BMW M3: MPG and fuel economy by year
The EPA has rated the BMW M3 across 22 model years, from the 1989 BMW M3 through the 2021 BMW M3. The most recent 2021 BMW M3 returns 19 combined MPG. The most efficient model year was the 1998 BMW M3 at 21 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 M3 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 M3. 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 M3 | 19 MPG | 16 MPG | 23 MPG | $3,650 |
| 2018 | 2018 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | $3,450 |
| 2017 | 2017 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,450 |
| 2016 | 2016 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,450 |
| 2015 | 2015 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,450 |
| 2010 | 2010 BMW M3 | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | $4,300 |
| 2009 | 2009 BMW M3 | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | $4,300 |
| 2008 | 2008 BMW M3 | 16 MPG | 14 MPG | 20 MPG | $4,300 |
| 2006 | 2006 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 14 MPG | 22 MPG | $4,050 |
| 2005 | 2005 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | $4,050 |
| 2004 | 2004 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | $4,050 |
| 2003 | 2003 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | $4,050 |
| 2002 | 2002 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 21 MPG | $4,050 |
| 2001 | 2001 BMW M3 | 17 MPG | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | $4,050 |
| 1999 | 1999 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 24 MPG | $3,000 |
| 1998 | 1998 BMW M3 | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | $2,850 |
| 1997 | 1997 BMW M3 | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,300 |
| 1996 | 1996 BMW M3 | 21 MPG | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,300 |
| 1995 | 1995 BMW M3 | 20 MPG | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,450 |
| 1991 | 1991 BMW M3 | 18 MPG | 15 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,850 |
| 1990 | 1990 BMW M3 | 18 MPG | 15 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,850 |
| 1989 | 1989 BMW M3 | 18 MPG | 15 MPG | 26 MPG | $3,850 |
How the BMW M3 compares against the Compact Cars class
Buyers usually compare the BMW M3 against other cars in the same EPA class. The list below shows the most efficient cars in the Compact 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.