BMW 5-Series Gas Mileage

While the BMW 5-Series might not come to mind when gas mileage is a prime consideration, a look at the numbers can be an eye-opener. Over the years, the six-cylinder equipped 5-Series’ peak highway mile per gallon (MPG) ratings have hovered in the high twenties to low thirties. It’s about to get better …

The 2012 BMW 528i demonstrates that fuel efficiency and sporting performance needn’t be mutually exclusive. The 2012 528i includes a host of fuel-efficiency technology, including Auto Stop/Start, Brake Energy Regeneration, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamic air flap control, eight-speed automatic transmission, and an ECO PRO mode. When compared to the 2011 model, the 2012 delivers 2 MPG more on the highway with a 6.2 second 0-60 MPH time that’s 0.4 seconds faster than the 2011.

BMW splits with tradition in the 2012 model year, replacing the 528i’s naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that delivers a very respectable 240 horsepower (HP) and 260 foot pounds of torque. Despite the 33% drop in displacement, the turbo four cranks out 30% more torque than the inline six, with gas mileage estimates of 23 city MPG / 34 highway and 27 combined.

Although diesel-powered BMWs are quite popular in Europe, we haven’t seen a diesel 5-Series here in the States since 1986. That may change once the company introduces their new tri-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. A few years back, we had the opportunity to catch a ride in a Euro-spec BMW 535d M Sport and shot this video:

Eight-cylinder equipped 550i and 540i models are noticeably less fuel efficient than the sixes (see chart below). If you’re thinking about purchasing an older 5-Series, keep in mind that most require premium gasoline. This can have a significant impact on your expenses. You can project your yearly, monthly, or weekly fuel expenditure with the MPGomatic gas mileage calculator.

BMW 5-Series Gas Mileage: 1978 – 2011

– by Daniel Gray