Against 417 other V6 cars rated 2011–2013, the 328iC beats their 20.8 mpg average by 1.2 mpg, about $101 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 3L 6-cyl (2012–2013), does 22 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1996–1999), 20.8: $101 a year apart.
Every BMW 328iC engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.5 / 27.5 | 2012–2013 | $1,745 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 26.3 | 1996–1999 | $1,846 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Fiat 500 gets 33 mpg, the Mini Cooper Convertible 30 mpg and the Scion iQ 37 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2013 328iC. The 328iC costs the most of them to run: $707 a year more than the Scion iQ.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2013) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2011–2013 | −$101 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,392 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2013 BMW 328iC gives up 9 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 19 in the city, $650 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2013) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (47%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 328iC changed over the years
The 328iC peaked in 2013 at 22 mpg (19 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 20 — 2 mpg apart, or $175 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2012 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 1999 | 18 / 27 | 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 6 EPA ratings of the BMW 328iC — 2 engines across 1996–2013. 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 $3,392. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2013 BMW 328iC get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the 328iC has averaged 21.2 mpg.
Is the 2013 328iC more efficient than the 2012?
About the same: 22 against 22 mpg combined.
Which 328iC year has the best gas mileage?
The 2013, at 22 mpg combined (19 city, 28 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 328iC get better gas mileage than the Fiat 500?
No: 22 mpg for the 2013 328iC against 33 for the 2014 Fiat 500, about $581 a year more to run.
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