Like all new BMWs, the latest 328i is not exactly all new. Such is the planning in Munich that the 3 Series shares parts with other family members, both lesser and greater. The front suspension, the front bulkhead, the central floorpan, the electrical systems, the iDrive switchgear and even the transmission tunnel are carried over from the latest iteration of the 1 Series. The automatic transmission is already used in several other BMW models and even this 2.0-liter engine first saw action in the Z4 sDrive28i.
The redesigned 2012 BMW 328i, with its 240-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission, gets a fuel-economy rating of 23/33 mpg city/highway, according to the EPA.
 |
| 2012 BMW 328i |
While that figure is respectable, it's lower that what was expected compared to the original EPA rating of 23/36 mpg, according to Autoblog.com.
The EPA revised the figures recently, knocking off 3 mpg from the 2012 BMW 328i highway figures. The city mileage number remains unchanged.
In a press release to Autoblog, BMW said it was "surprised" by the revisions. While the EPA is known for making small revisions, the 3 mpg downgrade is steep, and BMW says the figure is "abnormally low" in relation to its other vehicles like the recently discontinued 335d, which gets a 23/36 mpg rating with its V-6 diesel motor.
BMW can't have its 3 Series retested this year, so the EPA figure is sticking around. The 2012 BMW 3 Series went on sale in February with a starting price of $34,900, excluding an $895 destination fee.
