Tank Ledger

BMW 128i MPG by year — every rating on record

The BMW 128i has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 6 model years, from 2008 to 2013. Across those years its best rated version returned 22 mpg (2008) and its thirstiest returned 21 mpg (2008). The EPA record holds 12 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Subcompact Cars.

22best combined mpg (2008)
21worst combined mpg (2008)
22latest year best (2013)
12configurations on record

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Model yearConfigurationsBest combinedWorst combinedClass rank that yearDrivetrainsFuelEPA class
2008222 mpg21 mpg#23 of 59 (62th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2009222 mpg21 mpg#25 of 61 (60th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2010222 mpg22 mpg#31 of 63 (52th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2011222 mpg22 mpg#27 of 60 (56th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2012222 mpg21 mpg#25 of 62 (61th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars
2013222 mpg21 mpg#30 of 71 (59th pct)Rear-Wheel DrivePremiumSubcompact Cars

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The BMW 128i placed highest in 2008 at #23 of 59, and lowest in 2010 at #31 of 63. It spent 6 of its 6 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 12 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

YearConfigurationEngine detailCityHighwayCombinedGallons/yrBarrels/yrEPA fuel cost/yrCO2 g/miGHG
20133.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl182821547.614.2$3,7004145/10
20133.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl192822522.713.5$3,5004075/10
20123.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl182821547.614.2$3,700423.1904761904762n/a
20123.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl182722522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20113.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl192822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20113.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl182822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20103.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl182822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20103.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl182822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20093.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl182821547.614.2$3,700423.1904761904762n/a
20093.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl182822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a
20083.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Manual 6-spd Premium3.0L 6-cyl182821547.614.2$3,700423.1904761904762n/a
20083.0L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic (S6) Premium3.0L 6-cyl192822522.713.5$3,500403.95454545454544n/a

What 128i fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2013 BMW 128i burns 523 to 548 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

Pump priceMost efficientThirstiestSpread
$3.00/gal$1,568$1,643$75
$3.50/gal$1,830$1,917$87
$4.00/gal$2,091$2,190$100

EPA’s own estimate for the 2013 model year is $3,500 to $3,700 a year in fuel, or $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Subcompact Cars

Across the 461 nameplates EPA classifies as Subcompact Cars, the median best combined rating is 24 mpg. At 22 mpg the BMW 128i is 2 mpg below the median, which is worth about $152 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

Other BMW nameplates

Every BMW model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.