BMW 318ti
23.5 MPG The 1999 BMW 318ti is EPA-rated at 23.5 MPG combined (20 city / 29.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 638 gallons, $2043 a year in fuel, or $0.136 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1995–1999 run it averages 23.1 MPG, improving by 1.5 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 | $0.106 | $1064 | $1596 | $2128 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.128 | $1277 | $1915 | $2553 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.136 | $1362 | $2043 | $2723 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.149 | $1489 | $2234 | $2979 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.170 | $1702 | $2553 | $3404 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.191 | $1915 | $2872 | $3830 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.213 | $2128 | $3191 | $4255 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 29.5 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
| 1998 | 23.5 MPG | 20 | 28.5 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
| 1997 | 23.3 MPG | 20 | 28.8 | $3313 | 382 | 4 |
| 1996 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $3350 | 386 | 2 |
| 1995 | 22 MPG | 18.5 | 27.5 | $3500 | 405 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the BMW 318ti ranks 122 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Acura TSX (23.7), Chevrolet Beretta (23.7), Toyota Camry Solara (23.7), Acura TLX AWD (24), Acura TLX AWD A-SPEC (24).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 378 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 318ti get?
The 1999 BMW 318ti is rated at 23.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 20 city and 29.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 23.1 MPG, ranging from 21 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 318ti cost in fuel per year?
At 23.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 638 gallons — roughly $2043 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.136 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1999 model is $2650.
Has the BMW 318ti become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 1995 to 23.5 in 1999 — an improvement of 1.5 MPG, or 7% across 5 model years.
Is the BMW 318ti efficient for its class?
It ranks 122 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 3.1 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.