BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 20 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.4 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.0
6.0
Real fuel consumption:
7.7 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 5 series could require 150 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 0.8 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1000 km in combined cycle
1010 km in combined cycle
1220 km on highway
1240 km on highway
900 km with real consumption
880 km with real consumption
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
Ground clearance:
143 mm (5.6 inches)
140 mm (5.5 inches)
Dimensions
Length:
4.84 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.49 m
1.44 m
BMW 5 series is larger. BMW 5 series is 31 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 5 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
500 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1650 litres
1385 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 5 series has 40 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 5 series (by 265 litres).
Turning diameter:
11.9 meters
11 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 0.9 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means BMW 5 series can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
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.
