Comparison

BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series

3 Series or 5 Series? Side-by-side specifications from the original factory data: engine, power, economy, dimensions and weight.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Parameter 3 Series 5 Series
Engine 4-cyl · 2.0L · turbo · Premium Gasoline 4-cyl · 2.0L · turbo · Premium Gasoline
Displacement, cc 2000 2000
Cylinders 4 4
Power, hp 255 255
Transmission Automatic (S8) Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive All-Wheel Drive
PERFORMANCE
Parameter 3 Series 5 Series
MPG city 26 27
MPG highway 34 35
MPG combined 29 30
CO₂, g/mile 298 292
DIMENSIONS
Parameter 3 Series 5 Series
Length, in 185.4 199.2
Width, in 72.0 74.8
Height, in 56.7 59.1
Wheelbase, in 112.2 118.1
WEIGHTS & CAPACITIES
Parameter 3 Series 5 Series
Curb weight, lb 3494 4158

Figures based on official manufacturer materials. Actual values may vary by configuration and market.

What the table shows

The two columns are a 2026 3 Series and a 2026 5 Series, taken from the specification cards behind this site rather than from a manufacturer’s press release. The starting version of a shared model year is used on both sides, so the comparison is base against base.

  • Curb weight: the 5 Series is heavier by 664 lb — 4,158 against 3,494, 19% more.
  • Combined economy: the 5 Series is more economical by 1 mpg — 30 against 29, 3% more.
  • Length: the 5 Series is longer by 13.8 in — 199.2 against 185.4, 7% more.

Identical on power (255 hp) — which is worth as much as the differences when deciding between them.

Both use the same engine: the B48, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four. Whatever separates these two cars, it is not what is under the bonnet. Both drive all four wheels.

Rows the table leaves blank are figures neither card carries. Torque, acceleration and top speed are not collected by any US government source and appear on this site only where an original factory brochure printed them, so they are missing more often on recent cars than on older ones.