BMW 5 series engine produces 42 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM less than BMW 3 series.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
11.0
8.0
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 5 series consumes 3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 5 series could require 450 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
630 km in combined cycle
780 km in combined cycle
740 km on highway
1010 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
380'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
7 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 8 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 series might be a better choice in this respect.
Dimensions
Length:
4.85 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.48 m
1.42 m
BMW 5 series is larger. BMW 5 series is 32 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 6 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
520 litres
460 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 5 series has 60 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series.
Turning diameter:
11.9 meters
11 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 0.9 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means BMW 5 series can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Power steering:
Hydraulic power steering
Electric power steering
Hydraulic power steering is technologically more complex, louder, increases fuel consumption and requires more servicing. It has the advantages of more power, less strain on the car's electrical system and better feedback (feeling) when steering.
BMW 5 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 3 series, so BMW 5 series quality could be a bit better.
