BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 14 HP more power than Mercedes C class, but torque is 20 NM less than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.5
7.6
Real fuel consumption:
9.0 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 1.1 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 165 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
960 km in combined cycle
860 km in combined cycle
1230 km on highway
1130 km on highway
700 km with real consumption
710 km with real consumption
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.
