The 3 Series and 5 Series are both fantastic vehicles to drive, as you might anticipate from a BMW. The 3 Series is a little firmer than its bigger sibling and feels sportier as a result, albeit it isn’t nearly as comfy.
Depending on what you plan to use the automobile for, the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series have different features. The 3 Series might be a better option if you spend a lot of driving in urban areas because it’s smaller and more maneuverable.
If you’re looking for pure comfort and elegance, the 5 Series is a superior option. It costs extra since it is just a little bit more sophisticated. Nevertheless, neither is as comfortable as a Mercedes C-Class or E-Class.
The choice is simple if you want a manual transmission because the 5 Series doesn’t have one. To that end, the fundamental 3 Series 318d can only be purchased with a manual. Both vehicles also come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps to make driving a little more comfortable.
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Verdict
It is evident from a comparison of the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series that both cars have a lot to offer the discerning driver. However, which one you select will mostly rely on your own requirements. The 3 Series is an excellent choice for city driving because it is a smaller model and because several of its variations have lower operating expenses. The 5 Series is a great choice if you need one car to handle both business and family life because it offers greater comfort and technology as you log more miles.
The Carwise Group has the 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles in Harlow and Maidstone. Today, take a test drive at your neighborhood dealership.
Series
The Five outperforms the Three on all important metrics. It is 302mm longer, 57mm wider, and 25mm taller than the Three, measuring 4935mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1466mm in height. Its wheelbase, however, is 165mm longer than the Three’s, or 2975mm. The boot has 530 liters of space, which is 50 liters more than the Three. It weights approximately 1600kg, or 100kg more than the 3 Series, depending on the model.
3 Series versus 5 Series: Which BMW is superior?
The choice between the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series will depend on your needs and budget since they are in distinct market groups.
The 3 Series is the ideal vehicle if you’re looking for something more youthful and sporty yet have a limited budget.
The BMW 5 Series is a better option if you have a little more money to invest and prioritize room and pure luxury over all other factors.
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worthwhile?
What Makes the BMW 3 Series Good? The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4: Which is superior?
MotorTrend listed the advantages and disadvantages of both high-end vehicles in an effort to decide which one is superior. Audi came out on top in terms of technology and interior design. They were impressed by the Audi’s higher-quality accents as well as the streamlined interior compared to the relatively antiquated BMW design. In the field of technology, there was no competition.
The A4 is a technological marvel that has earned the moniker “Virtual Cockpit.” BMW simply cannot compete. While both offer a comparable driving experience in terms of engine and transmission, the A4 offers a significantly more comfortable ride. But in terms of pure acceleration, the BMW 3 Series comes out on top.
The Audi A4 is a little less expensive in terms of price while still providing a lot of amenities. The BMW 3 Series is your only option if you’re seeking for a plug-in hybrid car because Audi doesn’t make a hybrid A4. Better efficiency is another feature of the 3 Series. BMW slightly outperforms the competition in the four-cylinder vehicles, which are approximately the same, but BMW is unquestionably more efficient in the six-cylinder variants. Both vehicles have comparable passenger space, however the 3 Series has a larger trunk than the Audi, measuring 17 cubic feet as opposed to 12 cubic feet.
What distinguishes the various BMW 5 Series models?
All of them have many of the same standard characteristics, however there are significant differences in the engine. The 530e boasts a plug-in hybrid version of the powerful four-cylinder engine seen in the 530i. The inline-six in the intermediate 540i runs well. Each of the M550i, M5, and M5 CS’s V8 engines is potent.
What distinguishes the BMW 3-4 and 5 from one another?
Compared to the 3 Series and 4 Series, the BMW 5 Series is a little bigger. It is a midsize luxury car that offers excellent handling by using either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. When looking for a pre-owned BMW, there are a few wagon types available, but typically, this model will be a sedan. For various needs, there are several engine choices.
Are BMW 3 Series repairs expensive?
Yes, BMW servicing is more expensive than many other manufacturers, whether they are premium or not, once the warranty expires. Over a ten-year period, a BMW may cost $12,000 more to maintain than a Toyota and $5,000 more than a Mercedes-Benz.
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. It’s not merely a car to get people from point A to point B; it was designed for driving aficionados. A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
Additionally, the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) system in cars connects countless sensors and controls. A BMW may require a sophisticated method for a simple repair on another vehicle, which increases labor expenses.
Yes, a 3-Series BMW requires pricey maintenance once the manufacturer or certified pre-owned warranty has expired. A used BMW 3-Series typically costs $1,000 to $1,700 per year in maintenance and repairs.
A BMW 328i oil change can cost between $149 and $174, according to RepairPal. Nevertheless, depending on your area and BMW model, you can pay more than that.
A BMW 5 Series: is it dependable?
Is a pre-owned BMW 5 Series sedan trustworthy? With a 96.9% dependability rating, our most recent reliability data paints a favorable picture of petrol 5 Series cars. Diesel models appear to be more problematic, achieving just 89.1%. The brand BMW was ranked 13th out of 30 manufacturers in the same survey, which is respectable.
How long is the life of a BMW 3 Series?
While a BMW 3 Series can travel 200,000–250,000 miles, there are numerous instances of 3 Series cars traveling more than 300,000 miles without experiencing any significant mechanical problems.
Is a 3 Series suitable for a family?
One of the nicest cars I’ve driven this year is the BMW 3 Series. Not because it can accommodate three child seats across the back, as it cannot, nor because the boot is the ideal height for changing diapers, as it cannot. But when it comes to the drive, sedans always astound me with how well they perform. And rightfully so, given that they have existed for eons and for a good cause.
The BMW 330i felt really enjoyable to be in and has a nice, smooth driving. It has a classic look and interior.
The 3 Series is what I would call effortless. Those two child seats are a little difficult to install, but at least they will be after they are in! There are three top tether anchorages in the fixed parcel shelf behind the headrests, but there isn’t much room to get to them.
The two outside chairs have ISOFix points. Because the outer ends of the seat base are so contoured to almost contact the doors, we discovered there was only space for two child seats.
Practically speaking, the legroom is adequate and a 180 cm driver may sit in front with a rear-facing child seat installed.
The 3 Series Sedan has a large boot that can store fourteen shopping bags when empty. That is one more than the Kia Stinger and one less than the VW Arteon. The 3 Series boot is not suitable for pets, but all stroller sizes fit within with some shopping!
The BMW 3 Series Sedan boasts a great media system that is simple to use and manage. For an extra $600, you can add Apple CarPlay (and soon Android Auto). Excellent and crystal-clear camera images in numerous directions are readily available, as is the reverse camera image.
You can tell exactly who has unbuckled their seatbelt in the back thanks to the excellent seatbelt removal display on the BMW 3 Series Sedan.
The automatic lock and unlock feature of the BMW 3 Series Sedan is one of its outstanding features. I can go up to the car and it will immediately unlock with the key in my pocket or bag, which is amazing when you have your arms full of kids and their belongings!
The BMW 3 Series is a sedan, so it doesn’t have the trendy SUV shape for a family vehicle, but we loved it and think it’s one of the easiest, coziest, and most relaxed vehicles we’ve ever driven.
Seven airbags are standard on the BBMW 3 Series Sedan, which received a five-star ANCAP Safety Rating in 2019.
Is a family’s BMW 3 Series too small?
The brand-new BMW 3 Series may be the perfect vehicle for all of your driving requirements.
In an ideal world, we’d all want a sizable garage packed with a variety of vehicles suitable for all kinds of situations. Long-legged GT for trips up North, comfortable cruiser for the daily grind, lightweight sports car for the track, and so on.
We unfortunately live in a flawed world. But which car would you choose if you had to have just one to meet all of your needs? The new BMW 3 Series is, in all likelihood, the last car you’ll ever need. This is why:
1. Fashion and prestige appropriate for the contemporary young professional
It’s a BMW first and foremost. It is an impressive badge, and that counts for something. It exudes success and purpose and is elegant and high-end.
This latest generation model is also sleeker and sportier-looking, which is unquestionably advantageous for the contemporary young professional.
2. Because of its small size, it is easy to maneuver
Yes, some people enjoy driving large SUVs because of their commanding presence and driving positions.
But having a little, compact vehicle really makes life easier for every day use. You won’t have to stress about trying to squeeze into small parallel parking spaces or navigating packed car parks.
3. Technologies that benefit drivers and make lives easier
Modern technology is also fully integrated into the new 3 Series, including the new Operating System 7.0 and Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Everyday driving is made safer by useful features like Lane Departure Warning, Parking Assistant, and Reversing Assistant, which is essential to protect the entire family.
4. The family will have enough of daily convenience.
The 480-liter boot and comfy, roomy rear cabin of the 3 Series make it a family-friendly vehicle.
Naturally, it is also future-proof. The 3 Series can accommodate an expanding family, whether it’s transporting adolescent teenagers or fitting a child seat.
5. Stable and ready for the track
The 3 Series’ dynamic ability—smooth power delivery, muscular steering, a well-organized chassis, and excellent balance—is one of its most notable features.
You could definitely take it stock and compete on the track. Without a doubt, the 3 Series is still a pleasure car to drive even on regular roads.
6. Impressive without being very effortful
The BMW 3 Series is the only vehicle you will ever require because it is incredibly well-rounded while still being incredibly courteous.
Despite being a very well-rounded compact family vehicle, the BMW 3 Series nonetheless exudes a certain sense of understated presence (especially in this Luxury Line trim). It isn’t extremely shrill or haughty. Instead, it’s polite, sophisticated, and respectful.
The 3 Series is a vehicle that many of us can reasonably hope to own and eventually afford, which is maybe the most crucial factor. Because in all reality, it is the only car you will ever require.
If the 330i is still a bit out of your price range, why not think about the 320i instead? Fortunately, this page includes a helpful video review of the vehicle.