEL?

The car was off and I hit the start button once. It's just the CEL that turns on when you do that.

[300hp]

Half way there

I am doing about 70 mph and right now I am averaging 29mpg. The last screen shot shows the truck is projecting 30mpg for the 7 gallons that remain, not bad

[300hp]

I had a bit of fun in Ohio and it messed up my MPG. Speed limit here is 70 mph so I was going into the 80s.

Need to take a breather enjoying nature

[joe_planet]

Looking good! Make sure you have your gun when driving through chicago...

[300hp]

Originally Posted by joe_planet

Looking good! Make sure you have your gun when driving through chicago...

lol thanks. I plan on visiting Michigan too so this could turn out to be a bit adventurous

[300hp]

Here is where I am now. 28 mpg but this was due to The excitement of finally leaving Pennsylvania (300 miles long ) into a 70 mph speed limit Ohio turnpike. It took a toll on mileage from 29 to 28. I will stick to 70 mph for the last tank. I should be able to do 600 miles on this tank and I will call it a day. 28mpg is good enough, no need for a hybrid, lol

[P1]

Very nice!

[300hp]

Ok here are the final results. I have the pics from when I started the trip and the pics from when I arrived at the gas station to fill her up. I just added 21.78 gallons at 3.92 per gallon

I believe the trip computer was saying 28.3 mpg. I calculated 608 miles over 21.78 gallons for a nice round number of 28mpg. Speed was around 70 mph the whole way. For about 100 miles I was doing over 80 in Ohio.

Interestingly the last 150 miles only used up 4.8 gallons which works out to 32mpg.

Very impressed by this performance, 28mpg for a 5000 lb truck is epic

[joe_planet]

That is a great story and impressive fuel economy numbers as well! Glad you made it ok and didnt get shot

[300hp]

Originally Posted by joe_planet

That is a great story and impressive fuel economy numbers as well! Glad you made it ok and didnt get shot

Thanks man, can't say the same about the bugs we killed along the way.

[W84IT]

Very impressive!!! I might consider buying a diesel next time!

[DCxBimmer]

Great job! Awesome thread.