BMW 540i: MPG and fuel economy by year
The EPA has rated the BMW 540i across 14 model years, from the 1994 BMW 540i through the 2021 BMW 540i. The most recent 2021 BMW 540i returns 27 combined MPG. The nameplate has been in continuous production long enough to span multiple generations of EPA testing methodology.
Pick a year below to open the full BMW 540i page for that model year. Each year page covers combined, city, and highway MPG, the trim variants the EPA rates separately, the annual fuel cost across three driving patterns, and a year-over-year comparison so you can see whether the car has improved.
Fuel economy by model year
Combined MPG, city MPG, highway MPG, and the EPA's estimated annual fuel cost for every model year of the BMW 540i. Click any year to see the full breakdown for that model year, including trim variants, the drivetrain, and a comparison against other vehicles in its segment.
| Year | Model | Combined MPG | City | Highway | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 BMW 540i | 27 MPG | 25 MPG | 32 MPG | $2,550 |
| 2020 | 2020 BMW 540i | 25 MPG | 22 MPG | 30 MPG | $2,750 |
| 2019 | 2019 BMW 540i | 24 MPG | 21 MPG | 29 MPG | $2,900 |
| 2018 | 2018 BMW 540i | 24 MPG | 21 MPG | 30 MPG | $2,900 |
| 2017 | 2017 BMW 540i | 24 MPG | 20 MPG | 30 MPG | $2,900 |
| 2003 | 2003 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,850 |
| 2002 | 2002 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,850 |
| 2001 | 2001 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,850 |
| 2000 | 2000 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,850 |
| 1999 | 1999 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,300 |
| 1998 | 1998 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,300 |
| 1997 | 1997 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 16 MPG | 22 MPG | $3,850 |
| 1995 | 1995 BMW 540i | 18 MPG | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,850 |
| 1994 | 1994 BMW 540i | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 21 MPG | $4,050 |
How the BMW 540i compares against the Midsize Cars class
Buyers usually compare the BMW 540i against other cars in the same EPA class. The list below shows the most efficient cars in the Midsize Cars class for the 2021 model year, the latest year on this page. Each link opens the full page for that car.
Source: U.S. EPA fuel economy dataset. Annual fuel cost assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year and a 55% city, 45% highway split.