BMW 3 series engine produces 13 HP less power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 30 NM less than Mercedes C class. Despite less power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.6
9.4
Real fuel consumption:
9.7 l/100km
10.6 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 270 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
820 km in combined cycle
700 km in combined cycle
1030 km on highway
920 km on highway
640 km with real consumption
620 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:
6 years
13 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 5 sērija
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK, Mercedes SLK
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes C class might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.53 m
4.60 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.46 m
BMW 3 series is 7 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 2 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
no data
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
no data
Turning diameter:
11 meters
10.8 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes C class.
Mercedes C class has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Mercedes C class quality could be a bit better.