Is it normal for BMW's instantaneous fuel consumption to display 99?
3 Answers
It is normal for BMW's instantaneous fuel consumption to display 99. High instantaneous fuel consumption does not indicate high average fuel consumption. Taking the 2021 BMW 525 as an example, it belongs to the mid-to-large-sized car category with body dimensions of: length 5106mm, width 1868mm, height 1500mm, a wheelbase of 3105mm, a fuel tank capacity of 68 liters, and a curb weight of 1705kg. The 2021 BMW 525 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing a maximum horsepower of 184PS, maximum power of 135kW, and maximum torque of 290Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've been driving a BMW for several years. At first, I was really startled when the instantaneous fuel consumption jumped to 99, thinking there was a major problem with the car! Later, I asked an experienced driver friend, and he said this is usually a normal phenomenon because BMW's instantaneous fuel consumption display has an upper limit design, capped at 99L/100km to prevent the screen numbers from fluctuating wildly. For example, when you stomp on the accelerator to accelerate or climb a steep hill, the car needs to inject a lot of fuel, and the computer directly marks it as 99 to indicate the maximum value, but the actual fuel consumption might be even higher. It's fine as long as the number drops after you ease off the accelerator. From my own experience, it's normal for this to happen occasionally while driving, but if it stays at 99 while idling or cruising, then you might need to check the fuel pressure sensor or computer module for possible faults. Overall, don't worry too much; in most cases, just operate safely, and if there's an issue, go to the 4S shop to read the data for confirmation.
As a car enthusiast, I believe the BMW's instantaneous fuel consumption display showing 99 is a normal design in most cases. Many vehicle systems set the fuel consumption upper limit at 99L/100km to simplify the interface and avoid complex calculations. When you accelerate sharply or carry heavy loads, the fuel consumption spikes, and the system directly jumps to 99 to indicate the peak value, which aligns with physical principles. However, if it continuously displays without change, it might indicate a sensor malfunction or circuit failure. I've tested similar situations with an OBD scanner—if the actual data remains stable, there's no issue. I recommend owners observe their driving patterns: smooth driving reduces fuel consumption, and if abnormalities occur, check the instrument feedback. BMW engines are precise, and regular maintenance can prevent such minor issues, ensuring smooth driving.
