BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 27 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 20 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.9
6.0
Real fuel consumption:
9.0 l/100km
7.7 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.9 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 135 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 1.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1010 km in combined cycle
1050 km in combined cycle
1250 km on highway
1280 km on highway
770 km with real consumption
810 km with real consumption
Ground clearance:
143 mm (5.6 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
350'000 km
350'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration:
6 years
6 years
Dimensions
Length:
4.84 m
4.53 m
Width:
1.85 m
1.82 m
Height:
1.49 m
1.44 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:
500 litres
460 litres
Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down
1650 litres
1385 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity. BMW 5 series has 40 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series. The maximum boot capacity (with all rear seats folded down) is larger in BMW 5 series (by 265 litres).
Turning diameter:
11.4 meters
11 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 0.4 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.
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.
