Against 446 other V6 cars rated 2003–2005, the 325iS beats their 18.9 mpg average by 2.1 mpg, about $203 a year.
Every BMW 325iS engine, compared
The BMW 325iS 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 | 17.4 / 24.7 | 1989–2005 | $1,930 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Sentra gets 27 mpg, the Mitsubishi Eclipse 21.8 mpg and the Mazda RX-8 18.3 mpg, next to 21 mpg for the 2005 325iS.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.152 |
| Fuel per year | $1,829 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,145 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2003–2005 | −$203 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,671 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 BMW 325iS 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 (2005) | 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 325iS changed over the years
The 325iS peaked in 2004 at 22 mpg (19 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1991 at 18 — 4 mpg apart, or $388 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 21.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 1995 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 18 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 16 / 23 | 1 | $2,021 | |
| 1991 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 20 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 12 EPA ratings of the BMW 325iS — 1 engine across 1989–2005. 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 $3,671. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 BMW 325iS get?
21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the 325iS has averaged 19.9 mpg.
Is the 2005 325iS more efficient than the 2004?
No: 21 against 22 mpg combined, about $84 a year more to run.
Which 325iS year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 22 mpg combined (19 city, 28 highway).
Does the 325iS get better gas mileage than the Nissan Sentra?
No: 21 mpg for the 2005 325iS against 27 for the 2006 Nissan Sentra, about $407 a year more to run.
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