Verdict
At RM267,800, the BMW 3 Series is RM100,088 cheaper and is still marginally quicker to 100 km/h, taking 7.4 seconds against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class’ 7.5 seconds. The E-Class justifies its larger outlay with a 4,949-mm body, 2,961-mm wheelbase and 540-litre boot, versus 4,709 mm, 2,851 mm and 480 litres. Malaysian buyers prioritising rear-seat room, luggage capacity and a 201-hp petrol-hybrid drivetrain should choose the E-Class; the 3 Series makes more sense for lower entry cost and a lighter 1,590-kg kerb weight.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the RM100,088 lower purchase price, 7.4-second 0-100 km/h time and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz E-Class if you need the larger 540-litre boot, 2,961-mm wheelbase, 201 hp petrol-hybrid powertrain and adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; Mercedes-Benz E-Class RM367,888.
- Power and torque: BMW 3 Series 184 hp and 300 Nm; Mercedes-Benz E-Class 201 hp and 320 Nm, plus a 23-hp/205-Nm motor.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: BMW 3 Series 7.4 seconds and 235 km/h; Mercedes-Benz E-Class 7.5 seconds and 240 km/h.
- Size: BMW 3 Series 4,709 mm long with a 2,851-mm wheelbase; Mercedes-Benz E-Class 4,949 mm long with a 2,961-mm wheelbase.
- Kerb weight and boot: BMW 3 Series 1,590 kg and 480 litres; Mercedes-Benz E-Class 1,825 kg and 540 litres.
- Driver assistance and cameras: BMW 3 Series has passive cruise control and a reverse camera; Mercedes-Benz E-Class has adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree…
3 Series
- RM100,088 lower purchase price
- 0.1 seconds quicker from 0-100 km/h
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and head-up display
- 184 hp and 300 Nm trail the E-Class’ 201 hp and 320 Nm
- Smaller 480-litre boot and 2,851-mm wheelbase
- Passive rather than adaptive cruise control
E-Class
- Larger 540-litre boot and 2,961-mm wheelbase
- 201 hp, 320 Nm petrol-hybrid drivetrain with a 23-hp motor
- Adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and contactless boot opening
- RM100,088 more expensive
- 0.1 seconds slower from 0-100 km/h
- Seven-speaker audio system lacks the BMW’s 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup and it has no head-up display
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800✓ | RM367,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM380 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Daimler AG |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds✓ | 7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,949 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,880 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,468 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,961 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 1,825 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | 66 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 540 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 245/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 275/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Multi-spoke Two-tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Rear Side, Front and Rear 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 for 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 | Reflector LED 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 | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| 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 | 14.4" MBUX Multimedia with Online Music Streaming, AI functionality built-in, Seven Speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 4 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 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 & E-Class for sale
3 Series vs E-Class FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class better?
The E-Class is better for space, boot capacity, power and driver-assistance hardware. The 3 Series is the better buy if lower purchase cost, lower weight, a head-up display and stronger audio matter more than executive-class size.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class costs RM100,088 more than the BMW 3 Series.
Which is quicker, the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The BMW 3 Series is quicker to 100 km/h by 0.1 seconds, recording 7.4 seconds versus 7.5 seconds for the E-Class. The E-Class has the higher top speed, at 240 km/h against 235 km/h.