BMW M3 MPG by year — every rating on record

The BMW M3 has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 22 model years, from 1989 to 2021. Across those years its best rated version returned 21 mpg (1996) and its thirstiest returned 16 mpg (2008). The EPA record holds 36 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Compact 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 M3 placed highest in 2003 at #21 of 28, and lowest in 2016 at #89 of 108. It spent 0 of its 22 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 36 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 3 of 7 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What M3 fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2021 BMW M3 burns 605 to 605 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 2021 model year is $4,100 to $4,100 a year in fuel, or $9,250 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 19 mpg the BMW M3 is 5 mpg below the median, which is worth about $441 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Subcompact 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.