BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 20 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 40 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.7 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.6
5.4
Real fuel consumption:
7.4 l/100km
6.3 l/100km
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.2 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 30 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 5 series consumes 1.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
61 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
1250 km in combined cycle
1120 km in combined cycle
1520 km on highway
1380 km on highway
940 km with real consumption
960 km with real consumption
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:
18 years
18 years
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.
BMW 3 series has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for BMW 5 series, so BMW 3 series quality could be a bit better.