Skip to main content

The inexplicable EPA mileage ratings for the BMW 3 and 5 series

7/3/2016 The inexplicable EPA mileage ratings for the BMW 3 and 5series
| Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/theinexplicableepamileageratingsforthebmw3and5series
1/3
LEISURE / AUTOS & MOTORCYCLES / CAR & TRUCK ENTHUSIASTS
The inexplicable EPA mileage ratings for the BMW 3 and 5-
series
September 29, 2012
6:54 PM MST
An interesting discovery shows the BMW 3-series sedans, with three distinctly different engine choices all have virtually the same EPA
the EPA must be consistent when publishing mileage ratings
BMW USA
7/3/2016 The inexplicable EPA mileage ratings for the BMW 3 and 5series
| Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/theinexplicableepamileageratingsforthebmw3and5series
2/3
mileage ratings: 23mpg city and 33mpg highway. What’s up with that?
In summary on the EPA website, the 3-series models are 4-door automatics with the 8-speed transmission
BMW 328i, 4 cylinder turbo, 240hp, 23 city / 33 highway
BMW 335i, 6 cylinder turbo, 300hp, 23 city / 33 highway
BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (6 cylinder turbo + electric motor assist) 330hp, 25 city / 33 highway
It’s very strange that the same car with two more cylinders and 60hp hp has the same highway rating. Then add electric assist and just a
300lb weight penalty and the rating doesn’t change. Even more strange is the larger and 400lb heavier 528i has a better EPA rating of
24/34 and the ActiveHybrid 5 at 23/30. This makes no sense whatsoever.
Not only do the hybrids offer more horsepower and torque, it also features different overall gear ratios to save fuel as well.
Unfortunately, according to the EPA, all that is gained is 2mpg in the city cycle or in the case of the 528i, a 1mpg penalty. This is
laughable.
Granted the 328i could probably realize better mileage, but 33mpg highway is pretty nice for a world-class sedan.
Regarding the 335i, there was no significant change to the 335i except the 8speed automatic. Jumping from 19 city and 28 highway to
23/33 isn’t done easily. Besides gearing, the transition to a single turbo wouldn’t do it. What possibly could? An error from the past is
now being corrected? Unlikely based on owner reports. Will BMW bring back the 335d diesel considering it had the best rating of
23/36?
If ridiculous 50+mpg mandates are going to be shoved down our throats with hybrid incentives and safety standards translate to weight
increases in the hundreds of pounds, I suggest the EPA start providing accurate numbers or explanations in the future.
7/3/2016 The inexplicable EPA mileage ratings for the BMW 3 and 5series
| Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/article/theinexplicableepamileageratingsforthebmw3and5series
3/3
© 2006-2015 AXS Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com
Robert Eckaus
San Jose Cars Examiner

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sixth generation Camaro V6 review

Chevrolet updated the chassis of the Camaro for 2016 with the new Alpha platform and by all accounts the approximately 250 to 300lb weight reduction was a huge improvement. Despite having a brilliant chassis and three powerful engine choices, the interior and outward visibility hardly improved at all. I wanted to like this car, I really did. It has some really good aspects but overall it’s only good for going in a straight line, not reverse or backing up out of any parking space, on public roads or modified into a track-only car.  You decide if the interior justifies a $29,000 MSRP. The 2017 model is essentially the same. The 335hp V-6 is a great engine, responsive, sounds good and with the quick shifting 8 speed automatic, the car is capable of mid-high 13 second quarter mile ETs. It feels every bit as quick as the numbers suggest. It has no appreciable dead spots and has an excellent pull. The 8 speed auto is finicky on the highway though, downshifting at the slightest provocatio...
Post a Comment
Read more

BMW M760LI xDrive quick review

2017 BMW M760LI XDRIVE – LUXURY ON OVER-DRIVE Originally published on the new performance oriented website, Fuelcurve.com:  https://fuelcurve.com/2017-bmw-m760li-xdrive-luxury-over-drive-review/ Seeing a factory matte finish BMW raises the eyebrows. Strolling nonchalantly toward it, spotting the V-12 emblem puts a pause in your pace. Then reading the back emblem and seeing “M760i” denoting BMW’s 601hp technological tour-de-force definitely raises both eyebrows. Who knew a 2017 model year V-12, twin turbo sedan was available anywhere for nearly $172,000. This is a CEO car. It’s for the business owner who, nicely put, gives zero cares about what anyone thinks about his or her 16mpg highway Q-ship. They worked hard, employ many, and get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Or maybe wants something that is extremely modern, smooth and quiet and not care where the charging station may or may not be. Start-up and driving is like any other car in the basic sense. But extra attention is giv...
Post a Comment
Read more

2015 Porsche Cayman GTS review and test drive

The 2015 Porsche Caymen GTS is the now the best all-around sports car under one hundred thousand dollars, replacing the prior title holder, the Porsche Caymen S. Take everything the prior S model is, add horsepower and a more track and driver oriented, visceral demeanor while retaining streetability, and that is the GTS. Besides horsepower, it adds a new body kit, a sport exhaust system, 20” wheels and a lower ride height versus the S. Conveying the balanced perfection of a Cayman isn’t easy unless it’s driven. The latest generation gives it a more exotic, grown-up look. Inside, the familiar ideal seating position with excellent outward visibility. Every surface visually sculpted, everything that is touched has an engineered quality with logic of the controls. For performance driving or track days it has a lower ride height, among the lowest center of gravity among production cars, and an engine placed where it’s supposed to be, right behind you. The sport exhaust reminds the driver th...
Post a Comment
Read more