Mercedes C class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes C class engine produces 47 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 65 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power Mercedes C class reaches 100 km/h speed 2.3 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.2
8.1
Real fuel consumption:
10.0 l/100km
8.8 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes C class consumes 1.1 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 165 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes C class consumes 1.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
62 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
670 km in combined cycle
770 km in combined cycle
880 km on highway
960 km on highway
620 km with real consumption
710 km with real consumption
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
440'000 km
350'000 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 only for this car
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:
4.54 m
4.48 m
Width:
1.73 m
1.74 m
Height:
1.46 m
1.41 m
Mercedes C class is 6 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 1 cm narrower, while the height of Mercedes C class is 5 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
no data
435 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
no data
1345 litres
Turning diameter:
10.8 meters
10 meters
The turning circle of the Mercedes C class is 0.8 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means Mercedes C class can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
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.