BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 41 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 30 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.0
7.3
Real fuel consumption:
9.7 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 1.7 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 255 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 1.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
770 km in combined cycle
860 km in combined cycle
1020 km on highway
1100 km on highway
720 km with real consumption
770 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
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:
7 years
11 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW Z4, BMW Z3
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X1, BMW Z4
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
4.52 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.47 m
1.42 m
BMW 5 series is larger. BMW 5 series is 32 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 5 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
520 litres
460 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 5 series has 60 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series.
BMW 5 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than BMW 5 series, so BMW 5 series quality is probably slightly better
