BMW 5 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 5 series engine produces 34 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
5.6
5.4
Real fuel consumption:
7.0 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 0.7 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
1000 km with real consumption
960 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Ground clearance:
142 mm (5.6 inches)
144 mm (5.7 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:
17 years
17 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.
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.
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.
