BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 4 HP more power than BMW 5 series, the torque is the same for both cars. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.2
6.4
Real fuel consumption:
8.7 l/100km
9.5 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 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
60 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
960 km in combined cycle
1090 km in combined cycle
1150 km on highway
1340 km on highway
680 km with real consumption
730 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Ground clearance:
145 mm (5.7 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
Dimensions
Length:
4.63 m
4.91 m
Width:
1.81 m
1.86 m
Height:
1.43 m
1.46 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 27 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:
11.7 meters
12.1 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.4 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.
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 5 series has serious deffects in 80 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better