BMW Z4 sDrive28i
26 MPG The 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2016 run it averages 26.1 MPG, essentially flat across 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 | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32.5 | $2950 | 343 | 2 |
| 2015 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32.5 | $2950 | 343 | 2 |
| 2014 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32.5 | $2950 | 343 | 2 |
| 2013 | 26 MPG | 22 | 32.5 | $2950 | 343 | 2 |
| 2012 | 26.5 MPG | 22.5 | 33 | $2900 | 335 | 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 105 two seaters models tracked here, the BMW Z4 sDrive28i ranks 12 on current figures, against a class average of 21.3 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Civic CRX (27.7), Alfa Romeo 4C (28), BMW Z4 sDrive30i (28), Mazda MX-5 (29), Honda CR-Z (34.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 343 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW Z4 sDrive28i get?
The 2016 BMW Z4 sDrive28i is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 22 city and 32.5 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 26.1 MPG, ranging from 26 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW Z4 sDrive28i cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2016 model is $2950.
Has the BMW Z4 sDrive28i become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 26 MPG today against 26.5 in 2012 — essentially flat across 5 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the BMW Z4 sDrive28i efficient for its class?
It ranks 12 of 105 in the Two Seaters class on current figures, against a class average of 21.3 MPG. That is 4.7 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.