Verdict
The RM73,000 step from the BMW 3 Series to the BMW 5 Series buys more cabin-oriented hardware rather than quicker straight-line pace. The 5 Series has 208 hp and 330 Nm against 184 hp and 300 Nm, yet the lighter-on-paper 3 Series reaches 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, a tenth ahead of the 5 Series. Malaysian buyers who regularly carry rear passengers will appreciate the 5 Series’ 2,900-mm wheelbase, dual-zone rear air-con and active cruise control with Stop & Go. The 3 Series is the sharper-value choice, with an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system and automated parking included.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want to save RM73,000, get the marginally quicker 7.4-second sprint and retain premium audio plus auto parking.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if rear-seat comfort, a larger executive-class body and Stop & Go active cruise control matter more than the extra outlay.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; BMW 5 Series RM340,800.
- Output: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; BMW 5 Series 208 hp and 330 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds; BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds.
- Length and wheelbase: BMW 3 Series 4,709 mm and 2,851 mm; BMW 5 Series 5,060 mm and 2,900 mm.
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series 480 litres; BMW 5 Series 490 litres.
- Rear climate control: BMW 3 Series single-zone; BMW 5 Series dual-zone automatic.
3 Series
- RM73,000 cheaper.
- Quicker 0-100 km/h time: 7.4 seconds.
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio and auto parking.
- Less output at 184 hp and 300 Nm versus 208 hp and 330 Nm.
- Shorter 2,851-mm wheelbase and single-zone rear air-con.
- No Stop & Go active cruise control or 360-degree camera.
5 Series
- 208 hp, 330 Nm and mild hybrid assistance.
- Longer 2,900-mm wheelbase with dual-zone rear air-con.
- Active cruise control with lane keeping and Stop & Go, plus a 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM73,000 more.
- Slightly slower to 100 km/h at 7.5 seconds versus 7.4 seconds.
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon system versus the 3 Series’ 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM340,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM379 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 208 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 330 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | Eight-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds✓ | 7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 230 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,900 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 490 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/45R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-934 Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Style-934 Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 4 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Active Lane keeping assistant and Stop & Go function |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 3 Series & 5 Series for sale
3 Series vs 5 Series FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or BMW 5 Series better?
The BMW 5 Series is better for rear-passenger comfort and driver assistance, thanks to its longer 2,900-mm wheelbase, rear dual-zone air-con and Stop & Go active cruise control. The BMW 3 Series is the better-value choice and is marginally quicker to 100 km/h.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 5 Series costs RM340,800 and the BMW 3 Series costs RM267,800, so the difference is RM73,000.
Which BMW has more boot space?
The BMW 5 Series has the larger boot at 490 litres, 10 litres more than the BMW 3 Series’ 480 litres. Both are five-seat, four-door sedans with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.