BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 14 HP more power than BMW 5 series, whereas torque is 10 NM more than BMW 5 series. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.8 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.5
6.9
Real fuel consumption:
6.7 l/100km
7.6 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 1.4 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 210 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 5 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
63 litres
70 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1140 km in combined cycle
1010 km in combined cycle
1400 km on highway
1270 km on highway
940 km with real consumption
920 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Dimensions
Length:
4.58 m
4.84 m
Width:
1.78 m
1.85 m
Height:
1.40 m
1.47 m
BMW 3 series is smaller. BMW 3 series is 26 cm shorter than the BMW 5 series, 7 cm narrower, while the height of BMW 3 series is 7 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
440 litres
520 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 80 litres less trunk space than the BMW 5 series.
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.
