BMW 535i MPG by year — every rating on record

The BMW 535i has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 14 model years, from 1989 to 2016. Across those years its best rated version returned 24 mpg (2011) and its thirstiest returned 15 mpg (1989). The EPA record holds 27 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Midsize Cars.

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The BMW 535i placed highest in 2011 at #29 of 71, and lowest in 2016 at #75 of 112. It spent 1 of its 14 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 27 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 5 of 8 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What 535i fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2016 BMW 535i burns 500 to 500 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.

EPA’s own estimate for the 2016 model year is $3,350 to $3,350 a year in fuel, or $5,500 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Midsize Cars

Across the 483 nameplates EPA classifies as Midsize Cars, the median best combined rating is 25 mpg. At 23 mpg the BMW 535i is 2 mpg below the median, which is worth about $140 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Midsize Cars rankings — every nameplate in the class, best to worst.

Other BMW nameplates

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