BMW 5 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 3 series engine produces 48 HP less power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 50 NM less than BMW 5 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.6
8.7
Real fuel consumption:
8.1 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 165 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 1.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
820 km in combined cycle
800 km in combined cycle
1060 km on highway
1040 km on highway
770 km with real consumption
730 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 3 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
11 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X1, BMW Z4
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.49 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 32 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 3 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
500 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1650 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 40 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 5 series (by 265 litres).
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
