BMW 525i MPG by year — every rating on record

The BMW 525i has a combined EPA fuel economy rating for 14 model years, from 1989 to 2007. Across those years its best rated version returned 22 mpg (2004) and its thirstiest returned 15 mpg (1991). The EPA record holds 30 configurations for this nameplate, most recently a Midsize Cars.

Year-by-year EPA ratings

Where it has stood in its class

Ranked against every other nameplate the EPA filed under the same class that year. The BMW 525i placed highest in 2004 at #15 of 55, and lowest in 1992 at #45 of 58. It spent 3 of its 14 ranked years in the top half of its class.

Every configuration on record

All 30 configurations EPA lists for this nameplate, newest first.

How the rating has moved between model years

Comparing the best-rated configuration of each year. 5 of 6 year-over-year steps improved the top rating.

What 525i fuel costs over a year

At the EPA's 11,500 miles a year, the 2007 BMW 525i burns 523 to 548 gallons depending on configuration. Below is what that costs at three pump prices, and how much more the thirstiest configuration costs than the most efficient one.

EPA’s own estimate for the 2007 model year is $3,500 to $3,700 a year in fuel, or $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over five years.

How it compares with other Compact Cars

Across the 498 nameplates EPA classifies as Compact Cars, the median best combined rating is 26 mpg. At 22 mpg the BMW 525i is 4 mpg below the median, which is worth about $281 a year at $3.50 a gallon.

• All Compact Cars rankings — every nameplate in the class, best to worst.

Other BMW nameplates

Every BMW model compared → — all nameplates ranked by best combined rating, with what each one costs a year.