Against 438 other V6 cars rated 2010–2012, the 328Ci sits right on their 20.4 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2000, the 3L 6-cyl (2007–2012), does 21.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (2000), 21: $68 a year apart.
Every BMW 328Ci engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.2 / 27.7 | 2007–2012 | $1,761 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 18 / 26 | 2000–2000 | $1,829 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2012) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2010–2012 | −$53 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,543 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 BMW 328Ci gives up 8 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 18 in the city, $656 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2012) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (44%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 328Ci changed over the years
The 328Ci peaked in 2011 at 22 mpg (18 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2012 at 21 — 1 mpg apart, or $84 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2012 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2008 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2007 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 7 EPA ratings of the BMW 328Ci — 2 engines across 2000–2012. 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 $3,543. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 BMW 328Ci get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2000 the 328Ci has averaged 21.7 mpg.
Is the 2012 328Ci more efficient than the 2011?
No: 21 against 22 mpg combined, about $84 a year more to run.
Which 328Ci year has the best gas mileage?
The 2011, at 22 mpg combined (18 city, 28 highway).
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