BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 88 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 130 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 2.1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.9
8.1
Real fuel consumption:
10.9 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.2 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 180 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
910 km in combined cycle
860 km in combined cycle
910 km on highway
1120 km on highway
570 km with real consumption
700 km with real consumption
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
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:
9 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 7 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X6
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.
