I have a 2009 128i 6-speed. It’s the base model with no options (not even electric seats!) because I really wanted to have the lightest, most manual car available.

Despite having no extra weight, and despite the fact that my girlfriend is the primary driver of this car (with a very moderate driving style), we’re only getting 16mpg!

Granted, all of our driving is stop-and-go in downtown San Francisco, but has anyone else experience such horrible gas mileage?

Our prior car was an E36 (1996 328i 5-speed), and under the same driving conditions, it got at least 20+mpg. I thought for sure that the 128i would get the same or better mileage. Even my E34 (1995 540i 6-speed), which has a thirsty V-8, gets 16 mpg!

What gives? Any advice?