BMW 3 series engine produces 13 HP less power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 40 NM less than Mercedes C class.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.4
7.6
Real fuel consumption:
8.6 l/100km
9.2 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.2 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 180 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.6 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
980 km in combined cycle
860 km in combined cycle
1210 km on highway
1130 km on highway
730 km with real consumption
710 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
440'000 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 C class engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
6 years
13 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK, Mercedes SLK
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:
4.52 m
4.58 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.45 m
BMW 3 series is 6 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 3 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
475 litres
BMW 3 series has 15 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes C class.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
10.8 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes C class.
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.