BMW 128i
21.5 MPG The 2013 BMW 128i is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (18.5 city / 28 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2008–2013 run it averages 21.7 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 28 | $3575 | 411 | 2 |
| 2012 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2011 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 28 | $3500 | 404 | 2 |
| 2010 | 22 MPG | 18 | 28 | $3500 | 404 | 2 |
| 2009 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 28 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2008 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 28 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the BMW 128i ranks 136 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Daytona (21.8), Ford Mustang Convertible (21.8), Pontiac Sunbird Convertible (21.8), Audi S5 (22), Audi S5 Cabriolet (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 411 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 128i get?
The 2013 BMW 128i is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.5 city and 28 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 21.7 MPG, ranging from 21 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 128i cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $3575.
Has the BMW 128i become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21.5 MPG today against 21.5 in 2008 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the BMW 128i efficient for its class?
It ranks 136 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 2.7 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.