BMW 5 series 1988 vs BMW 3 series 1991

 
BMW 5 series
1988 - 1991
BMW 3 series
1991 - 1998
Gearbox: ManualManual
Engine: 2.4 Diesel2.5 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing beltTiming chain
Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.

Performance

Power: 116 HP115 HP
Torque: 220 NM222 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 13 seconds12 seconds
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving.
BMW 5 series engine produces 1 HP more power than BMW 3 series, but torque is 2 NM less than BMW 3 series. Despite the higher power, BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.17.4
Real fuel consumption: 8.1 l/100km8.0 l/100km
By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that by driving the BMW 5 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 45 litres of fuel.
But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, BMW 5 series consumes 0.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres65 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 1120 km in combined cycle870 km in combined cycle
1560 km on highway1140 km on highway
980 km with real consumption810 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.

Engines

Average engine lifespan: 420'000 km480'000 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 BMW 3 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration: 8 years10 years
Engine spread: Used also on BMW 3 sērijaUsed also on BMW 5 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts.
Hydraulic tappets: noyes
The BMW 3 series engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure.

Dimensions

Length: 4.72 m4.43 m
Width: 1.75 m1.70 m
Height: 1.41 m1.39 m
BMW 5 series is larger.
BMW 5 series is 29 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 5 cm wider, while the height of BMW 5 series is 2 cm higher.
Trunk capacity: 460 litres435 litres
BMW 5 series has more luggage capacity.
BMW 5 series has 25 litres more trunk space than the BMW 3 series.
Turning diameter: 11 meters10 meters
The turning circle of the BMW 5 series is 1 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.
Gross weight (kg): 1`9901`815
Safety: no data
Quality:
above average

low
Average price (€): 36002400
Rating in user reviews: 8.2/10 7.2/10
Pros and Cons: BMW 5 sērija has
  • timing belt engine
  • more full fuel tank mileage
  • roomier boot
  • fewer faults
  • higher ratings in user reviews
BMW 3 sērija has
  • timing chain engine
  • more dynamic
  • longer expected engine lifespan
  • better manoeuvrability
  • lower price
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