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 2.3 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.4
6.9
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 0.5 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 75 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
980 km in combined cycle
1010 km in combined cycle
1210 km on highway
1290 km on highway
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
330'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
6 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 3 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:
4.53 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.47 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 31 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
520 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 60 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.4 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.4 metres less than that of the BMW 5 series, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
BMW 5 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so BMW 5 series quality could be a bit better.
