BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series and Mercedes C class have the same engine power, but BMW 3 series torque is 30 NM more than Mercedes C class. BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.4 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.2
7.1
Real fuel consumption:
11.0 l/100km
9.7 l/100km
The Mercedes C class is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 2.1 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 315 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 1.3 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
920 km in combined cycle
910 km on highway
1170 km on highway
570 km with real consumption
680 km with real consumption
Mercedes C class gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
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:
10 years
15 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X6, BMW Z4
Installed on at least 6 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes ML, Mercedes CLS, Mercedes SLK
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.
Dimensions
Length:
4.58 m
4.61 m
Width:
1.78 m
1.77 m
Height:
1.38 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 8 cm lower.
Trunk capacity:
440 litres
485 litres
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.
Mercedes C class has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so Mercedes C class quality could be a bit better.