BMW 3 series petrol engines consumes on average 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than BMW 5 series. On average, BMW 3 series equipped with diesel engines consume 0.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series. This comparison does not take engine capacity into account, so to compare the fuel consumption of specific engines, select the car version!
Ground clearance:
138 mm (5.4 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
Dimensions
Length:
4.61 m
4.90 m
Width:
1.78 m
1.86 m
Height:
1.38 m
1.46 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 29 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 8 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 8 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
210 litres
520 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
350 litres
no data
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 310 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
12 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the BMW 5 series, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Gross weight (kg):
~ 2`123
~ 2`305
Safety:
The BMW 5 series scores higher in active safety technologies (stability control, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.) tests.
