1989 · Subcompact Car · Gas

1989 BMW 3 Series MPG & fuel economy

The 1989 BMW 3 Series is a subcompact car offered in 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway) on regular gasoline. That's down 2 MPG from the 1988 model. Among 61 subcompact cars rated for 1989, it ranks 40th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, it costs about $2,583 a year to fuel.

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Combined 18 MPG 16 MPG city · 21 MPG hwy
Driving range — not published for this model
Your fuel cost $2,583 15,000 mi/yr · $17.22 per 100 mi
Class rank, 1989 #40 of 61 Subcompact Cars by fuel cost

What will it cost you?

Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.

Fuel average

The 1989 BMW 3 Series's fuel average is 7.7 km/L (13.1 L/100 km), or 18 MPG combined: 6.8 km/L in the city and 8.9 km/L on the highway.

MPGkm/LL/100 km
City166.814.7
Highway218.911.2
Combined187.713.1

How it ranks among 1989 Subcompact Cars

Full class ranking →
  1. 1Geo Metro47 MPG $989
  2. 2Chevrolet Sprint41 MPG $1,134
  3. 3Pontiac Firefly41 MPG $1,134
  4. 4Suzuki Swift41 MPG $1,134
  5. 5Ford Festiva35 MPG $1,329
  6. 40BMW 3 Series18 MPG $2,583
  7. 61Aston Martin Saloon/Vantage/Volante9 MPG $5,167
1989 3 SeriesOther subcompact carsClass median: $2,022/yr

Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.

3 Series MPG across model years

Full history →

5 EPA-rated configurations

ConfigurationTypeCityHwyCombinedRangeYour cost / yr
RWD · 2.5L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic
325i Convertible		 Gas 16 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $2,583
RWD · 2.5L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual
325i Convertible		 Gas 16 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $2,583
RWD · 2.5L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic
325i/325is		 Gas 16 MPG 20 MPG 18 MPG — $2,583
4WD/AWD · 2.5L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic
325ix		 Gas 17 MPG 20 MPG 18 MPG — $2,583
4WD/AWD · 2.5L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual
325ix		 Gas 15 MPG 21 MPG 18 MPG — $2,583

Specs (most efficient configuration)

Fuel
Regular gasoline
Engine / motor
2.5L 6-cyl
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Drivetrain
RWD
Passenger volume
76 cu ft
Cargo volume
9 cu ft
Tailpipe CO₂
494 g/mi

1989 BMW 3 Series vs. rivals

vs Alfa Romeo Milano 18 MPG · $2,583/yr Same fuel cost vs Mercedes-Benz 190 20 MPG · $2,962/yr 3 Series saves $379/yr vs Acura Integra 25 MPG · $1,860/yr Integra saves $723/yr vs Porsche 944 20 MPG · $2,962/yr 3 Series saves $379/yr vs Audi 80/90 22 MPG · $2,114/yr 80/90 saves $470/yr vs Mercedes-Benz 190 Diesel 27 MPG · $2,056/yr 190 Diesel saves $528/yr vs Porsche 928 15 MPG · $3,950/yr 3 Series saves $1,367/yr vs Maserati 430 15 MPG · $3,950/yr 3 Series saves $1,367/yr vs Porsche 911 19 MPG · $3,118/yr 3 Series saves $535/yr

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Frequently asked questions

What is the gas mileage of the 1989 BMW 3 Series?

Up to 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway).

What fuel does the 1989 BMW 3 Series use?

Regular gasoline.

What is the fuel average in km/L for the 1989 BMW 3 Series?

The 1989 BMW 3 Series's fuel average is 7.7 km/L (13.1 L/100 km), or 18 MPG combined: 6.8 km/L in the city and 8.9 km/L on the highway.

How much does it cost to fuel the 1989 BMW 3 Series per year?

About $2,583 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.10/gal regular gas, or $17.22 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.

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