Fuel oil
The engines were rated to produce for a top speed of . On trials, "Cöln" reached and a top speed of , while "Dresden" made and . Coal storage was as designed, though up to could be carried. Fuel oil was initially , and could be similarly increased to . At a cruising speed of , "Cöln" could steam for approximately , while "Dresden" could steam for at the same speed. At a higher speed of , the range fell considerably, to .