BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 54 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 50 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
8.0
8.1
Real fuel consumption:
11.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
The BMW 5 series is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 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 15 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
780 km in combined cycle
860 km in combined cycle
1010 km on highway
1120 km on highway
570 km with real consumption
700 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)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 5 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
7 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
Used also on BMW 3 sērija
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.
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.
