320i,93,high r.p.m

[32i_guy]

Hi guys, please help.
Just purchased a 320i,1993,6 Cylinder with only 70k.
runs like a charm with great emission values.
need your help, when driving @ 120-140 k/hr, I noitced the r.p.m gauge running at 3.5-4 r.p.m. Is that o.k. or is there anything wrong and what could it be??
love the car, runs great, but......
help.
thanks

 

[epj3]

The RPM guage being that high is normal as long as you're in 5th gear since there is a higher ratio differential.

 

[32i_guy]

yes, when using the fifth gear @120 k/h the rpm is @ 3500, on my other car dodge stratus 98 2.4, 4 cylinder is only 2500.
why is that??/ somebody explain please, I am going nuts here, does this make sense????

 

[knightpitt]

It is all about gear ratios. There is nothing wrong with your car. Relax.

The BMW is closer ratio gears (or at least lower final drive ratio) than the Stratus. It's how the car was designed. It is for performance reasons. You'll get worse gas milage but have more fun doing it.

 

[epj3]

Worse gas mileage? 80mph, at about 3900rpm.... I get 28mpg. 75mph I get 30.

 

[knightpitt]

I was referring to the fact that typically a lower final drive ratio will give you worse fuel economy when coasting on the highway. e.g. the Stratus will probably get better gas milage on the highway

However, close ratio transmissions are much better for AutoX and other sorts of low-speed racing. Thus, they're more fun.