BMW 3 series and BMW 5 series have the same engine power, the torque is the same for both cars. BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.3 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.4
6.8
Real fuel consumption:
8.7 l/100km
8.2 l/100km
The BMW 5 series is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.4 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 60 litres of fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 0.5 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
930 km in combined cycle
1020 km in combined cycle
1150 km on highway
1270 km on highway
680 km with real consumption
850 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Ground clearance:
140 mm (5.5 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
300'000 km
300'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
7 years
Dimensions
Length:
4.62 m
4.90 m
Width:
1.81 m
1.86 m
Height:
1.43 m
1.46 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 28 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 5 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 4 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
480 litres
520 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 40 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
Turning diameter:
11.3 meters
11.9 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.6 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.
Gross weight (kg):
1`980
2`220
Safety:
The BMW 5 series scores higher in active safety technologies (stability control, lane assist, automatic braking, etc.) tests.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 5 series has serious deffects in 50 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better
