Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the 228 beats their 26.3 mpg average by 4.7 mpg, about $221 a year.
Every BMW 228 engine, compared
The BMW 228 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 26.5 / 38.5 | 2025–2026 | $1,259 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.103 |
| Fuel per year | $1,239 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,195 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$221 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,525 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 BMW 228 gives up 12 mpg in town: 39 on the highway against 27 in the city, $437 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 39 mpg | $985 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +12 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 228 changed over the years
The 228 peaked in 2026 at 31 mpg (27 city, 39 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2025 at 30 — 1 mpg apart, or $41 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 27 / 39 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2025 | 26 / 38 | 1 | $1,280 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 2 EPA ratings of the BMW 228 — 1 engine across 2025–2026. 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 $2,525. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 BMW 228 get?
31 mpg combined, 27 city and 39 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2025 the 228 has averaged 30.5 mpg.
Is the 2026 228 more efficient than the 2025?
Yes: 31 against 30 mpg combined, about $41 a year less to run.
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