1997 · Subcompact Car · Gas
1997 BMW 3 Series MPG & fuel economy
The 1997 BMW 3 Series is a subcompact car offered in 9 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version returns 24 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway) on premium gasoline. Across the lineup, combined ratings range from 19 to 24 MPG. That's up 1 MPG from the 1996 model. Among 41 subcompact cars rated for 1997, it ranks 28th for lowest fuel cost. At 15,000 miles a year with $3.95/gal premium gas, it costs about $2,469 a year to fuel.
What will it cost you?
Your mileage and prices are saved and used across the site.
Fuel average
The 1997 BMW 3 Series's fuel average is 10.2 km/L (9.8 L/100 km), or 24 MPG combined: 8.5 km/L in the city and 12.3 km/L on the highway.
| MPG | km/L | L/100 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| City | 20 | 8.5 | 11.8 |
| Highway | 29 | 12.3 | 8.1 |
| Combined | 24 | 10.2 | 9.8 |
How it ranks among 1997 Subcompact Cars
Full class ranking →Annual fuel cost at 15,000 miles and default prices; shorter bars cost less.
3 Series MPG across model years
Full history →9 EPA-rated configurations
| Configuration | Type | City | Hwy | Combined | Range | Your cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual 318i/318is |
Gas | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,469 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual 318i Convertible |
Gas | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic 318ti |
Gas | 20 MPG | 29 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual 318i Convertible |
Gas | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic 318i/318is |
Gas | 19 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic 318ti |
Gas | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,576 |
| RWD · 1.9L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic 318i Convertible |
Gas | 19 MPG | 28 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,693 |
| RWD · 2.8L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual 328ic |
Gas | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,821 |
| RWD · 2.8L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic 328ic |
Gas | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | 19 MPG | — | $3,118 |
Specs (most efficient configuration)
- Fuel
- Premium gasoline
- Engine / motor
- 1.9L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Tailpipe CO₂
- 370 g/mi
1997 BMW 3 Series vs. rivals
Compare the 1997 3 Series
With any other car from any year, including other 3 Series model years. Type a year to jump, e.g. "2015 Accord".
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 1997 BMW 3 Series?
Up to 24 MPG combined (20 city / 29 highway); ratings range from 19 to 24 MPG depending on configuration.
What fuel does the 1997 BMW 3 Series use?
Premium gasoline (premium is required or recommended by the manufacturer).
What is the fuel average in km/L for the 1997 BMW 3 Series?
The 1997 BMW 3 Series's fuel average is 10.2 km/L (9.8 L/100 km), or 24 MPG combined: 8.5 km/L in the city and 12.3 km/L on the highway.
How much does it cost to fuel the 1997 BMW 3 Series per year?
About $2,469 at 15,000 miles a year with $3.95/gal premium gas, or $16.46 per 100 miles. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own mileage and prices.