BMW 3 series engine produces 6 HP more power than BMW 5 series, but torque is 7 NM less than BMW 5 series.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.7
11.0
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.3 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 195 litres of fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
640 km in combined cycle
630 km in combined cycle
860 km on highway
740 km on highway
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
350'000 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 BMW 3 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
9 years
10 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 7 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3, BMW X6
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 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.
BMW 3 sērija 2008 3.0 engine: Using poor quality oil on this engine will quickly lead to soot build-up, resulting in damage to the hydrocompensators, Vanos and Valvetronic systems.
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.
