Piss Poor MPG, Strong Idle, Smell of Gas

[rwh11385]

Alright, time for crime solvers, E30 style and help me figure out why my car is getting 16mpg!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't get it.

There is a faint smell of gas sometimes, and poor gas mileage, but the idle is strong and the needle doesn't not wander at all.

Is my car running rich? (Bently makes me believe so).

[nando]

perhaps you have a fuel leak? check the fuel rail and FPR.

you have injectors and an AFM, what was your mileage before? Mine is the same/slightly better, but I only have injectors.

[rwh11385]

my mpg took a step for the better when I did the injectors, afm. but has now gotten worse.

from average right at 19/20 even when thrashin it, to now 16/17 is the best i can get

[Blaster.]

im pretty sure that your O2 sensor is shot.

[rwh11385]

im pretty sure that your O2 sensor is shot.

i was leaning towards that as well. I wanted someone else to suggest it as well.

they're like under $90 from eap4parts, so I'm going to get it.

I'm pretty sure I'm running rich, but my AFM was tuned back correctly, and I know it's probably been a while since it's been replaced.

edit: yeah, it's probably that, I just ordered one for less than $80 shipped. :) (beats dealer pricing which is not in stock for $140)

[M-technik-3]

Do a bosch Mustang one skip the $80.00 overpriced BMW same part.

Edit I forgot to mention when was the last time you looked at you plugs, wires and distributer wheel and ignition block? Check these first... as you don't have to wank to O2 out of it's bung.

[Jand3rson]

But even if you are running rich, and the o2 sensor is shot, how does that explain the gas smell?

My last E30's o2 was dead from the get-go, and I never had a gas smell. I would check your injectors, and fuel lines.

[rwh11385]

Do a bosch Mustang one skip the $80.00 overpriced BMW same part.

Edit I forgot to mention when was the last time you looked at you plugs, wires and distributer wheel and ignition block? Check these first... as you don't have to wank to O2 out of it's bung.

Already ordered, oops.

Plugs, distributor replaced in March. Wires were good then, I could check.

Josh, the smell is rare and real faint, and hasn't occurred in a while, but sometimes I do notice while idling. (Parked with it on for a while)

[Mike P.]

AFM

A similar problem on mine led to a faulty AFM. It eventually got to the point where it wouldn't run.

I'd have a fuel pressure test done and have any codes read and go from there.