Against 441 other 4-cyl cars rated 2014–2016, the 328i sits right on their 27.4 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 2L 4-cyl (2012–2016), does 26.8 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1996–2000), 20.8: $413 a year apart.
Every BMW 328i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23 / 34 | 2012–2016 | $1,433 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 27.5 | 2007–2012 | $1,770 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 26 | 1996–2000 | $1,846 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 34 mpg, the Ford Focus 32.5 mpg and the Nissan Versa 34 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2016 328i. The 328i costs the most of them to run: $293 a year more than the Toyota Corolla.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2016) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2014–2016 | +$21 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,328 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 BMW 328i gives up 12 mpg in town: 35 on the highway against 23 in the city, $573 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2016) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 35 mpg | $1,097 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +12 mpg (52%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 328i changed over the years
The 328i peaked in 2016 at 27 mpg (23 city, 35 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 20 — 7 mpg apart, or $498 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 23 / 35 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2015 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2014 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2013 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2012 | 20 / 29.5 | 2 | $1,634 | |
| 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 | |
| 1999 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1996 | 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 16 EPA ratings of the BMW 328i — 3 engines across 1996–2016. 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 $3,328. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 BMW 328i get?
27 mpg combined, 23 city and 35 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the 328i has averaged 23 mpg.
Is the 2016 328i more efficient than the 2015?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which 328i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 35 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 328i get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 27 mpg for the 2016 328i against 34 for the 2017 Toyota Corolla, about $293 a year more to run.
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