BMW 3 series 2012 vs Mercedes C class 2011
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.0 Petrol | 3.5 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 306 HP | 306 HP | |
| Torque: | 400 NM | 370 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 5 seconds | 6 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class have the same engine power, but BMW 3 series torque is 30 NM more than Mercedes C class. BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.6 | 7.0 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.7 l/100km | 9.7 l/100km | |
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The Mercedes C class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.6 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 90 litres more fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 litres | 66 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 780 km in combined cycle | 940 km in combined cycle | |
| 1030 km on highway | 1240 km on highway | ||
| 610 km with real consumption | 680 km with real consumption | ||
| Mercedes C class gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | 4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
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BMW 3 sērija has 4x4: 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 at most times, 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 higher speeds or when parking, multi-plate clutch is disengaged and all power is transferred to the rear wheels. DSC system (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels separately to regain traction and assist in cornering. | |||
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: | 9 years | 16 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 7 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X6 | Installed on at least 6 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Mercedes CLS, Mercedes SLK | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
| BMW 3 sērija 2012 3.0 engine: Using poor quality oil on this engine will quickly lead to soot build-up, resulting in damage to the hydrocompensators, Vanos and Valvetronic systems. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.62 m | 4.59 m | |
| Width: | 1.81 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.45 m | |
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BMW 3 series is larger, but slightly lower. BMW 3 series is 3 cm longer than the Mercedes C class, 4 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 480 litres | 475 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 11.7 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.9 metres more than that of the Mercedes C class, which means BMW 3 series can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Power steering: | Electric power steering | Hydraulic power steering | |
| Electric power steering is simpler, quieter, more fuel-efficient, more configurable and provides additional features such as auto-steering for lane assist and parking. The disadvantages of electric power steering are possible overheating under prolonged load conditions and insufficient feedback (feeling) during steering. | |||
| Gross weight: | 2`120 kg | 2`125 kg | |
| Net weight: | 1`590 kg | 1`610 kg | |
| Load capacity: | 530 kg | 515 kg | |
| Safety: | |||
| BMW 3 series scores higher in safety tests, but Mercedes C class is better rated in child safety tests. | |||
| Quality: | below average | high | |
| Mercedes C class has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 60 percent more cases than Mercedes C class, so Mercedes C class quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 10 800 | 8000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Mercedes C klase has
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