1997 BMW 540iFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Gasoline Compact CarsRear-Wheel Drive
City
16
MPG
Highway
22
MPG
Combined
18
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 2 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
22.0MPG average+22.5% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 18 MPG · Owner reported avg: 22.0 MPG
Range: 19–26 MPG
Driving mix: City 50% / Highway 50%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 22.0 real world MPG based on 2 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 18 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Automatic 5-spd
Premium
City
16
Hwy
22
Comb
18
Fuel cost: $4,550/yr
Manual 6-spd
Premium
City
14
Hwy
22
Comb
16
Fuel cost: $5,100/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic 5-spd | Premium | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Manual 6-spd | Premium | 14 | 22 | 16 | $5,100 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$4,550
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$-10,750
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 494 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 16.5 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 4.4L 8-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 4.4L, 8-cylinder
- Induction Type
- Port Fuel Injection
- Fuel Type
- Premium Gasoline
Annual Fuel Cost by State
Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA
National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,742/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,964/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$3,240/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$3,447/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,768/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,758/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$4,659/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,848/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$3,620/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,707/yr
| State | Gas Price | Annual Cost | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| National AvgEPA default | $4.490/gal | $3,742/yr | — |
| California | $5.957/gal | $4,964/yrHIGHEST | +$1,222 |
| Texas | $3.888/gal | $3,240/yrLOWEST | $-502 |
| Florida | $4.136/gal | $3,447/yr | $-295 |
| New York | $4.522/gal | $3,768/yr | +$26 |
| Ohio | $4.510/gal | $3,758/yr | +$16 |
| Washington | $5.591/gal | $4,659/yr | +$917 |
| Colorado | $4.618/gal | $3,848/yr | +$106 |
| Minnesota | $4.344/gal | $3,620/yr | $-122 |
| Massachusetts | $4.448/gal | $3,707/yr | $-35 |
Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 18 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.
Related
BMW 540i MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year