Mercedes C class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes C class engine produces 21 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 60 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power Mercedes C class reaches 100 km/h speed 1.2 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
7.9
5.9
Real fuel consumption:
8.5 l/100km
7.1 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes C class consumes 2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Mercedes C class could require 300 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes C class consumes 1.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
62 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
780 km in combined cycle
1060 km in combined cycle
720 km with real consumption
880 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
440'000 km
330'000 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:
13 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK, Mercedes SLK
Used also on BMW 1 sērija
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 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes C class has serious deffects in 30 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better
