BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 75 HP more power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 100 NM more than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.6 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.7
9.6
Real fuel consumption:
11.4 l/100km
10.7 l/100km
The Mercedes C class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 15 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.7 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
640 km in combined cycle
680 km in combined cycle
860 km on highway
890 km on highway
550 km with real consumption
610 km with real consumption
Mercedes C class gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
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:
10 years
13 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X6, BMW Z4
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.
