BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 5 series engine produces 54 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.5 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.7
7.4
Real fuel consumption:
9.9 l/100km
10.6 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 5 series consumes 0.3 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 45 litres more fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 5 series consumes 0.7 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
900 km in combined cycle
850 km in combined cycle
1160 km on highway
1080 km on highway
700 km with real consumption
590 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Ground clearance:
143 mm (5.6 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
350'000 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:
6 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 3 sērija
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 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:
4.84 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:
11.4 meters
11 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 0.4 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.
