BMW 3 series and BMW 5 series have the same engine power, the torque is the same for both cars. BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.7 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.5
6.9
Real fuel consumption:
8.9 l/100km
8.6 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.4 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 60 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:
960 km in combined cycle
1010 km in combined cycle
1230 km on highway
1290 km on highway
700 km with real consumption
810 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 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
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.
Power steering:
Electric power steering
Hydraulic power steering
Electric power steering is simpler, quieter, more fuel-efficient, more configurable and provides additional features such as auto-steering for lane assist and parking. The disadvantages of electric power steering are possible overheating under prolonged load conditions and insufficient feedback (feeling) during steering.
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.
