BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 10 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 0.8 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.8
6.6
Real fuel consumption:
8.0 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 30 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
890 km in combined cycle
1060 km in combined cycle
1070 km on highway
1340 km on highway
760 km with real consumption
870 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Ground clearance:
140 mm (5.5 inches)
142 mm (5.6 inches)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
16 years
12 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X6
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X6
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts.
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 meters
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.
