BMW 5 series and BMW 3 series have the same engine power, the torque is the same for both cars. BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.2 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.4
5.9
Real fuel consumption:
7.1 l/100km
6.7 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.5 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 75 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 0.4 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1090 km in combined cycle
1030 km in combined cycle
1340 km on highway
1270 km on highway
980 km with real consumption
910 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Ground clearance:
143 mm (5.6 inches)
141 mm (5.6 inches)
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).
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.