BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 27 HP more power than BMW 5 series, the torque is the same for both cars. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.6 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
8.7
9.8
Real fuel consumption:
10.1 l/100km
9.9 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 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 165 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
720 km in combined cycle
710 km in combined cycle
980 km on highway
1000 km on highway
620 km with real consumption
700 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
380'000 km
460'000 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:
7 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 8 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.52 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.47 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 32 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 3 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 5 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
460 litres
520 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 60 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
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
