Against 417 other V6 cars rated 2011–2013, the 135i beats their 20.8 mpg average by 2.2 mpg, about $176 a year.
Every BMW 135i engine, compared
The BMW 135i was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 19 / 26.7 | 2008–2013 | $1,770 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 38.5 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 31.7 mpg and the Volkswagen Beetle 27.3 mpg, next to 23 mpg for the 2013 135i. The 135i costs the most of them to run: $673 a year more than the Honda Civic.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2013) | $0.139 |
| Fuel per year | $1,670 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,350 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2011–2013 | −$176 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,567 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2013 BMW 135i gives up 8 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 20 in the city, $549 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2013) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (40%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 135i changed over the years
The 135i peaked in 2013 at 23 mpg (20 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2010 at 20 — 3 mpg apart, or $250 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2011: 20 to 23 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2012 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 28 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the BMW 135i — 1 engine across 2008–2013. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,567. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2013 BMW 135i get?
23 mpg combined, 20 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2008 the 135i has averaged 21.7 mpg.
Is the 2013 135i more efficient than the 2012?
About the same: 23 against 23 mpg combined.
Which 135i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2013, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 28 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 135i get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 23 mpg for the 2013 135i against 38.5 for the 2014 Honda Civic, about $673 a year more to run.
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