BMW 3 series 1991 vs BMW 5 series 1998

 
BMW 3 series
1991 - 1998
BMW 5 series
1998 - 2000
Gearbox: ManualAutomatic
Engine: 2.5 Diesel2.9 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing chainTiming chain

Performance

Power: 115 HP184 HP
Torque: 222 NM390 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 12 seconds8.4 seconds
BMW 5 series is a more dynamic driving.
BMW 3 series engine produces 69 HP less power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 168 NM less than BMW 5 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 3.6 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.48.3
Real fuel consumption: 8.0 l/100km8.7 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy.
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.9 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 135 litres of fuel.
By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.7 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres70 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 870 km in combined cycle840 km in combined cycle
1140 km on highway1090 km on highway
810 km with real consumption800 km with real consumption
Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy.

Engines

Average engine lifespan: 480'000 km560'000 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 BMW 5 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration: 10 years12 years
Engine spread: Used also on BMW 5 sērijaInstalled on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 series might be a better choice in this respect.
BMW 5 sērija 1998 2.9 engine: Overall, the M57 diesel engine is known for its high reliability and can deliver an exceptionally long service life when properly maintained with high-quality fuel and oil. Fuel quality is especially critical ...  More about BMW 5 sērija 1998 2.9 engine 

Dimensions

Length: 4.43 m4.78 m
Width: 1.70 m1.80 m
Height: 1.39 m1.44 m
BMW 3 series is smaller.
BMW 3 series is 35 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 10 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity: 435 litres460 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space.
BMW 3 series has 25 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
Turning diameter: 10 meters11 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the BMW 5 series, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Gross weight (kg): 1`8152`125
Safety:
Quality:
below average

below average
BMW 5 series has fewer problems.
According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than BMW 5 series, so BMW 5 series quality is probably slightly better
Average price (€): 34005200
Rating in user reviews: 7.2/10 8.0/10
Pros and Cons: BMW 3 sērija has
  • lower fuel consumption
  • better manoeuvrability
  • lower price
BMW 5 sērija has
  • more power
  • more dynamic
  • longer expected engine lifespan
  • roomier boot
  • higher safety
  • fewer faults
  • higher ratings in user reviews
Share these results to social networks or e-mail
Contact us: info@auto-abc.lv