BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
VS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes' executive sedan on the MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp).
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 d (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
|
7,7 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
240 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
114,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
138 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
540 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
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|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
|
2,94 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,92 m
|
| Width |
1,90 m
|
1,85 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,47 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 9G-TRONIC automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW M3
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
- 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
- Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
Pros
BMW M3
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- 540 L boot (Estate: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
- Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
- MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
- E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly
Cons
BMW M3
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
- PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
- Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW M3
11 for sale · from € 69.950
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
32 for sale · from € 4.850
Mercedes-Benz E 200 Camera · CarPlay · Navigation
€ 13.495
DR Motors
DR Motors
Mercedes-Benz E 200 plug-in hybrid · AMG · 360° camera · CarPlay · Head-up …
€ 50.990
click2move by Declerc
click2move by Declerc
Mercedes-Benz E 220 CarPlay · LED · Sport seats
€ 22.180
Simplici Car Liège
Simplici Car Liège
Mercedes-Benz E 220 360° camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 22.980
Simplici Car Liège
Simplici Car Liège
