BMW 3 series engine produces 28 HP less power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 87 NM less than BMW 5 series.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.2
11.4
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 4.2 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 630 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
870 km in combined cycle
610 km in combined cycle
1120 km on highway
740 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
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:
7 years
10 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X6, 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 5 series might be a better choice in this respect.
BMW 3 sērija 2008 3.0 engine: Relatively reliable engine. Most of the problems are related to the fuel injection system, spark plugs and coils, and the Vanos phase control system. Problems with the high-pressure fuel pump were common in ... More about BMW 3 sērija 2008 3.0 engine
Dimensions
Length:
4.53 m
4.85 m
Width:
1.82 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.42 m
1.48 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 6 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.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11.9 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.9 metres less than that of the BMW 5 series, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Power steering:
Electric power steering
Hydraulic power steering
Electric power steering is simpler, quieter, more fuel-efficient, more configurable and provides additional features such as auto-steering for lane assist and parking. The disadvantages of electric power steering are possible overheating under prolonged load conditions and insufficient feedback (feeling) during steering.
BMW 5 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so BMW 5 series quality could be a bit better.
