Fuel Consumption XC60 D5 and D3

[volvorocks]

Regards fuel consumption it would be interesting to see and read how you guys (and gals) have "run in" the car from new.

Yes a new engine nowadays is sort of "run in" from the factory although after reading some people saying that "first 250 miles took it steady and got 32mpg" etc...running a new car at a constant speed may affect performance and fuel consumption later on.

Comments welcome peeps (say whether you have auto or manual!!)

[wimorrison]

The Volvo recommendation when I purchased my car was no more than 2000rpm for the first 1000 miles with variation in driving and engine speeds during this period - constant speed of engine or vehicle was specifically excluded.

I am currently showing 36.1 (indicated) after 22k miles

[stu0710]

I just drove normally from new. At 14K the mpg is still improving - just done a 250 mile roundtrip on the motorway at 70-80 mph plus some stop start through roadworks (aircon on 50% of the time) and its averaged 51.8mpg!

I'm happy enough with this!

[r-designbob]

Another one who drove it normally from the start. Currently showing 34.3 mpg, done 10135 miles

[dodgyblue]

my current avg fuel reading is 9.0l/100km - been like that since April. Mix of 80/20 city/country driving.

[DesertDog]

21.1 mpg equivalent (calculated from mileage/fill up volume).

For a 3 litre straight sex turbo petrol beastie, I reckon that's pretty good!

[Paul737]

I worked in sales for 4 years (VW then Audi) and during that time I'd get a new demo company car every 2-3 months. The chief mechanic swore that after 500 miles it was best to drive the car harder than normal, ie up to the redline, which would help the pistons bed in to the cylinders better (ie the cylinder is very fractionally expanded thus reducing friction which improves the perf.&econ). He claimed after 10,000 miles it was too late after that to make a difference. Just keep a close eye on oil levels as all new engines burn additional oil in the first 10,000 miles. This goes against your gut instinct after parting with so much money but I saw significant improvements in performance&economy in demo cars that were 'pushed harder' early on-won't do any harm as long as oil level doesn't drop too low. Hope that helps

[Tiger1057]

Originally Posted by Paul737

The chief mechanic swore that after 500 miles it was best to drive the car harder than normal, ie up to the redline, which would help the pistons bed in to the cylinders better (ie the cylinder is very fractionally expanded thus reducing friction which improves the perf.&econ)

And that, my Lord, is the conclusion of the defence case. lol
On a more serious note I have heard similar stories regarding the running in of engines.

[Teejay1]

........

[Teejay1]

I read in a few places that one should drive it hard from day one. It was mentioned about bedding the pistons in and getting the seals. The same article mentions that by 500 miles its already too late. It suggested that it needs to be done in the first 50 miles from new. I did and have seen no detrimental effects.

My best yet is 657 miles from 1 tank almost all motorway around 70-75 indicated. Work out to be 43.8mpg. Normal driving I get around 38-40. D3 drive 2010