BMW 5 Series
16.6 MPG The 1988 BMW 5 Series is EPA-rated at 16.6 MPG combined (14.4 city / 20.2 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 904 gallons, $2892 a year in fuel, or $0.193 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1988 run it averages 18.4 MPG, falling by 2.4 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 | $0.151 | $1506 | $2259 | $3012 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.181 | $1807 | $2711 | $3614 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.193 | $1928 | $2892 | $3855 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.211 | $2108 | $3163 | $4217 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.241 | $2410 | $3614 | $4819 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.271 | $2711 | $4066 | $5422 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.301 | $3012 | $4518 | $6024 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 16.6 MPG | 14.4 | 20.2 | $4110 | 551 | 5 |
| 1987 | 17.8 MPG | 15.8 | 21.3 | $3550 | 506 | 4 |
| 1986 | 18.8 MPG | 16.8 | 22 | $3500 | 492 | 5 |
| 1985 | 19.6 MPG | 17.2 | 23 | $3350 | 472 | 5 |
| 1984 | 19 MPG | 16.5 | 23 | $3275 | 469 | 4 |
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 5 Series ranks 214 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Alfa Romeo 164 (17), Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 63 4matic Plus (17), Mercedes-Benz CL500 (17), BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Sedan (18), Jaguar X-Type (18).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 551 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 5 Series get?
The 1988 BMW 5 Series is rated at 16.6 MPG combined by the EPA — 14.4 city and 20.2 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 18.4 MPG, ranging from 12 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 5 Series cost in fuel per year?
At 16.6 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 904 gallons — roughly $2892 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.193 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1988 model is $4110.
Has the BMW 5 Series become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19 MPG in 1984 to 16.6 in 1988. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the BMW 5 Series efficient for its class?
It ranks 214 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 10.0 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.