poor se5 gas mileage

[SE5spyder]

I got 1600 miles, stock except f1 slider only drive city,Fl, don't drive hard and still only get 20 mpg... Just wondering what mpg with those with similiar se5 and driving conditions are getting (haven't done the recall as yet, think this might help?)

[smokster]

I got 1600 miles, stock except f1 slider only drive city,Fl, don't drive hard and still only get 20 mpg... Just wondering what mpg with those with similiar se5 and driving conditions are getting (haven't done the recall as yet, think this might help?)

You should get better than that. Put 30/20 (back/front) air pressure.
Try a different gas station as well. Use 87.

[Latemarch]

I got 1600 miles, stock except f1 slider only drive city,Fl, don't drive hard and still only get 20 mpg... Just wondering what mpg with those with similiar se5 and driving conditions are getting (haven't done the recall as yet, think this might help?)

The recall will probably help.
Agree with Smokester use 87 Octane. Premium gas will reduce your mileage.

[Tom in NM]

You should get better than that. Put 30/20 (back/front) air pressure.
Try a different gas station as well. Use 87.

. . . . . yes, I think you should get better mileage than that. I get around 32 to 35 in the city on my SE5 and I think that is very good. The upgrade has seemed to help quite a bit, but all the numbers are not in or "stable" yet.

BUT, I do something different on the tire pressures. The manual recommends:
Front (minimum) 13 PSI (maximum) 17 PSI. In non-summer months, I run 19 PSI and that is very firm for me. In summer, given the triple digit temps, I go to 14.

Back (minimum) 26 PSI (maximum) 30 PSI. I keep mine around 28 PSI year around.

I also have to drop my Jeep's tire pressure down ( I am usually at the maximum limit) in the summer or else I get an "Over Inflation" warning when I drive on hot days. Unlike Florida, I am also at a high altitude and I think that also effects it.

I wish I had more "data" on the heat effects and what you should run your tire pressure at, but maybe others in your geographical area can give you some of their experiences.

Keeping the tires firm will give you better mileage and longer lasting tires. The tradeoff is that the ride feels harder.

An unusual thing to look for is a gas leak. Check your gas lines and gas cap and make sure you are not losing gas there.

Tom

[Smylinacha]

I got 1600 miles, stock except f1 slider only drive city,Fl, don't drive hard and still only get 20 mpg... Just wondering what mpg with those with similiar se5 and driving conditions are getting (haven't done the recall as yet, think this might help?)

Run 93 and run the crap out of it.

[rnet]

I get 33mpg on 87 octane before update. Hav'nt checked since recall done.

[jrl.spyder]

I just turned 900 miles, and am averaging 33.5mpg on 87 octane regular. just had my initial service and software upgrade. I was getting about 2 mpg more, but did add the Corbin bags in last 200 miles...perhaps their modest weight will affect mpg...

[bone crusher]

. . . . . yes, I think you should get better mileage than that. I get around 32 to 35 in the city on my SE5 and I think that is very good. The upgrade has seemed to help quite a bit, but all the numbers are not in or "stable" yet.

BUT, I do something different on the tire pressures. The manual recommends:
Front (minimum) 13 PSI (maximum) 17 PSI. In non-summer months, I run 19 PSI and that is very firm for me. In summer, given the triple digit temps, I go to 14.

Back (minimum) 26 PSI (maximum) 30 PSI. I keep mine around 28 PSI year around.

I also have to drop my Jeep's tire pressure down ( I am usually at the maximum limit) in the summer or else I get an "Over Inflation" warning when I drive on hot days. Unlike Florida, I am also at a high altitude and I think that also effects it.

I wish I had more "data" on the heat effects and what you should run your tire pressure at, but maybe others in your geographical area can give you some of their experiences.

Keeping the tires firm will give you better mileage and longer lasting tires. The tradeoff is that the ride feels harder.

An unusual thing to look for is a gas leak. Check your gas lines and gas cap and make sure you are not losing gas there.

Tom

I used to go 20/30...but the ride was too hard...so now I'm at 18/28 and loving it...

[krb1945]

BP/Amoco 87 all the time and is getting 31.9 and she is a lead foot or is that lead hand? Front 18, rear 28. If it is too stiff a ride back off on the shock settings.

And we haven't had the software upgrade yet... that is scheduled for wednesday morning for both of them. The 08 SM5 really needs the upgrade because it gets real touchy when going in a straight line at speed for any distance. Kind of like a sticking then jerking to change direction of travel. But the 09 SE5 doesn't have this situation as of yet.

[smokster]

I got 1600 miles, stock except f1 slider only drive city,Fl, don't drive hard and still only get 20 mpg... Just wondering what mpg with those with similiar se5 and driving conditions are getting (haven't done the recall as yet, think this might help?)

Check and make sure your brakes are not rubbing. Feel the brake plate and ride around the neighborhood, they should not become hot. I had a problem some time back with my brake calipers sticking. They ended up replacing them due to uneven wear. My mileage was as bad as your at the time

[GaryTheBadger]

I have 3500 miles on my all-stock SE5 and am now getting 35MPH on regular grade.