Against 241 other 4-cyl cars rated 1996–1998, the 318i sits right on their 24.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1991, the 1.9L 4-cyl (1996–1998), does 23.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1991–1995), 22.2: $110 a year apart.
Every BMW 318i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 20 / 29 | 1996–1998 | $1,620 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 19 / 27.6 | 1991–1995 | $1,730 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 33.7 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 29 mpg and the Honda Prelude 21.5 mpg, next to 24 mpg for the 1998 318i.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1998) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1996–1998 | +$52 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,313 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1998 BMW 318i gives up 9 mpg in town: 29 on the highway against 20 in the city, $596 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1998) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 29 mpg | $1,324 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (45%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 318i changed over the years
The 318i peaked in 1998 at 24 mpg (20 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 21 — 3 mpg apart, or $229 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1996 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1995 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1994 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1993 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1992 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1991 | 19 / 25 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 8 EPA ratings of the BMW 318i — 2 engines across 1991–1998. 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 $3,313. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1998 BMW 318i get?
24 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the 318i has averaged 22.8 mpg.
Is the 1998 318i more efficient than the 1997?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which 318i year has the best gas mileage?
The 1998, at 24 mpg combined (20 city, 29 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 318i get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 24 mpg for the 1998 318i against 33.7 for the 1999 Honda Civic, about $461 a year more to run.
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