BMW 3 series 2006 vs Mercedes C class 2011
| Body: | Coupe | Estate car / wagon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 2.1 Diesel | |
| Petrol engines (BMW 3 series) are generally quieter, smoother, and better suited for short trips due to quicker warm-up times. Diesel (Mercedes C class) engines, on the other hand, offer superior fuel efficiency and torque, making them ideal for long-distance driving and heavy loads. Read more: Petrol vs. Diesel: Fuel Economy and Key Differences. | |||
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 218 HP | 120 HP | |
| Torque: | 250 NM | 300 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 7.4 seconds | 10.8 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 98 HP more power than Mercedes C class, but torque is 50 NM less than Mercedes C class. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 3.4 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.2 | 4.8 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.5 l/100km | 6.1 l/100km | |
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The Mercedes C class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 4.4 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 660 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 3.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 66 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 680 km in combined cycle | 1370 km in combined cycle | |
| 900 km on highway | 1600 km on highway | ||
| 660 km with real consumption | 1080 km with real consumption | ||
| Mercedes C class gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | 4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive) | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | |
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BMW 3 sērija has 4x4: BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At high speeds or when parking, for example, the clutch is disengaged and all power is sent to the rear wheels. DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels individually to regain traction and assist in cornering. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 350'000 km | 390'000 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: | 7 years | 15 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | Installed on at least 7 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes A klase, Mercedes Vito | |
| 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 2006 2.5 engine: On this engine, the valve seals and crankcase breather valve diaphragm tend to fail after 80-100 000 km, leading to increased oil consumption. It is recommended to choose engines manufactured in the last years ... More about BMW 3 sērija 2006 2.5 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.58 m | 4.61 m | |
| Width: | 1.78 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.40 m | 1.46 m | |
| BMW 3 series is 3 cm shorter than the Mercedes C class, 1 cm wider, while the height of BMW 3 series is 6 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 440 litres | 485 litres | |
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Mercedes C class has more luggage space. BMW 3 series has 45 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes C class. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes C class. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`010 | 2`155 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | above average | |
| Mercedes C class has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 245 percent more cases than Mercedes C class, so Mercedes C class quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 7200 | 5800 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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Mercedes C klase has
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