Against 391 other V6 cars rated 2000–2002, the Z3 beats their 18.7 mpg average by 2.3 mpg, about $224 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1996, the 1.9L 4-cyl (1996–1998), does 23.7 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.8L 6-cyl (1997–1998), 19.5: $349 a year apart.
Every BMW Z3 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 20 / 29 | 1996–1998 | $1,620 | |
| 3L 6-cyl | 19 / 26 | 2001–2002 | $1,829 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 17 / 25 | 1999–2000 | $1,920 | |
| 2.8L 6-cyl | 17 / 24.5 | 1997–1998 | $1,969 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Mazda MX-5 gets 23 mpg, the Nissan 350Z 20 mpg and the Porsche Boxster 20.3 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2002 Z3.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2002) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2000–2002 | −$224 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,394 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2002 BMW Z3 gives up 7 mpg in town: 26 on the highway against 19 in the city, $544 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2002) | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (37%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Z3 changed over the years
The Z3 peaked in 1996 at 23 mpg (20 city, 29 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2000 at 20 — 3 mpg apart, or $250 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2002 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 19 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2000 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1998 | 18.5 / 26.5 | 2 | $1,786 | |
| 1997 | 18.5 / 27 | 2 | $1,745 | |
| 1996 | 20 / 29 | 1 | $1,670 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the BMW Z3 — 4 engines across 1996–2002. 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 $3,394. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2002 BMW Z3 get?
21 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1996 the Z3 has averaged 21.3 mpg.
Is the 2002 Z3 more efficient than the 2001?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which Z3 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1996, at 23 mpg combined (20 city, 29 highway).
Does the Z3 get better gas mileage than the Mazda MX-5?
No: 21 mpg for the 2002 Z3 against 23 for the 2003 Mazda MX-5, about $159 a year more to run.
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