Against 161 other V8 cars rated 1995–1997, the 840Ci sits right on their 15.5 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1994, the 4L 8-cyl (1994–1995), does 16.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.4L 8-cyl (1996–1997), 15: $233 a year apart.
Every BMW 840Ci engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4L 8-cyl | 14 / 21 | 1994–1995 | $2,327 | |
| 4.4L 8-cyl | 14 / 19 | 1996–1997 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1997) | $0.213 |
| Fuel per year | $2,560 |
| Fuel over five years | $12,800 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1995–1997 | +$83 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,913 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1997 BMW 840Ci gives up 5 mpg in town: 19 on the highway against 14 in the city, $722 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1997) | 14 mpg | $2,743 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19 mpg | $2,021 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (36%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the 840Ci changed over the years
The 840Ci peaked in 1995 at 17 mpg (15 city, 22 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1997 at 15 — 2 mpg apart, or $301 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1997 car does 15.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1996 | 14 / 19 | 1 | $2,560 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 22 | 1 | $2,259 | |
| 1994 | 13 / 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 4 EPA ratings of the BMW 840Ci — 2 engines across 1994–1997. 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 $4,913. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1997 BMW 840Ci get?
15 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1994 the 840Ci has averaged 15.8 mpg.
Is the 1997 840Ci more efficient than the 1996?
About the same: 15 against 15 mpg combined.
Which 840Ci year has the best gas mileage?
The 1995, at 17 mpg combined (15 city, 22 highway).
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