BMW 540i
27 MPG The 2021 BMW 540i is EPA-rated at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 556 gallons, $1778 a year in fuel, or $0.119 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1994–2021 run it averages 19.7 MPG, improving by 10 MPG over 14 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 | $0.093 | $926 | $1389 | $1852 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.111 | $1111 | $1667 | $2222 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.119 | $1185 | $1778 | $2370 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.130 | $1296 | $1944 | $2593 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.148 | $1481 | $2222 | $2963 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.185 | $1852 | $2778 | $3704 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27 MPG | 25 | 32 | $2850 | 322 | 1 |
| 2020 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $3100 | 350 | 1 |
| 2019 | 24 MPG | 21 | 29 | $3200 | 371 | 1 |
| 2018 | 24 MPG | 21 | 30 | $3200 | 367 | 1 |
| 2017 | 24 MPG | 20 | 30 | $3200 | 374 | 1 |
| 2003 | 17 MPG | 15 | 20.7 | $4550 | 524 | 3 |
| 2002 | 16.7 MPG | 14.7 | 20.7 | $4633 | 535 | 3 |
| 2001 | 16.7 MPG | 14.7 | 20.7 | $4633 | 535 | 3 |
| 2000 | 16.7 MPG | 14.7 | 20.7 | $4633 | 535 | 3 |
| 1999 | 16.7 MPG | 14.7 | 20.7 | $3750 | 535 | 3 |
| 1998 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $3675 | 525 | 2 |
| 1997 | 17 MPG | 15 | 22 | $4550 | 525 | 2 |
| 1995 | 17 MPG | 14 | 22.5 | $4550 | 525 | 2 |
| 1994 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 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 227 compact cars models tracked here, the BMW 540i ranks 68 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saturn SL (27.3), BMW 320i (27.5), Pontiac Lemans (27.7), Acura ILX (28), BMW 330i xDrive (28).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 322 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.8 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 540i get?
The 2021 BMW 540i is rated at 27 MPG combined by the EPA — 25 city and 32 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 19.7 MPG, ranging from 16 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 540i cost in fuel per year?
At 27 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 556 gallons — roughly $1778 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.119 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2021 model is $2850.
Has the BMW 540i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 17 MPG in 1994 to 27 in 2021 — an improvement of 10 MPG, or 59% across 14 model years.
Is the BMW 540i efficient for its class?
It ranks 68 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 0.4 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.