BMW 3 Series vs BMW 5 Series
BMW 3 Series
The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
VS
BMW 5 Series
The seventh-generation 5 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
First car
Second car
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs B48 520i · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
290 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,8 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
235 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
119,1 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
140 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,2 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
530 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,98 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,94 m
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,87 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,48 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | BMW 5 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW 3 Series
- Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
- DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
- Timing chain rare but known on B48
BMW 5 Series
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Early iDrive (NBT EVO) software quirks
- Level sensor of the optional air suspension can fail
Pros
BMW 3 Series
- Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
- Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
- Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment
BMW 5 Series
- Benchmark ride/handling balance (CLAR)
- Efficient, quiet B47/B48 engines
- Big boot (530 l) & roomy cabin
Cons
BMW 3 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension
- Rear seat less roomy than some rivals
BMW 5 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport + run-flat
- Pricey options list
Compare specific generations
Verdict
Pick this one if…
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The 320d (190 hp diesel) — the classic 3 Series sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
BMW 5 Series
Pick the 5 Series for a benchmark balance of comfort and handling, a hushed ride and a big boot in a premium executive sedan.
Best engine: The 520d (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide