BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 41 HP more power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 20 NM more than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.2
9.4
Real fuel consumption:
9.9 l/100km
9.1 l/100km
By specification BMW 3 series consumes 2.2 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 330 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 0.8 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
870 km in combined cycle
700 km in combined cycle
1120 km on highway
940 km on highway
630 km with real consumption
720 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
420'000 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:
7 years
13 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
Installed on at least 6 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
10.84 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.16 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.
