BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 13 HP more power than Mercedes C class, but torque is 10 NM less than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.1
10.8
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.7 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 255 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
62 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
690 km in combined cycle
570 km in combined cycle
910 km on highway
790 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
460'000 km
480'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
10 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4
Installed on at least 8 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Chrysler Crossfire
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:
4.47 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.74 m
1.73 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.43 m
Both cars are similar in size. BMW 3 series is 6 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 1 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 1 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
440 litres
no data
Turning diameter:
10 meters
10.8 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.8 metres less than that of the Mercedes C class, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
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.