Against 441 other 4-cyl cars rated 2014–2016, the 528i sits right on their 27.4 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1997, the 2L 4-cyl (2012–2016), does 26.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1997–2000), 20.8: $402 a year apart.
Every BMW 528i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 23.2 / 33.4 | 2012–2016 | $1,444 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 18.8 / 28.3 | 2008–2011 | $1,722 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17.8 / 26 | 1997–2000 | $1,846 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 30.8 mpg, the Honda Accord 32.5 mpg and the Toyota Prius 52.5 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2016 528i. The 528i costs the most of them to run: $691 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| 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 | $3,208 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2016 BMW 528i gives up 11 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 23 in the city, $541 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 | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +11 mpg (48%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 528i changed over the years
The 528i peaked in 2016 at 27 mpg (23 city, 34 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. The biggest single-year change came in 2011: 22 to 25 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2015 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2014 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2013 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2012 | 23 / 34 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2011 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2010 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2008 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1999 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1997 | 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 13 EPA ratings of the BMW 528i — 3 engines across 1997–2016. 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 $3,208. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2016 BMW 528i get?
27 mpg combined, 23 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1997 the 528i has averaged 23.5 mpg.
Is the 2016 528i more efficient than the 2015?
Yes: 27 against 26 mpg combined, about $55 a year less to run.
Which 528i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 34 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 528i get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 27 mpg for the 2016 528i against 30.8 for the 2017 Toyota Camry, about $175 a year more to run.
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