Against 430 other V6 cars rated 2015–2017, the 535i sits right on their 21.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 3L 6-cyl (2008–2017), does 22.6 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.4L 6-cyl (1989–1993), 16.4: $642 a year apart.
Every BMW 535i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 19.3 / 28.7 | 2008–2017 | $1,699 | |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 14.6 / 20 | 1989–1993 | $2,341 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Camry gets 32.9 mpg, the Honda Accord 34 mpg and the Toyota Prius 56 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2017 535i. The 535i costs the most of them to run: $1,059 a year more than the Toyota Prius.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2017) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2015–2017 | −$16 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,547 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2017 BMW 535i gives up 8 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 19 in the city, $599 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2017) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (42%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 535i changed over the years
The 535i peaked in 2015 at 24 mpg (20 city, 30 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 16 — 8 mpg apart, or $800 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2017 car does 22.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 19 / 27 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2016 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2015 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2014 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2013 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2012 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2011 | 20 / 30 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2010 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2009 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2008 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1990 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 | |
| 1989 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 15 EPA ratings of the BMW 535i — 2 engines across 1989–2017. 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 $3,547. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2017 BMW 535i get?
22 mpg combined, 19 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the 535i has averaged 20.5 mpg.
Is the 2017 535i more efficient than the 2016?
No: 22 against 23 mpg combined, about $75 a year more to run.
Which 535i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 24 mpg combined (20 city, 30 highway).
Does the 535i get better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry?
No: 22 mpg for the 2017 535i against 32.9 for the 2018 Toyota Camry, about $578 a year more to run.
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