BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 21 HP more power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 10 NM more than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.6 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.2
7.3
Real fuel consumption:
7.2 l/100km
8.5 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 1.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity:
61 litres
66 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
980 km in combined cycle
900 km in combined cycle
1170 km on highway
1110 km on highway
840 km with real consumption
770 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Engine production duration:
16 years
19 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 4 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X6
Installed on at least 10 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Mercedes S klase
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:
4.53 m
4.58 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.45 m
BMW 3 series is 5 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.