Comparing The BMW 3 Series vs. The 5 Series

For decades the 3 Series and 5 Series have been two of the best-selling models for BMW. Both have dominated the premium sedan/saloon car market and are some of the best-selling German cars of all time.

But you might be wondering, why does BMW make both models? If they are both premium sedans, wouldn’t it be simpler to have one or the other? To understand why both the 3 Series and 5 Series are so popular, let’s compare both cars.

The 3 Series vs. 5 Series

The 3 Series and the 5 Series are household names in the automotive industry. Both models have been through seven design generations and have been around since the 1970s. They are also the best-selling models for BMW, with the 3 Series accounting for about 30% of annual BMW car sales worldwide. Before we compare the current generations, let’s go through a brief history of each model.

History of the 3 Series

BMW first produced the 3 Series in 1975. The first generation was only sold as a 2-door model with a convertible option. Once the second generation was released in 1982, the 3 series moved to its familiar 4-door design and introduced an estate body type. The second generation also saw the first M3 edition, the E30.

The 3 Series stayed the same through the 1990s, with new generations introducing extra features. The following change came in the fifth generation when BMW added the first turbocharged petrol engine to the 3 Series. This went one step further during the sixth generation, where all 3 Series models became turbocharged.

The latest generation (7th) was released in 2019, with the next generation expected around 2024.

History of the 5 Series

BMW produced the first 5 Series model in 1972. Unlike the 3 Series, it has always been manufactured as a 4-door sedan/saloon, with an estate option added during the third generation.

Later generations saw various updates in design and technology. The fifth-generation added many new features such as voice control, heads-up display, and the iDrive system. Like the 3 Series, there have been high-performance M5 models for each generation.

The latest generation (7th) was released in 2017, with a new generation expected in 2023 or 2024.

3 Series vs. 5 Series – The Differences

So far, we’ve covered a brief history of both models, with some similarities:

• Both started life in the 1970s
• Both are primarily 4-door sedans/saloons
• They represent the top-selling models for BMW

But there must be differences, right? 

The ‘Premium’ Factor

From a distance, these cars look similar, but once you get into the details, you’ll see the main differences. If we look at the latest generation and compare what you get as standard equipment:

The above list isn’t every difference between the 3 Series vs. the 5 Series, but it gives you an idea of the extra features available on the base model. However, this all comes with a cost increase (we’ll look at that later).

Alongside the technology upgrades, materials in the 5 Series are of higher quality. You get more leather, and genuine metal compared to harder plastics and painted parts in the 3 Series. As with the technology, you can choose those better materials as optional extras in the 3 Series.

What about the driving experience though? Does it make the 5 Series a more enjoyable and a ‘better’ car to drive with all the different technology?

The Driving

This is where you find more differences between the two models. Anyone who has driven both a 3 Series and a 5 Series will be able to tell you how differently they drive. Once again, I will use the base models (330i and 530i) as a comparison.

Looking at the numbers, you might be surprised that the 330i has more power and torque than the 530i. The 530i also comes out worse on efficiency, as it’s 200 lbs heavier than its smaller cousin.

But this is only a comparison on paper – what are the cars like to drive? To understand that, it’s essential to know what each vehicle is designed for.

The drive in the 3 Series feels more involved and sharper. Compared to the 5 Series, there is less noise insulation, so you hear and feel the engine more. Suspension is also slightly stiffer, resulting in more feel on the road (for better or worse depending on the surface). The 330i is by no means a performance vehicle, but you feel more of a driver.

The 5 Series is designed to be relaxing to drive, but the focus is also on the passenger. The road feels smoother thanks to the improved suspension and body design, and the engine is quieter. I haven’t tested this, but if you were a rear passenger trying to sleep during a journey, you’d have far more success in the 5 Series. At the end of the day, the 5 Series is a car that’s partly designed to be driven in an ‘entry-level’ limousine style.

Which is the better car to drive, then? That comes down to what kind of driving you’ll be doing. If you enjoy feeling part of the car and getting that experience, the lower-spec 3 Series models will scratch that itch. If you want a relaxing drive, often with many passengers, the 5 Series will be your best choice.

The Size

When I bought my first 3 Series, there were a couple of reasons why I avoided a 5 Series. One was the price, and the other was the size comparison. Having driven a few 5 Series models, I was probably exaggerating the difference, but it’s still worthwhile comparing the two.

As you can see from the table, the 5 Series is larger in every dimension – what you’d expect. The most noticeable difference to the driver is the length of the two models. You can feel the difference when cornering, particularly at speed. Combined with the weight difference, I remember feeling slightly unsure when I drove a 5 Series for the first time. 

That isn’t a negative for the 5 Series, though. As we talked about, for rear passengers, that additional length is vital, so there will always be a compromise somewhere. And unless you are driving the performance versions of each model, how hard will you push your standard 5 Series anyway?

The Price

I’ve left the most important part for last here. Unfortunately, when you’re comparing any cars, the discussion always ends up at price. We can’t avoid it, and you’ll want to know about it, so let’s discuss it.

With both models, you get a lot of choices within each range. As with every BMW, you also get various options and packages to add (more on that here). Let’s look at the starting suggested retail prices for each version to avoid making this post drag on with all the different variants. Bear in mind these can change and increase significantly once you start adding options. Also, some variants are only available in some areas of the world:

Even at the base models, you’re seeing a 20% increase in price for some cars. This might not put buyers off (after all, the 5 Series is the second best-selling BMW) but seeing those numbers next to each other makes you think. That price includes those extra features we discussed as standard, but it’s still a significant increase. Whether it’s worth it or not again will come down to what you will use the cars for.

My Thoughts On Each Model

So, what should you do if you’re undecided between a 3 Series vs. a 5 Series? Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to that. As we’ve covered, both models have their good and bad points and will suit different types of owners.

The 5 Series is a better car. Yes, it’s less involved to drive, but the extra tech, better materials, and more comfortable experience set it above the 3 Series, in my opinion. The only remaining question left is to decide whether that price difference is worth it.

Thanks for reading – if you want to find out more about BMW, check out the below: