Against 438 other V6 cars rated 2010–2012, the 328iS sits right on their 20.4 mpg average.
Every BMW 328iS 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 / 26.7 | 2007–2012 | $1,829 | |
| 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 Honda Civic gets 37.2 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 30.3 mpg and the Volkswagen Beetle 26.8 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2012 328iS. The 328iS costs the most of them to run: $797 a year more than the Honda Civic.
| 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 | $3,525 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2012 BMW 328iS 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 328iS changed over the years
The 328iS peaked in 2012 at 21 mpg (18 city, 26 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1998 at 20 — 1 mpg apart, or $91 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2011 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2007 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 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 10 EPA ratings of the BMW 328iS — 2 engines across 1996–2012. 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 $3,525. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2012 BMW 328iS get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the 328iS has averaged 20.9 mpg.
Is the 2012 328iS more efficient than the 2011?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which 328iS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2012, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 26 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 328iS get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 21 mpg for the 2012 328iS against 37.2 for the 2013 Honda Civic, about $797 a year more to run.
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