BMW 3 series engine produces 14 HP less power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 10 NM less than BMW 5 series. Despite less power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.9
9.0
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 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 165 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
790 km in combined cycle
770 km in combined cycle
1060 km on highway
1020 km on highway
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:
11 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X1, BMW Z4
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW Z4, BMW Z3
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:
4.58 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.78 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.40 m
1.47 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 26 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 7 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 8 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
440 litres
520 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 80 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 5 series has serious deffects in 120 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better
