BMW 325xi
20 MPG The 2006 BMW 325xi is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (17.5 city / 25.5 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2001–2006 run it averages 19.8 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 20 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24.5 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2002 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 2001 | 19.5 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 227 compact cars models tracked here, the BMW 325xi ranks 179 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Cadillac Cimarron (20.5), Acura TLX Type-S (21), BMW 325i (21), BMW 650i Gran Coupe (21), Daewoo Nubira (21).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 444 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 325xi get?
The 2006 BMW 325xi is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 17.5 city and 25.5 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 19.8 MPG, ranging from 19 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 325xi cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2006 model is $3850.
Has the BMW 325xi become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20 MPG today against 19.5 in 2001 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the BMW 325xi efficient for its class?
It ranks 179 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 6.6 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.