BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
BMW 3 Series
The seventh-generation 3 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.
VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The fourth-generation C-Class on the rear-drive MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs M274 C 200 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
Winner
|
7,2 s
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
237 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
125,2 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
|
131 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
Winner
|
2,84 m
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,81 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | MRA (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 | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) |
| 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
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
- 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
- COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
Pros
BMW 3 Series
- Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
- Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
- Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
- Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Cons
BMW 3 Series
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension
- Rear seat less roomy than some rivals
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
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…
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The C 220 d (194 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide