BMW 5 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 3 series engine produces 20 HP less power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 40 NM less than BMW 5 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.7 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.4
5.6
Real fuel consumption:
6.3 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 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 30 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 1.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1120 km in combined cycle
1250 km in combined cycle
1380 km on highway
1520 km on highway
960 km with real consumption
940 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
18 years
18 years
Dimensions
Length:
4.53 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 31 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 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
