BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 41 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 20 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.9 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.2
8.7
Real fuel consumption:
9.5 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.5 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 225 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
870 km in combined cycle
800 km in combined cycle
1120 km on highway
1040 km on highway
660 km with real consumption
730 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
7 years
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.44 m
1.49 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 32 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 3 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
500 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1385 litres
1650 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 40 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 5 series (by 265 litres).
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.