Odometer not working on ix & gas mileage question

[AV325i]

I just bought an 1989 325ix with an automatic transmission and the odometer is not working. Any suggestions where to start troubleshooting? I tried searching on odometer, but I did not find anything. Maybe I am not doing the search right. I woud guess that this information would be already posted.

Also, I seem to be getting about 20 mpg according to the mileage indicator. even on the highway. Seems low to me, but I can't really check it until I get my odometer fixed. Are there any other ix automatic owners out there? What kind of mileage do you get?

Any suggestions for improving gas mileage on the ix?

[smcdermott326]

20MPG is my average as well. 5 spd 89 iX. Fully tuned up.

[supernaughtIX]

you could improve mileage with lower ratio diffs from a 5spd. you will have a real slug, but it will work and you should be able to go very fast at the top end.
Try a tune up too, valve adjustment, new plugs, new wires, dist/rotor, etc. Might get you a little higher. Average for IXes is 17-23

For searching, try searching outside of the IX forum too, there should be lots of info on it. Also try e30tech, you might find something there

[3liter6]

I just bought an 1989 325ix with an automatic transmission and the odometer is not working. Any suggestions where to start troubleshooting? I tried searching on odometer, but I did not find anything. Maybe I am not doing the search right. I woud guess that this information would be already posted.

Pretty common problem. Most likely case is that your odometer gears are stripped, you can get new ones from odometergears.com

[AV325i]

Thanks for all the info on gas mileage. Sounds like I am right in the averageat 20 mpg. I wish it was better mileage, but I like the performance (for an automatic).

I will try searching on the odometer. I hope I don't have to take off the dash!

[Chells_88ix]

My ix has a speedo that doesn't work, from what I have researched I have to pull the cluster and remove the speedo to check that the gears are ok or not. I did see a good write up on how to take it apart to check either on this site or in the DIY section on Bimmerforums.

[B-e30_e46]

My ix has a speedo that doesn't work, from what I have researched I have to pull the cluster and remove the speedo to check that the gears are ok or not. I did see a good write up on how to take it apart to check either on this site or in the DIY section on Bimmerforums.

Before you do that, go under the rear of the car (no need to jack it up even) and check the connection of the speed sensor wire/harness to the rear diff. That may fix your issue without you even having to pull, remove or replace any parts

good luck!
Brent

[BimmerScreamer]

I will straight trade my 3.91 diffs for your 4.10's, that will help out your mileage

pm me if interested

[nando]

my mixed city/freeway mileage on a stock automatic ix was 21mpg consistently. I got 26mpg on the freeway - if you are getting 20mpg on the freeway alone, you probably need a bit of a tune up.

most people will report poorer mileage than these cars are capable of because of limited maintenance. I'm getting 21-23mpg on the freeway with a thirsty 2.8 stroker and 4.10s so you should easily be able to match that stock..