BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 40 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 1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.3
7.9
Real fuel consumption:
11.0 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 1.4 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 210 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 1.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
750 km in combined cycle
790 km in combined cycle
1020 km on highway
1010 km on highway
630 km with real consumption
630 km with real consumption
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
BMW 3 sērija 2005: BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At high speeds or when parking, for example, the clutch is disengaged and all power is sent to the rear wheels. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels individually to regain traction and assist in cornering.
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 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
