Against 225 other V8 cars rated 1999–2001, the 740iL beats their 15.5 mpg average by 2.5 mpg, about $344 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1993, the 4.4L 8-cyl (1996–2001), does 18 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4L 8-cyl (1993–1995), 16.7: $166 a year apart.
Every BMW 740iL engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 15 / 22 | 1996–2001 | $2,133 | |
| 4L 8-cyl | 14.7 / 21 | 1993–1995 | $2,299 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Chrysler 300 gets 19 mpg, the Hyundai Sonata 21.5 mpg and the Chevrolet Impala 21.7 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2001 740iL. The 740iL costs the most of them to run: $363 a year more than the Chevrolet Impala.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2001) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1999–2001 | −$344 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,222 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2001 BMW 740iL gives up 7 mpg in town: 22 on the highway against 15 in the city, $815 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2001) | 15 mpg | $2,560 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 22 mpg | $1,745 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (47%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 740iL changed over the years
The 740iL peaked in 2001 at 18 mpg (15 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 16 — 2 mpg apart, or $267 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2000 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1999 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1998 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1997 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1996 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 21 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1993 | 14 / 20 | 1 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the BMW 740iL — 2 engines across 1993–2001. 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 $4,222. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2001 BMW 740iL get?
18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1993 the 740iL has averaged 17.6 mpg.
Is the 2001 740iL more efficient than the 2000?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which 740iL year has the best gas mileage?
The 2001, at 18 mpg combined (15 city, 22 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the 740iL get better gas mileage than the Chrysler 300?
No: 18 mpg for the 2001 740iL against 19 for the 2002 Chrysler 300, about $112 a year more to run.
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