BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 5 series engine produces 48 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 120 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.9 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.9
6.8
Real fuel consumption:
7.1 l/100km
8.0 l/100km
The BMW 5 series is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 5 series could require 15 litres more fuel. But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 5 series consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1010 km in combined cycle
890 km in combined cycle
1270 km on highway
1070 km on highway
980 km with real consumption
760 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
Ground clearance:
142 mm (5.6 inches)
140 mm (5.5 inches)
Dimensions
Length:
4.84 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.47 m
1.42 m
BMW 5 series is larger. BMW 5 series is 31 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 5 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:
no data
11 meters
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.
