Against 451 other V6 cars rated 2005–2007, the 525i beats their 19.1 mpg average by 2.9 mpg, about $265 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 3L 6-cyl (2006–2007), does 21.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.5L 6-cyl (1989–2005), 19.8: $153 a year apart.
Every BMW 525i engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | 18 / 27.5 | 2006–2007 | $1,786 | |
| 2.5L 6-cyl | 16.9 / 25 | 1989–2005 | $1,939 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 27 mpg, the Nissan Versa 28.5 mpg and the Volkswagen Jetta 25.2 mpg, next to 22 mpg for the 2007 525i. The 525i costs the most of them to run: $398 a year more than the Nissan Versa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2007) | $0.145 |
| Fuel per year | $1,745 |
| Fuel over five years | $8,725 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2005–2007 | −$265 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,750 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2007 BMW 525i gives up 10 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 18 in the city, $762 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2007) | 18 mpg | $2,133 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +10 mpg (56%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 525i changed over the years
The 525i peaked in 2007 at 22 mpg (18 city, 28 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 18 — 4 mpg apart, or $388 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 18 / 28 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2006 | 18 / 27 | 1 | $1,829 | |
| 2005 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 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 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1994 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1993 | 17 / 26 | 1 | $1,920 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 23 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1990 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1989 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 14 EPA ratings of the BMW 525i — 2 engines across 1989–2007. 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 2007 BMW 525i get?
22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1989 the 525i has averaged 20 mpg.
Is the 2007 525i more efficient than the 2006?
Yes: 22 against 21 mpg combined, about $84 a year less to run.
Which 525i year has the best gas mileage?
The 2007, at 22 mpg combined (18 city, 28 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 525i get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 22 mpg for the 2007 525i against 27 for the 2008 Ford Focus, about $323 a year more to run.
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