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 0.4 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
6.7
5.9
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 0.8 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 120 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:
1040 km in combined cycle
1060 km in combined cycle
1290 km on highway
1310 km on highway
770 km with real consumption
810 km with real consumption
Engines
Average engine lifespan:
420'000 km
350'000 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 5 series engine could be longer.
Engine production duration:
7 years
6 years
Engine spread:
Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 3 sērija, BMW Z4, BMW Z3
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 1 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 5 series might be a better choice in this respect.
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 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.