Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.
Performance
Power:
86 HP
94 HP
Torque:
152 NM
158 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
16 seconds
16.5 seconds
BMW 3 series engine produces 8 HP less power than Mercedes E class, whereas torque is 6 NM less than Mercedes E class. Despite less power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.9
7.1
Real fuel consumption:
6.6 l/100km
6.9 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes E class, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 30 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes E class.
Fuel tank capacity:
55 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
790 km in combined cycle
980 km in combined cycle
830 km with real consumption
1010 km with real consumption
Mercedes E class gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
480'000 km
630'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a Mercedes E class engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
8 years
16 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 5 sērija
Used only for this car
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts.
Hydraulic tappets:
no
yes
The Mercedes E class engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure.
Dimensions
Length:
4.32 m
4.74 m
Width:
1.64 m
1.74 m
Height:
1.38 m
1.43 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 42 cm shorter than the Mercedes E class, 10 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
404 litres
no data
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
425 litres
no data
Turning diameter:
10 meters
11.2 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1.2 metres less than that of the Mercedes E class, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
