BMW 5 Series vs BMW M3
BMW 5 Series
BMW’s executive saloon.
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
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.
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Performance
B48 520i · Petrol vs M3 Competition · Petrol
| BMW 5 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
510 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
290 Nm
|
650 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,8 s
|
3,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
235 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
119,1 hp/t
|
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
Winner
|
230 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 5 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
530 L
Winner
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,98 m
Winner
|
2,86 m
|
| Length |
4,94 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Width |
1,87 m
|
1,90 m
|
| Height |
1,48 m
|
1,43 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 5 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Early iDrive (NBT EVO) software quirks
- Level sensor of the optional air suspension can fail
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Pros
- Benchmark ride/handling balance (CLAR)
- Efficient, quiet B47/B48 engines
- Big boot (530 l) & roomy cabin
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport + run-flat
- Pricey options list
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
Driving experience
BMW 5 Series
Composed, refined and supremely effortless. Steering is precise and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the G30 blends limousine comfort with genuine driver involvement. sDrive keeps the classic rear-drive balance and composure; xDrive adds all-weather confidence without dulling the nose. Adaptive dampers and optional air suspension span cushioned to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the 530e/545e plug-ins glide on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished executive saloon that turns a long drive into a calm, effortless one.
BMW M3
Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 5 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
