BMW 318i Convertible
22.7 MPG The 1997 BMW 318i Convertible is EPA-rated at 22.7 MPG combined (19.7 city / 28.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 661 gallons, $2115 a year in fuel, or $0.141 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1992–1997 run it averages 21.6 MPG, improving by 2.7 MPG over 5 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 | $0.110 | $1101 | $1652 | $2203 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.132 | $1322 | $1982 | $2643 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.141 | $1410 | $2115 | $2819 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.154 | $1542 | $2313 | $3084 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.176 | $1762 | $2643 | $3524 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.198 | $1982 | $2974 | $3965 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.220 | $2203 | $3304 | $4405 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 22.7 MPG | 19.7 | 28.3 | $3400 | 392 | 3 |
| 1996 | 22.5 MPG | 19.5 | 28.5 | $3425 | 395 | 2 |
| 1995 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1994 | 21.5 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 1992 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
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 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the BMW 318i Convertible ranks 16 on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Volkswagen Cabriolet (23), Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible (23), Subaru BRZ (23.5), Audi TT Coupe (25), MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 392 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 318i Convertible get?
The 1997 BMW 318i Convertible is rated at 22.7 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.7 city and 28.3 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 21.6 MPG, ranging from 20 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 318i Convertible cost in fuel per year?
At 22.7 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 661 gallons — roughly $2115 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.141 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $3400.
Has the BMW 318i Convertible become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 1992 to 22.7 in 1997 — an improvement of 2.7 MPG, or 14% across 5 model years.
Is the BMW 318i Convertible efficient for its class?
It ranks 16 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.5 MPG. That is 0.2 better 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.