BMW 850ci
15 MPG The 1997 BMW 850ci is EPA-rated at 15 MPG combined (12 city / 19 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 1000 gallons, $3200 a year in fuel, or $0.213 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–1997 run it averages 14.2 MPG, improving by 2 MPG over 5 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 | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.213 | $2133 | $3200 | $4267 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.233 | $2333 | $3500 | $4667 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.267 | $2667 | $4000 | $5333 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.300 | $3000 | $4500 | $6000 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.333 | $3333 | $5000 | $6667 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1996 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1995 | 15 MPG | 12 | 19 | $5150 | 592 | 1 |
| 1994 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $4800 | 684 | 1 |
| 1993 | 13 MPG | 11 | 17 | $4800 | 684 | 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 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the BMW 850ci ranks 219 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi S4 Cabriolet (15.5), BMW M3 Coupe (16), Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang (16), Maserati GranTurismo (16), Maserati GranTurismo Convertible (16).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 592 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 8.9 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the BMW 850ci get?
The 1997 BMW 850ci is rated at 15 MPG combined by the EPA — 12 city and 19 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 14.2 MPG, ranging from 13 to 15 depending on year and trim.
How much does a BMW 850ci cost in fuel per year?
At 15 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 1000 gallons — roughly $3200 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.213 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1997 model is $5150.
Has the BMW 850ci become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 13 MPG in 1993 to 15 in 1997 — an improvement of 2 MPG, or 15% across 5 model years.
Is the BMW 850ci efficient for its class?
It ranks 219 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 9.2 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.