1998 BMW M3 Convertible specs & fuel economy
The 1998 BMW M3 Convertible is rated 21 MPG combined by the EPA (18 city, 26 highway). That matches the 20.9 MPG average across the 26 EPA configurations in the 1998 Minicompact Cars class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $2,000 a year to run.
EPA data snapshot imported 2026-09-06 · United States · US gallons
The 1998 BMW M3 Convertible has 2 EPA-listed configurations in our 2026-09-06 data snapshot. Listed transmissions: Automatic 5-spd; Manual 5-spd. Compare the engine, drive type and fuel ratings below before matching an individual car by VIN.
How the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible compares in its class
EPA publishes each configuration on its own. Ranking one against every configuration EPA rated in the same class and model year is our calculation from the 2026-09-06 snapshot, not an EPA figure.
- Combined rating
- 21 MPG
- 1998 Minicompact Cars average
- 20.9 MPG
- Difference
- Level with the class
- Rank in class
- 58th percentile of 26 configurations
- Reference annual energy cost
- $2,000 · 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon
The class average covers every 1998 configuration EPA rated in the Minicompact Cars class, compared in MPG only, so electric and liquid-fuel ratings are never mixed. The reference cost is a fixed assumption for comparison; the calculator below takes your own mileage and prices.
Engine, transmission and fuel economy
All 2 1998 M3 Convertible configurations EPA rated, each linked to its source record. Combined primary-fuel ratings: 18 to 21 MPG. Missing values remain “Not reported.”
| Engine / transmission / drive | Primary fuel | City | Highway | Combined | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #14017 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 18 MPG | 26 MPG | 21 MPG | EPA #14018 |
Other 1998 BMW M versions
EPA lists these versions separately. The figures above apply to the listing named “M3 Convertible”; they are not a specification for every M trim.
What would it cost you to run?
Enter your own mileage and prices — these are assumptions, not live pump prices.
| Configuration | Annual cost | Calculation basis |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2L 6-cyl · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #14017 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 3.2L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #14018 | $2,000 | Regular Gasoline operation |
Miles ÷ combined MPG × price per gallon; electric versions use miles ÷ 100 × kWh/100 miles × price per kWh. Plug-in hybrids show gasoline operation only. Maintenance, insurance and depreciation are excluded.
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See what the paid report includes →Use these specs to check a 1998 M3 Convertible listing
- Confirm the seller’s car is a 1998 BMW M3 Convertible and which of the 2 listed transmissions it has.
- Check that it takes Regular Gasoline on the vehicle’s own fuel label.
- Run the VIN for identity, title and reported history — none of which is in this EPA data.
- Check open recalls on the NHTSA lookup and have the car inspected.
Compare nearby model years
These links match the EPA model name. They do not establish that parts or equipment are interchangeable between years.
Sources reviewed
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas mileage of the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible?
The 1998 BMW M3 Convertible is rated 21 MPG combined by the EPA (18 city, 26 highway). That matches the 20.9 MPG average across the 26 EPA configurations in the 1998 Minicompact Cars class. At 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon it costs about $2,000 a year to run.
What transmission does the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible have?
EPA records list Automatic 5-spd; Manual 5-spd across the 2 rated configurations of the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible. These are model-level configurations. Match the individual car’s VIN and factory build information before identifying a replacement transmission.
What fuel does the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible use?
The 1998 BMW M3 Convertible is listed with Regular Gasoline. Match the particular configuration and follow the vehicle’s fuel label and owner’s manual.
How much does the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible cost to run per year?
About $2,000 in fuel or energy at 12,000 miles at $3.50/US gallon, using the 21 MPG combined EPA rating. That excludes maintenance, insurance, depreciation and charging-session fees. Enter your own mileage and prices in the calculator on this page for a figure that matches your driving.
Are these the exact specifications of my M3 Convertible?
These are the 2 EPA model-year configurations recorded for the 1998 BMW M3 Convertible, not a decode of an individual VIN or a complete trim catalogue. Confirm identity, installed equipment and service requirements with the car’s VIN and manufacturer records.
Will I achieve the listed fuel economy?
EPA ratings support comparisons under standardized test conditions. Your result depends on driving, weather, tyres, load, charging pattern and vehicle condition. The cost calculator uses the listed combined rating and your entered prices.