BMW 525i
21.5 MPG The 2007 BMW 525i is EPA-rated at 21.5 MPG combined (18 city / 28 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 698 gallons, $2233 a year in fuel, or $0.149 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–2007 run it averages 19.6 MPG, improving by 3.5 MPG over 14 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 | $0.116 | $1163 | $1744 | $2326 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.140 | $1395 | $2093 | $2791 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.149 | $1488 | $2233 | $2977 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.163 | $1628 | $2442 | $3256 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.186 | $1860 | $2791 | $3721 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.209 | $2093 | $3140 | $4186 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.233 | $2326 | $3488 | $4651 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 21.5 MPG | 18 | 28 | $3575 | 414 | 2 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18 | 27.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17 | 26 | $3850 | 444 | 2 |
| 2004 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 26.7 | $3733 | 431 | 3 |
| 2003 | 21 MPG | 18 | 26.5 | $3650 | 423 | 2 |
| 2002 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 25.5 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 2001 | 20.5 MPG | 17.5 | 26 | $3750 | 434 | 2 |
| 1995 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1994 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1993 | 19.5 MPG | 16.5 | 24.5 | $3950 | 456 | 2 |
| 1992 | 18 MPG | 15 | 23 | $4300 | 494 | 2 |
| 1991 | 17 MPG | 15 | 21 | $4583 | 527 | 3 |
| 1990 | 18 MPG | 16 | 22 | $3450 | 494 | 2 |
| 1989 | 18 MPG | 16 | 21.5 | $3450 | 494 | 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 525i ranks 157 on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Dodge Shadow (21.7), Plymouth Sundance (21.7), BMW 640i xDrive Gran Coupe (22), Buick Skylark (22), Chrysler Sebring (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 414 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 525i get?
The 2007 BMW 525i is rated at 21.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 28 highway. Across all 14 model years in the database it averages 19.6 MPG, ranging from 15 to 22 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 525i cost in fuel per year?
At 21.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 698 gallons — roughly $2233 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.149 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2007 model is $3575.
Has the BMW 525i become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18 MPG in 1989 to 21.5 in 2007 — an improvement of 3.5 MPG, or 19% across 14 model years.
Is the BMW 525i efficient for its class?
It ranks 157 of 227 in the Compact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 26.6 MPG. That is 5.1 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.