Against 452 other V6 cars rated 2004–2006, the 325Ci beats their 19 mpg average by 2 mpg, about $192 a year.
Every BMW 325Ci engine, compared
The BMW 325Ci was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 18.2 / 27 | 2001–2006 | $1,811 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 27.3 mpg, the Volkswagen Beetle 28.8 mpg and the Mitsubishi Eclipse 21.7 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2006 325Ci. The 325Ci costs the most of them to run: $496 a year more than the Volkswagen Beetle.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2004–2006 | −$192 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,625 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 BMW 325Ci gives up 9 mpg in town: 27 on the highway against 18 in the city, $711 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2006) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (50%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 325Ci changed over the years
The 325Ci peaked in 2004 at 22 mpg (19 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 21 — 1 mpg apart, or $84 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 19 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the BMW 325Ci — 1 engine across 2001–2006. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,625. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 BMW 325Ci get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the 325Ci has averaged 21.2 mpg.
Is the 2006 325Ci more efficient than the 2005?
About the same: 21 against 21 mpg combined.
Which 325Ci year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 22 mpg combined (19 city, 28 highway).
Does the 325Ci get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 21 mpg for the 2006 325Ci against 27.3 for the 2007 Nissan Sentra, about $422 a year more to run.
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