Against 452 other V6 cars rated 2004–2006, the 330xi beats their 19 mpg average by 1 mpg, about $101 a year.
Every BMW 330xi engine, compared
The BMW 330xi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 26 | 2001–2006 | $1,873 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota Corolla gets 31 mpg, the Ford Focus 26.3 mpg and the Nissan Versa 28 mpg, next to 20 mpg for the 2006 330xi. The 330xi costs the most of them to run: $681 a year more than the Toyota Corolla.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2006) | $0.160 |
| Fuel per year | $1,920 |
| Fuel over five years | $9,600 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2004–2006 | −$101 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,750 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2006 BMW 330xi gives up 7 mpg in town: 25 on the highway against 18 in the city, $597 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 | 25 mpg | $1,536 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 330xi changed over the years
The 330xi peaked in 2005 at 21 mpg (18 city, 27 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 20 — 1 mpg apart, or $91 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2006 car does 20.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2005 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2004 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2003 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2002 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 2001 | 18 / 25 | 1 | $1,920 |
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 330xi — 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 $3,750. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2006 BMW 330xi get?
20 mpg combined, 18 city and 25 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2001 the 330xi has averaged 20.5 mpg.
Is the 2006 330xi more efficient than the 2005?
No: 20 against 21 mpg combined, about $91 a year more to run.
Which 330xi year has the best gas mileage?
The 2005, at 21 mpg combined (18 city, 27 highway).
Does the 330xi get better gas mileage than the Toyota Corolla?
No: 20 mpg for the 2006 330xi against 31 for the 2007 Toyota Corolla, about $681 a year more to run.
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