Model Year | 2008 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW 5-Series | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | 5.0L V10 DOHC-4v 500 hp@7750 383 lb-ft@6100 |
4.0L V8 DOHC-4v 414 hp@8300 295 lb-ft@3900 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 108.7 in | 5 in |
Length | 191.1 in | 178.2 in | 12.9 in |
Width | 72.7 in | 71.5 in | 1.2 in |
Height | 57.8 in | 55.9 in | 1.9 in |
Curb Weight | 4089 lb. | 3693 lb. | 396 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.7 in | 38.5 in | -0.8 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.3 in | 55.4 in | 1.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 41.5 in | 0 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 37.5 in | 0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.2 in | 55.1 in | 2.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.0 in | 34.6 in | 1.4 in |
Total Legroom | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 1.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 14.0 ft3 | 12.0 ft3 | 2 ft3 |
2008 BMW 5-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The sport seats offer exceptional levels of adjustment. I especially like the extendable leg support and the tilt of the upper back. The lumbar in the sport seats adjusts in up and down as well. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The comfort seat option is to die for. There is NO production automobile mfg that produces a seat that comfortable. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Twenty-way adjustable seat. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
At 6-foot-6, I have enough legroom. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 255-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
best seats on the market today see full BMW 5-Series review |
2008 BMW 5-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A little tight in the rear, but it is a mid-size sedan. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
I cannot sit behind me. see full BMW 5-Series review |
2009 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 |
2008 | 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD |
Power seats are very comfortable, even for long hauls. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats fit me exceptionally well. Plush enough for the wife to enjoy a long drive. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I found the sport package seats comfortable see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD |
Wish the rear seats had 1" more legroom. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limited for adults see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD |
With a 6-foot driver, rear seat room is barely adequate for adults, for short trips. This is typical for this car segment, though. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 0 | Not much room in rear see if driver is 6 feet tall see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A bit small for me, both in the seat and in the cabin in general. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
2 small for adults over 6 ft see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
It has a back seat, but unless it is a short trip it is very tight for adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |