BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 27 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 13 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.8 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.9
8.6
Real fuel consumption:
8.6 l/100km
9.1 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.7 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 255 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
65 litres
80 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
940 km in combined cycle
930 km in combined cycle
1010 km on highway
1170 km on highway
750 km with real consumption
870 km with real consumption
Dimensions
Length:
4.43 m
4.72 m
Width:
1.70 m
1.75 m
Height:
1.39 m
1.41 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 29 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 5 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 2 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
435 litres
460 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 25 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
Turning diameter:
10 meters
11 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.
BMW 5 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 35 percent more cases than BMW 5 series, so BMW 5 series quality is probably significantly better
