BMW 3 series 2003 vs Mercedes C class 2011

 
BMW 3 series
2003 - 2005
Mercedes C class
2011 - 2014
Body: CoupeEstate car / wagon
Gearbox: AutomaticAutomatic
Engine: 3.0 Diesel3.0 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing chainTiming chain

Performance

Power: 204 HP231 HP
Torque: 410 NM540 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.4 seconds6.5 seconds
Mercedes C class is a more dynamic driving.
BMW 3 series engine produces 27 HP less power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 130 NM less than Mercedes C class. Due to the lower power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.9 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.77.4
Real fuel consumption: 8.3 l/100km8.8 l/100km
The BMW 3 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 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 45 litres more fuel.
But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 3 series consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class.
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres66 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 810 km in combined cycle890 km in combined cycle
1030 km on highway1030 km on highway
750 km with real consumption740 km with real consumption
Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy.

Drive type

Wheel drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)

Engines

Average engine lifespan: 480'000 km560'000 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 Mercedes C class engine could be longer.
Engine production duration: 3 years21 years
Engine spread: Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW X3Installed on at least 8 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Mercedes S klase
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes C class might be a better choice in this respect.
BMW 3 sērija 2003 3.0 engine: The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more desirable on the used market. Despite delivering ...  More about BMW 3 sērija 2003 3.0 engine 

Mercedes C klase 2011 3.0 engine: The Mercedes-Benz OM642 is a 3.0-liter V6 diesel widely used in many models under the 3.0 CDI or 350 CDI designation. It is known for strong performance and good durability when maintained properly, and well-kept engines are capable of exceeding 500,000 km. At the same time, the unit has several characteristic weak ...  More about Mercedes C klase 2011 3.0 engine 

Dimensions

Length: 4.49 m4.61 m
Width: 1.76 m1.77 m
Height: 1.37 m1.46 m
BMW 3 series is smaller.
BMW 3 series is 12 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 1 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 9 cm lower.
Trunk capacity: 410 litres485 litres
Trunk max capacity:
with rear seats folded down, if possible
no data1500 litres
Mercedes C class has more luggage space.
BMW 3 series has 75 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes C class.
Turning diameter: 10 meters10.8 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.8 metres less than that of the Mercedes C class, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Power steering: Hydraulic power steeringElectric power steering
Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering.
Gross weight: 2`055 kg2`325 kg
Net weight:1`555 kg1`795 kg
Load capacity:500 kg530 kg
Safety:
Quality:
low

high
Mercedes C class has fewer problems.
According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 1035 percent more cases than Mercedes C class, so Mercedes C class quality is probably significantly better
Average price (€): 40006800
Pros and Cons: BMW 3 sērija has
  • better manoeuvrability
  • hydraulic power steering
  • lower price
Mercedes C klase has
  • more power
  • more dynamic
  • more full fuel tank mileage
  • has 4x4 drive
  • longer expected engine lifespan
  • roomier boot
  • electric power steering
  • fewer faults
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