BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 28 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 15 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.6 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.1
7.5
Real fuel consumption:
9.7 l/100km
10.0 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. 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. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
880 km in combined cycle
930 km in combined cycle
1120 km on highway
1180 km on highway
640 km with real consumption
700 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
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
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4
Used only for this car
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:
4.53 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.
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.
