BMW M3 Convertible
16 MPG The 2013 BMW M3 Convertible is EPA-rated at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 938 gallons, $3000 a year in fuel, or $0.200 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2013 run it averages 16.7 MPG, falling by 3.5 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 | $0.156 | $1563 | $2344 | $3125 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.188 | $1875 | $2813 | $3750 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.219 | $2188 | $3281 | $4375 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.281 | $2813 | $4219 | $5625 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.313 | $3125 | $4688 | $6250 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 563 | 2 |
| 2012 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2011 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2010 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2009 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2008 | 16 MPG | 13.5 | 19.5 | $4800 | 555 | 2 |
| 2006 | 16.5 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $4675 | 539 | 2 |
| 2005 | 16.5 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $4675 | 539 | 2 |
| 2004 | 16.5 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $4675 | 539 | 2 |
| 2003 | 16.5 MPG | 14 | 20.5 | $4675 | 539 | 2 |
| 2002 | 16 MPG | 14 | 20 | $4800 | 555 | 1 |
| 2001 | 17 MPG | 14 | 21 | $4550 | 523 | 1 |
| 1999 | 19 MPG | 16 | 23.5 | $3275 | 469 | 2 |
| 1998 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $3200 | 458 | 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 68 minicompact cars models tracked here, the BMW M3 Convertible ranks 62 on current figures, against a class average of 22.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Aston Martin DB11 V12 (17), Aston Martin DBS (17), Porsche 911 Turbo (17), Porsche 911 Carrera 4/2 (17.3), Jaguar XK Convertible (17.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 563 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW M3 Convertible get?
The 2013 BMW M3 Convertible is rated at 16 MPG combined by the EPA — 14 city and 20 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 16.7 MPG, ranging from 16 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW M3 Convertible cost in fuel per year?
At 16 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 938 gallons — roughly $3000 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.200 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2013 model is $4800.
Has the BMW M3 Convertible become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 19.5 MPG in 1998 to 16 in 2013. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the BMW M3 Convertible efficient for its class?
It ranks 62 of 68 in the Minicompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 22.6 MPG. That is 6.6 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.