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
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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
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http://www.examiner.com/article/theinexplicableepamileageratingsforthebmw3and5series
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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
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Robert Eckaus
San Jose Cars Examiner