BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 14 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 20 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.4 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.3
9.2
Real fuel consumption:
9.9 l/100km
9.6 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.9 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 285 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
860 km in combined cycle
760 km in combined cycle
1100 km on highway
1010 km on highway
630 km with real consumption
720 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
380'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
Installed on at least 8 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 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.