EPA Lowers 2012 328i Mileage Estimates - BMW At A Loss As To Why

When BMW released the new 3-Series to the press, one of the most remarkable points was the exceptional gas mileage the new 328i model received over the outgoing model.

The EPA may have felt the mileage might be a bit too remarkable and ran the 328i through the paces to see for themselves.  The end result was a 3 MPG difference, which doesn't sound like much in the real world, but in marketing terms it is pretty big deal.  BMW currently is at a loss to explain the difference and has issued the following statement on the discrepancy.

BMW Press Release:


All manufacturers are responsible for testing and submitting fuel economy figures each year to the EPA (based on physical tests following the EPA test cycle on a dynamometer). Occasionally, the EPA will validate the figures that we provide. When this happens, there are sometimes small changes in the published EPA fuel economy figures (usually 1 mpg up or down).

The EPA recently tested the 2012 328i Automatic and obtained a highway mileage result that was 3m pg lower (33mpg versus 36mpg) than the BMW test result. We are very surprised by this result and are currently working to determine how this is possible. The new rating seems abnormally low in relation to the other models in the BMW range and by the real-world fuel economy that we are seeing from this model.

Unfortunately, there is no provision in the EPA rules for a re-test this year. Therefore regardless of the results of our investigation, the new rating will stand for this model year.

topneuro - 3/21/2012 9:32:24 AM

-1 Boost

Join the club, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and others MPG figures have been challenged by EPA, when is not BMW is called “caught cheating”, when is BMW is called “caught very surprised”.

pepito66 - 3/21/2012 11:37:06 AM

0 Boost

I don't think BMW need to lie about this numbers this is stupid , in that case EPA has the choice to investigate so go for.
BMW doesn't need to do that, their power is huge and solid like a rock , so sorry this time.

sf586 - 3/21/2012 2:38:41 PM

-1 Boost

WOW, I was gonna buy a bimmer, but now I won't coz it's actual MPG is 3 MPG less than it's advertised. Thanks EPA!

Willis - 3/22/2012 2:20:29 PM

-1 Boost

It's not a Toyota or Lexus, so it doesn't get a free pass from the EPA. Nothing new.

TehShibbs - 3/22/2012 4:05:35 PM

-2 Boost

They tested the cars with a European couple doing the test driving.
Total weight = 260 lbs.

They needed to mimic the typical American couple driving.
Total weight = 460 lbs.

TehShibbs - 4/12/2012 6:44:10 PM

+1 Boost

I knew I'd get deboosted for this. Couldn't resist.

85bmw745i - 3/22/2012 11:06:52 PM

+1 Boost

LMAO! EPA is full of it, and they over rate American cars. I too feel that Hyundai is over rated. Look at the comparison they had with the 328, S60, Regal GS and some other cars. the BMW got the best fuel economy, the Buick got the worst by a considerable margin. pretty bad when the Volvo beat it despite having a larger engine and being a larger car. And despite having 270 hp the regal GS was the slowest.

chewy - 3/23/2012 1:09:03 AM

+1 Boost

I would say the EPA test favors "lazy" engines somewhat. Also American makers have long been able to tailor to the EPA test while the Germans focused on the European testing and its own quirks I bet. But I think German brands have figured out how to game the EPA test now as well.

chewy - 3/23/2012 1:09:26 AM

+1 Boost

And the Buick in the test is a very German Opel in reality.

skytop - 3/24/2012 7:36:52 PM

+2 Boost

The EPA lowered BMW 328 EPA mileage. Guess the check bounced.