- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Small cars
2000-2003 BMW 5 Series MPG & Fuel Cost
4 model years · 16–22 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 4 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2000-2003 BMW 5 Series at a glance
The 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series covers 4 model years in the EPA database (40 configurations in all), rated 16–22 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2003, costs about $3,650 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD (22 MPG), at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The best combined rating in the generation, 22 MPG, was reached in 2002 and 2003.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2000-2003 BMW 5 Series by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Gas | 16–22 MPG | $3,650–$5,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2002 | Gas | 16–22 MPG | $3,650–$5,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2001 | Gas | 16–21 MPG | $3,830–$5,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2000 | Gas | 16–21 MPG | $3,830–$5,020 | First year |
What the 2003 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD costs to drive
Per month
$304
$3,650 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$6.08
Per 100 miles
$24.33
Five years
$18,250
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$160more a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 BMW 5 Series MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2002: The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,650.
Gas configurations (10)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 22 | $3,650 |
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,730 |
| 540i Sport Wagon | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 15 | 19 | 17 | $4,730 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 16 | $5,020 |
10 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2002 BMW 5 Series MPG
16–22 MPG · $3,650–$5,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2001: The most efficient configuration moves from 21 to 22 MPG, up 1. Its annual cost goes from $3,830 to $3,650, $180 less.
Gas configurations (10)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 22 | $3,650 |
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
Show 0 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i Sport Wagon | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
10 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2001 BMW 5 Series MPG
16–21 MPG · $3,830–$5,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2000: The most efficient configuration stays at 21 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,830.
Gas configurations (10)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 525i 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 25 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 3.0L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 525i Sport Wagon 2.5L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 2.5L 6-cyl | RWD | 17 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
Show 0 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic (S5) | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i Sport Wagon | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
10 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2000 BMW 5 Series MPG
16–21 MPG · $3,830–$5,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (10)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 528i 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,830 |
| 528i 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 528i 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 528i Sport Wagon 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 4-spd | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 528i Sport Wagon 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
| 528i Sport Wagon 2.8L 6-cyl RWD Manual 5-spd | 2.8L 6-cyl | RWD | 16 | 24 | 19 | $4,230 |
Show 0 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,460 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Automatic 5-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i 4.4L 8-cyl RWD Manual 6-spd | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 21 | 16 | $5,020 |
| 540i Sport Wagon | 4.4L 8-cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,020 |
10 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD: $4,350 in California and $3,170 in Texas, a $1,180 difference.
- California $4,350
- Washington $4,100
- New York $3,610
- Florida $3,330
- Texas $3,170
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
- 2000-2003 (E39)
- 2004-2010 (E60)
- 2011-2016 (F10)
- 2017-2023 (G30)
- 2024-2027* (G60)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series get?
EPA rates the 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series at 16–22 MPG combined across 40 configurations and 4 model years. The most efficient version, the 2003 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD, is rated 22 MPG (18 city, 27 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series?
The 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD reached the generation's best combined rating, 22 MPG, in 2002 and 2003. The lowest top rating, 21 MPG, was in 2000 and 2001.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 BMW 5 Series per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year. Across all 10 configurations the cost runs $3,650–$5,020 a year. That is a $1,370 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 BMW 5 Series 100 miles?
About $24.33 per 100 miles for the 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $24.33 and $33.47 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD is rated 18 city and 27 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 9 MPG.
How does the 2003 BMW 5 Series compare with other small car configurations?
The 530i 3.0L 6-cyl RWD costs about $3,650 a year to fuel, $160 more than the class median of $3,490, and less than 4 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $3,650. EPA lists 10 configurations for 2003 against 10 configurations for 2002. See the 2002 BMW 5 Series for that year.