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Astronomy
2003 BMW 330i (E46 model), ULEV, with 225hp, 215lb/ft of torque at 3500rpm, faux wood trim, 8-way power 2-way manual seats, lumbar support for the front seats, Harmon Kardon audio system, 5-speed manual transmission, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires and other things as well. 21mpg/city, 30mpg/highway (EPA estimates). I routinely get 30+ mpg on the highway.
30mpg @ 90mph on the highway is routine. Peak torque is at 3500rpm, so staying within the powerband in 5th gear is pretty easy. Driving a bit more conservatively can result in 33mpg.
UPDATE: I recently ( 2008-03-06 ) hit 100,000 miles in my 330i:
Additionally, this morning (2008-03-17) I averaged 34.3 mpg on my 35 mile commute to the office. Speed-wise I averaged 67mph. This is with cruise control set at 75mph.
UPDATE: Recently (2009-02-something) hit interesting mileage:
UPDATE: 2009-11-13: We're now at a cool 151,000 miles. The 330i is running great with 235/45YR17 Yokohama YK520 tires, which supposedly will last 50,000 miles. So far the rear drivers side tire blew on the highway and I had to make use of the 330i's full-size spare tire... which was nearly flat. A quick trip to a local tire shop had things fixed up and two new tires in the rear, a new spare tire (225/45), and a four wheel alignment. Everything's great now and our trusted mechanic sees no problems with the car lasting another 150,000 miles.
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