MPG by Model

MakesBMW3 Series

BMW 3 Series MPG

Its best-rated version reaches 36 MPG combined in 2014–2015 and 2017–2018, the diesel 328d. Its weakest year peaked at 18 MPG (1989–1990).

BMW 3 Series: best and lowest EPA combined MPG of its versions, model years 1984–202610152025303540MPG1989199620012012202519841990199520002005201020152020202636 MPG peakBMW 3 Series: best and lowest EPA combined MPG by model year10152025303540MPG1984198619881990199219941996199820002002200420062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
lowest to best versionbest versionbest version is a hybridmedian of its classengine list turned over
483.9 gal

a year at 15,000 miles for the best 2026 version, the 330i Sedan. Put it next to its 1984 predecessor, at your own mileage.

Compare in gallons

The BMW 3 Series has EPA ratings for 43 model years, 1984–2026, most often among compact cars. Its best version had the highest combined rating among small station wagons in 2014, and it placed in its class top five in 13 model years. In 2014 the Volkswagen Jetta came next among 13 small station wagons. In 2011 the most efficient version of the 3 Series still placed second from the bottom of 20 small station wagons, where the Infiniti EX35 rated lowest.

No nameplate on this site has a longer run of rated years; 11 others match the 3 Series. Its first diesel version arrived in 2009, when 3 of 179 cars offered one.

Among 16 compact cars, 2026

The 3 Series placed fifth (tied). The class leader was the Toyota Corolla at 50 MPG. The next higher rating, 32 MPG, belongs to the MINI Cooper.

Best EPA combined MPG of each of the 16 compact cars rated for 202615202530354045503 Series 31median 30CorollaBest EPA combined MPG of each of the 16 compact cars rated for 202615202530354045503 Series 31median 30

The 3 Series, five years at a time

Average rating of its best version per span, placed in the class it sat in most often.

1984–8841st of 57subcompact cars
1989–9338th of 53subcompact cars
1994–9823rd of 43compact cars
1999–0330th of 46compact cars
2004–0828th of 35compact cars
2009–1318th of 41compact cars
2014–18ninth of 52compact cars
2019–2314th of 34compact cars
2024–26fifth of 14compact cars

Where the engine list turned over

  • 1989

    Dropped: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. Best rating 20 → 18 MPG.

  • 1996

    New: 1.9-liter 4-cylinder, 2.8-liter 6-cylinder. Best rating 23 → 23 MPG.

  • 2001

    New: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. Best rating 21 → 21 MPG.

  • 2012

    New: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Best rating 27 → 27 MPG.

  • 2025

    New: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid, 3.0-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 29 → 31 MPG.

  • 2026

    New: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder hybrid. Best rating 31 → 31 MPG.

Powertrains under the name

  • Gasoline

    Rated in 1984–2024.

  • Diesel

    Rated in 2009–2011 and 2014–2018.

  • Hybrid

    Rated in 2013–2015 and 2022–2026.

  • Plug-in hybrid

    Rated in 2016–2018 and 2021–2024.

All 43 model years, best and lowest version
Model yearsBest versionCombinedCity / hwyLowest versionVersions
2025–2026330i Sedan hybrid3128 / 35294
2023–2024330i Sedan2925 / 34266
2022330i Sedan3026 / 36256
2021330i3026 / 36254
2020330i3026 / 36282
2019330i3026 / 36235
2017–2018328d diesel3631 / 432317
2016328d diesel3531 / 422317
2014–2015328d diesel3631 / 432317
2013320i2825 / 351928
2012328i2723 / 341924
2011335d diesel2723 / 351929
2009–2010335d diesel2723 / 361925
2008328ci2219 / 281924
2007328ci2218 / 282022
2006325ci2118 / 281919
2005325i2219 / 281924
2004325ci2219 / 281927
2003330ci2218 / 271922
2002330ci2218 / 271820
2001325ci2118 / 271820
2000323ci2118 / 261814
1999318ti2420 / 302014
1998318i/318is2420 / 291912
1997318i/318is2420 / 291915
1996318i Convertible2320 / 292010
1994–1995318i/318is2319 / 292010
1993318i/318is2219 / 28185
1992318i/318iS2219 / 27186
1991318is2119 / 251514
1990325i Convertible1817 / 23186
1989325i Convertible1817 / 22186
19883 Series2018 / 26187
19873 Series2119 / 26184
19863 Series2119 / 26202
19853 Series2321 / 26214
19843 Series2421 / 27208

Version names in the EPA list: 3 Series, 318i, 318i Convertible, 318i/318iS, 318i/318is, 318is, 318is Convertible, 318ti, 320i, 320i xDrive, 323ci, 323i, 323i Convertible, 323i Touring, 323is, 325ci, 325ci Convertible, 325i, 325i Convertible, 325i Sport Wagon, 325i/325iS, 325i/325is, 325ic, 325is, 325ix, 325xi, 325xi Sport Wagon, 328ci, 328ci Convertible, 328ci xDrive, 328cxi, 328d, 328d xDrive, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 328i, 328i Convertible, 328i Coupe, 328i Coupe xDrive, 328i Sport Wagon, 328i Sport Wagon xDrive.

Same class, 2026

Toyota Corolla50 MPGBMW 2 Series31 MPGBMW 4 Series30 MPGFerrari Purosangue12 MPG

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