BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving. BMW 5 series engine produces 54 HP less power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM less than BMW 3 series. Due to the lower power, BMW 5 series reaches 100 km/h speed 1.7 seconds later.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
8.1
8.0
Real fuel consumption:
9.5 l/100km
9.5 l/100km
By specification BMW 5 series consumes 0.1 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 15 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
70 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
860 km in combined cycle
780 km in combined cycle
1120 km on highway
1010 km on highway
730 km with real consumption
660 km with real consumption
BMW 5 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
4x4 - AWD (all-wheel-drive)
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:
6 years
7 years
Engine spread:
Used also on BMW 3 sērija
Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW 6 sērija
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 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.
Turning diameter:
11 meters
11 meters
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.
