Model Year | 2011 | 2008 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
Engine | turbocharged 3.0L I6 Diesel DOHC-4v 265 hp@4200 425 lb-ft@1750 |
turbocharged 3.0L V6 Diesel DOHC-4v 210 hp@3800 400 lb-ft@1600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | |
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 | 3825 lb. | 3872 lb. | -47 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 |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. 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 |