Against 240 other 4-cyl cars rated 1997–1999, the 318ti sits right on their 24.7 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1995, the 1.9L 4-cyl (1996–1999), does 23.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.8L 4-cyl (1995), 23: $57 a year apart.
Every BMW 318ti 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 / 29.3 | 1996–1999 | $1,613 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 19 / 29 | 1995–1995 | $1,670 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1999) | $0.133 |
| Fuel per year | $1,600 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,000 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1997–1999 | +$45 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,020 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1999 BMW 318ti gives up 10 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 20 in the city, $640 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1999) | 20 mpg | $1,920 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 318ti changed over the years
The 318ti peaked in 1999 at 24 mpg (20 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1996 at 23 — 1 mpg apart, or $70 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1998 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1997 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1996 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 1995 | 19 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 5 EPA ratings of the BMW 318ti — 2 engines across 1995–1999. 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 $3,020. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1999 BMW 318ti get?
24 mpg combined, 20 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the 318ti has averaged 23.6 mpg.
Is the 1999 318ti more efficient than the 1998?
About the same: 24 against 24 mpg combined.
Which 318ti year has the best gas mileage?
The 1999, at 24 mpg combined (20 city, 30 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
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