Fuel Saving Gadget..

moonrakerz

Many modern cars have them already - it's called a trip computer.

AdrianHi

vikingaero wrote: »

BMWs had these as standard on most models up until the last E36 models. In those days we used to joke about keeping the needle using as fuel as possible. How we laugh now........

BMW continue to fit these and I doubt they will stop. Certainly on all the mainstream new BMW models today, I have one on my new shape 320d (E91).

AdrianHi

loofer wrote: »

I think the new BMW 1 Series (Efficient Dynamics range) has an optimum shift indicator.. don't know if it's effectively the same thing.

It's not quite the same thing, instantaneous mpg meter is still fitted to the car.
The optimum shift indicator follows the same programming that the automatic gearbox uses for gear changing. According to official EU tests the difference between a manual 1/3/5 series is barely any different to the new electric automatic gearboxes, combine that with near flawless gear changing decisions (at least with respect to fuel saving) and most people will see better fuel consumption out of the automatics now so long as you avoid the lowest power output engines. The auto box is not free of course, circa £1500 option.