The 2024 BMW M3 CS Sedan achieves 18 MPG combined. This car isn’t a Prius competitor or a fuel-sipping commuter, it’s a track-bred performance machine licensed for the street. Buyers are prioritizing a visceral driving experience that few other cars can deliver over efficiency. The fuel bill is the price to pay for a very exclusive club.

City and highway performance

The EPA rating breaks down to 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure is expected, since the M3 CS begs to be driven aggressively, and stop-and-go traffic is the enemy of fuel efficiency. The engine’s responsiveness and the quick-shifting automatic transmission encourage frequent bursts of acceleration, which increase fuel use. The highway number, while better, still reflects the car’s performance-oriented nature. Even at cruising speeds, the powerful engine works harder than a typical sedan, and the aerodynamic profile, made for high-speed stability, isn’t designed to minimize drag. The EPA uses an automatic (S8) transmission for their results.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 BMW M3 CS at $3,200. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, and using national average fuel prices. Your actual expenses will depend on your driving habits and local fuel costs. Those who regularly exploit the M3 CS’s performance, especially on track days, will likely see that number increase.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized baseline, real-world MPG for the M3 CS will vary depending on the driver. Those who primarily use the car for short trips and spirited weekend drives should expect numbers closer to the city rating, maybe even lower. Drivers who mainly use the M3 CS for longer highway journeys, and who resist the urge to constantly engage the turbochargers, might see figures closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA highway rating. However, anyone expecting to routinely achieve 25 MPG or higher in this car will likely be disappointed. Find M3 MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other performance sedans, the M3 CS’s fuel economy is in the lower range. The Audi RS5, for example, achieves a combined 21 MPG, while the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Sedan is around 18 MPG combined, about equal to the M3 CS. Even electric performance sedans like the Tesla Model 3 Performance offer a lower cost per mile, though they lack the aural and tactile engagement that defines the M3 CS experience. These comparisons highlight the trade-offs in prioritizing performance over efficiency. The M3 CS buyer is selecting a specific vehicle, and accepts lower gas mileage as part of the deal. See all Bmw fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While the M3 CS isn’t designed for hypermiling, there are strategies owners can use to improve their fuel economy. The first, and most difficult, is to resist the urge to accelerate aggressively. Smooth throttle inputs will minimize fuel consumption, especially in city driving. The exhaust note is intoxicating, but it’s an expensive addiction.

Use the car’s driving modes, selecting “Efficiency” (if equipped) or a similar mode, which will remap the throttle response and transmission shift points to prioritize fuel economy over performance. This won’t transform the M3 CS into a commuter, but it can offer a small improvement in everyday driving.

Make sure that the tires are properly inflated and that the car is well-maintained. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which negatively impacts fuel economy. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and air filter replacements, keeps the engine running efficiently.

Minimize unnecessary weight in the vehicle, since extra cargo adds to the car’s mass, requiring more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Removing any non-essential items from the trunk and passenger compartment can result in a minor, though noticeable, improvement.