BMW M3 G80 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212

BMW M3

G80 · 2021 – 2026

The current M3 (G80), BMW’s high-performance saloon on the CLAR platform.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW M3

Pick the G80 for the first M3 with optional M xDrive and a manual base variant — S58 pace with everyday saloon practicality.

Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 CDI / E 250 CDI (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M3 Competition · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Power	510 hp Winner	184 hp
Torque	650 Nm Winner	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	3,9 s Winner	7,9 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	235 km/h
Power-to-weight	286,5 hp/t Winner	119,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	230 g/km	138 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	10,5 L/100km	5,8 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot	480 L	540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.200 L	—
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,79 m	4,87 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	13,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,3 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	2.100 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW M3	Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Platform	CLAR (G80, rear-wheel drive or xDrive)	Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed 7G-TRONIC
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW M3

Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
Oil-cooler or seal sweating (early cars)
Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Pros

BMW M3

Rear-wheel drive retains classic M balance
xDrive versions are quicker and more secure in poor grip
Usable rear seats and a 480 L boot for a performance saloon

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

540 L boot (Estate: 695 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Proven OM651 2.1 diesel (E 250 CDI: 204 hp / 500 Nm)
Comfortable long-distance sedan with optional 4MATIC
V6/V8 options (E 350 / E 500) for smooth performance

Cons

BMW M3

Big and heavy (~1,705–1,940 kg)
Firm ride, especially in stiffer settings

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M271 petrol: timing chain risk reported

Driving experience

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.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Comfortable, quiet and built for long distances. The W212 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and cruises with the calm composure of a large executive saloon. Rear-drive is standard and gives a classic balance; 4MATIC adds traction. The OM651 diesel is the sensible distance choice and stays quiet, the M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, and the 7G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a genuinely comfortable, dependable executive car that does motorway miles with little effort.