Model Year | 2006 | 2008 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 112.4 in | -3.7 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 191.0 in | -12.8 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 71.7 in | -0.2 in |
Height | 55.9 in | 58.4 in | -2.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3285 lb. | 3740 lb. | -455 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 21.1 gal. | -5.2 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 39.1 in | -0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 56.4 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 52.4 in | -52.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 41.9 in | -0.4 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 56.1 in | -1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 53.8 in | -53.8 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 35.6 in | -1 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | -1.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 15.9 ft3 | -3.9 ft3 |
2006 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
More padding, slightly larger than e46 sport seats, fully adjustable side bolsters and the Dakota leather seems thicker and softer than the e-46 leather. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
back support see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Heated, 8-way, with lumbar control: seems to have comfort covered for most drivers (wheel does not telescope). see full BMW 3-Series review |
2005 | 2dr Coupe 333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
My M3 is the only sports car I found that will comfortably fit a baby seat in the rear. :) see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
very little leg room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I have the coupe, the back seats are just an afterthought. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too small & cramped. Fit and finish was much less desirable than my past 1998 5 series BMW. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
Small. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Entering and exiting and overall seat comfort are not designed for taller or larger drivers see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A little tight for taller adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The rear seats are comfortable, but due to the size of/shortness of the car there is not much legroom, a full size adult will have trouble getting their feet into the footwells. Mind you, the trunk space is immense for such a small car. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
There is little foot room and the ride is rough. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
cramped see full BMW 3-Series review |
2006 | 4dr Sedan 215-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
what room see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Driving 4-5 hours in a row left no fatigue or discomfort in my back or legs. The seats are just firm enough but very supportive where they need to be. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The most comfortable seats among all its rivals including Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. Plenty of adjustments in the seat and the telescoping steering wheel. Plenty of front seat room for people 6 foot tall and more. Provides ample support. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Can spend all day driving this car and not be exhausted. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Much better sized for me. My prior 2007 three series BMW was too small and cramped. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 507-horsepower 6.2L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Lots of room and has adjustments on multicontour seats. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Very comfortable, firm seating,even after very long drives. The combination of lumbar support and heat leaves me refreshed after eight- and nine-hour drives. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The back seat is very comfortable and provides good headroom and seating support. They fold down to provide additional storage room. My complaint is that it is not S class roomy in the back. Leg and foot room can be limited if sitting behind a tall driver see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |