Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - European Road Trip- New Pics added 19/09/11!

EcoModder.com (https://ecomodder.com/forum/)

- EcoModding Central (https://ecomodder.com/forum/ecomodding-central.html)

- - European Road Trip- New Pics added 19/09/11! (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/european-road-trip-new-pics-added-19-09-a-18709.html)

European Road Trip- New Pics added 19/09/11!

Epic European Endeavour!

Before becomming an avid "Ecomodder", I was always a petrol head, and had a love for driving adventure..

I currently run annual Scottish driving trips for BMW enthusiasts, providing Guided tours of my fine Country (possibly looking to broaden horisons to offer tours to many types of folks).

I've also got prior form for driving on the continent..

7500 miles in 13 days to Gibralter and Back, in a 1300cc Ford Ka

7000 Miles in 14 days to Kiev and back in the Mistress (Bmw 320i touring)

and a rather debauched "Stag Do" trip that involved Glasgow to Stockholm in 36hrs, via Dover..

So, anyways, My long suffering Lady has heard many tales from these travels, but has never experienced the joys of driving on the right..

Says I- "Time to remedy that, methinks" And so was born this stupid roadtrip idea..

Next Thursday, We'll be taking this:

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...t/102_0566.jpg

on a 2600 mile, 8 day, 7 country roadtrip! 4 cars , and 7 people in total.

As is my Wont, I'm taking the Lowest powered car, with the fewest modifications:o

The other cars going are:

BMW e36 318Ti Compact (1.9 16v engine, lightest car by 200kg, plus coil over suspension)

BMW e36 325i Coupe (2.5 24v engine, 190bhp (vs my 136!), plus coil over suspension)

BMW e36 328i Coupe (2.8 24v engine, 210bhp (vs my 136!), Fast road Discs/Pads (EBC redstuff) plus coil over suspension)

The Route

Starting from Glasgow we'll work down towards Dover, before catching a ferry to France. We'll stop for Lunch in Luxembourg, then an overnight rest in Strasbourg

From there its a run to the Swiss Alps, for some of these..

Sustenpass
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...sustenpass.jpg

Furka Pass
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...witchbacks.jpg

Grimsel Pass
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...witzerland.jpg

and a visit to this in the Furka pass

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...matt-ch069.jpg

Before a well earned rest in Lucerne.

Day 5 brings a run to Liechtenstein before a drive past Munich to Karlsruhe for the 5* stop:thumbup:

Last stop in Germany is an overnight at a certain racetrack town.. Can anyone guess where?

here's a hint..

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/..._karussell.jpg

Fuel Economy

Currently the iS is averaging 40.4 UK MPG (33.6 US)..

We'll be running between 65-80 MPH on the Motorways/autoroutes/autobahns, using a P&G (engine on) technique. THe Pulse section will use 5th gear at a registered 15-20mpg on instant MPG meter

Additionally, DFCO and Engine Braking will be used where appropriate

Vehicle will be running with Myself and Girlfriend, plus 30kg tools and 30-40kg Luggage

Fuel tank will be filled when stopping for fuel (I may "Top up" once I reach 1/4 tank left)

The Passes will be driven in a "Spirited" manner- lots of 1,2,3 gear use, and possibly up to 6000rpm.

We'll do a maximum of 4 laps of the 'ring, probably running as fast as we dare.

I'll be keeping a fuel log, charting distances and fuel used from the start-point (tank filled and trip reset to 0)

:turtle:Guess My MPG and Win a Prize:turtle:

As the techniques and tips from this site have saved me so much ££ running this car so far, I feel it's time I give something back..

so, everyone is allowed 1 (one) guess as to what my overall MPG for the trip will be.

The member closest to the actual figure will have a donation made to Ecomodder in their name, and will recieve an Ecomodder sticker for their car:thumbup::D

* Please quote your estimate in Imperial AND US mpg, to 2 decimal places*
e.g. I guess 40.40 MPG imperial 33.60 US

In the event of a tie, I'll up the donation to get two stickers:eek:

The route

Click to see the basic route..

Bothwell, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, UK to Bothwell, Glasgow, South Lanarkshire, UK - Google Maps

Here's to Amazing scenery, stunning roads and Low low low MPG!:turtle::D

My guess is 20.45 MPG us. Dont burn your licence there while having fun ;).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vekke (Post 259370)

My guess is 20.45 MPG us. Dont burn your licence there while having fun ;).

Cheers! We'll be well behaved most of the time, honest:D

you reckon 24.55 UK mpg?I hope not or my fuel costs will be crazy!:thumbup:

I go for 35 MPG imp,

And a small side wager that you won't brake 11 mins on the "lap" :D

And that if you do and the GF goes with you there may be some screaming. ;)

What the heck, I'll give it a shot.... 35.72 UK mpg / 29.75 US mpg

Sounds and looks like that's gonna be a fun trip! I hope you have a great time and please be safe.

If you want to keep up with the fast boys, it's gonna cost ya.

25.76 mpg US

Have fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arragonis (Post 259384)

I go for 35 MPG imp,

And a small side wager that you won't brake 11 mins on the "lap" :D

And that if you do and the GF goes with you there may be some screaming. ;)

24.19US MPG…

I’ll take that bet, but I’ll need to work out how to time it..It’ll need to be Bridge to Gantry, as It’s a touristfahren (sp?)

The Burd has been in a car with me sideways on sheet ice, on a road that turned out to be closed (sign was only put out at one end) as I showed her how a 3.5 will kick out at idle in 4th if you play the clutch right..

And she’s driven at a couple of trackdays- actually bloody good and smooth-she’ll have a shot on the ‘Ring too..:thumbup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMY02CREW (Post 259387)

What the heck, I'll give it a shot.... 35.72 UK mpg / 29.75 US mpg

Sounds and looks like that's gonna be a fun trip! I hope you have a great time and please be safe.

Cheers for your guess- so far I think you’ve guessed highest- I hope you’re right for my wallet’s sake:D

We’ll take it at sensible pace!

Quote:

Originally Posted by euromodder (Post 259389)

If you want to keep up with the fast boys, it's gonna cost ya.

25.76 mpg US

Have fun.

30.93UK MPG? Decent Guess!

I’ve always had the slowest car on the Scottish Trips..But I’m not the slowest driver-conservation of momentum is your friend;)

My bro has never driven abroad,

Dom is a FWD Hero, and new to RWD- He’s not too confident in the twisties

Gareth Has followed me round Scotland the last 3 years, so has the skills- however this time, his 3.5litre e30 has been replaced with his girlfriend’s e36 1.9, and that’s a steep learning curve!

Slight update..

I expect the trip to be more comfortable now that I've traced the front knocking noise to 2 Rubber engine mounts that had failed:eek:

One replaced, other on order and will be fitted prior to departure:D

It may not affect MPG, but having the engine actually secured may be a bonus:rolleyes:

2nd Engine Mount fitted- we're good to go!

Roll up, Roll up! Place your bets now!

26.82 MPG US
32.21 MPG IMP

Have fun and be safe !

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigaR007 (Post 259846)

26.82 MPG US
32.21 MPG IMP

Have fun and be safe !

Excellent, Cheers for your guess-I'd be pleased with it being about that!

We'll take care-only 1 day to go:D

Just awake on 2nd day, 365 miles covered so far.

The bird(girlfriend) drove yesterday,and we still have just under 1/2 tank left:)

Only 160 or so miles to do today. I've got the easy shift

First tank done..

Topped up for the run to the ferry-looking promising!:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arragonis (Post 260262)

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/in...h=146919;image

Also I am envious... ;)

I promise to put up some tomorrow!

Just arrived in strasbourg.. the constant 80mph on the autoroute probably hasnt helped MPG..

And tomorrow may be worse due to Alpine funtimes:p:eek:

We're back!

Pics and fuelling updates to follow!

I've put everything bar the last tank in the Fuel log-final tank will be updated once I've filled the car.

It was epic:thumbup::eek:

Here’s the MPG for the 2614miles we covered..

Start Mileage 122625

End Mileage 125239

Total Miles Travelled 2614

Total Fuel Used 310.18 Litres, 68.23 Gallon (Imp),82.06 Gallon (US) or 4.92 tanks

UK MPG= 38.31MPG
US MPG= 31.85MPG

So the winner is LUVMY02CREW!:thumbup:

Well done fella- Drop me a PM and I’ll get arrangements made to have the stickers sent over, and donation made in your name.

Tank by Tank Breakdown

Tank 1
530.9 using 51.19L giving 47.15imp mpg.
This was the Trip down to Hastings to meet up with the other attendees- a new car record tank!

Tank 2
306.7 using 38.28L giving 36.42imp mpg
An early morning dash to the Ferry-lots of B-road blasting, and some practice at high speed convoying to get the brothers upto speed.

Tank 3
140.8 using 19.18L giving 33.37imp mpg
A 90mph dash down the Autoroutes to Strasbourg for bed! lots of queuing for Peages etc.

Tank 4
264.2 using 34.47L giving 34.84imp MPG
A loop down through Switzerland- Taking in fast (80mph) motorways and also one Alpine Pass.

Tank 5
304.6 using 41.02L giving 33.76imp mpg
This tank had more Alpine Passes (lots of 2nd Gear for 3 miles at 6000rpm!)

Tank 6
209.6 using 31.27L giving 30.47imp mpg
This tank had the Nurburgring, and some derestricted autobahn…enough said!

Tank 7
331 using 42.14L giving 35.71mpg
The final Continental Tank- lots of autoroute/Brussels ring road traffic/idling at the port etc. Tyres at 35psi after the ‘ring

Tank 8
525.1 using 52.67L giving 45.32imp mpg
Back to the UK, and a similar approach to first tank..but with 35psi tyres.

Good numbers considering the conditions. :thumbup:

Congrats to LUVMY02CREW !

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/.../100_1877s.jpg

Pagoda merc - lovely. What was your track time ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 320touring (Post 261531)

So the winner is LUVMY02CREW!:thumbup:

Well done fella- Drop me a PM and I’ll get arrangements made to have the stickers sent over, and donation made in your name.

:D:):p:cool::thumbup::eek: and any others that might be appropriate!!!

WHOOOOOHOOOO for me! Awesome way to start my weekend with a WIN! Now...what lottery ticket numbers to pick:p

Thanks so much for posting up info about your trip. Looks like some absolutely beautiful countryside ya'll travelled through. PM on the way.

Nice numbers;). Did the others calculate their fuel consumtion figures?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUVMY02CREW (Post 261568)

I've just PM'd Darin regarding getting this done for you- I copied you in so you can track the progress of it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vekke (Post 261673)

Nice numbers;). Did the others calculate their fuel consumtion figures?

The fellow with the 2.5 (325i) did track his consumption

29.42 imp mpg for 1540.3 miles

Motorway average 31.4

Alps average 23.4

'Ring tank 24.7

And one tank at 110-140mph on the Autobahn giving 28.1mpg

Total fuel used 237.92L 51.92 imp Gal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arragonis (Post 261559)

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/.../100_1877s.jpg

Pagoda merc - lovely. What was your track time ?

It was stunning

No 'ring time as such due to me

a-not wanting to muller the car
b-obaying speedlimits for the roadworks that were out!
c- Letting the Burd have the 2nd lap (lucky I did as the track was closed after that)

What a fantastic trip! Stunning scenery. Decent mileage too :D

What's the story of that Porsche sculpture minus its front end?

Thanks for the contest & I will send decals to Luvmy02crew ... when they arrive. (We're having some problems with our decal suppliers - not sure how long this will take to resolve).

Darin

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG (Post 261899)

Simple answer- I dunno! Karlsruhe is in the same Region as Stuttgart (Porsche HQ) but the sculpture appears to have been made using a mould of a car..as if one has been crashed and then this imprint of it taken- its most curious!

Also, I've papped the donation off so all good!

Cheers