BMW 3 series 2001 vs BMW 5 series 1995
| Body: | Hatchback | Sedan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area. | |||
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 2.5 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
| Performance | |||
| Power: | 192 HP | 170 HP | |
| Torque: | 245 NM | 245 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.2 seconds | 9.6 seconds | |
| BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 22 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 1.4 seconds faster. | |||
| Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.5 | 10.0 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 10.4 l/100km | 10.6 l/100km | |
| The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.5 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 75 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 70 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 660 km in combined cycle | 700 km in combined cycle | |
| 860 km on highway | 930 km on highway | ||
| 600 km with real consumption | 660 km with real consumption | ||
| BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
| Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 440'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 7 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | Used also on BMW 3 sērija | |
| 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. | |||
| Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.26 m | 4.78 m | |
| Width: | 1.75 m | 1.80 m | |
| Height: | 1.41 m | 1.44 m | |
| BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 52 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 5 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 310 litres | 460 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down | 1100 litres | no data | |
| BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 150 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 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`930 | 2`015 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | below average | below average | |
| BMW 5 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than BMW 5 series, so BMW 5 series quality is probably slightly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 2400 | 4800 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: | BMW 3 sērija has 
 | BMW 5 sērija has 
 | |
