VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
300 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
7.4 s
7.6 s
Engine
1998 cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 135 kW while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class produces 145 engine kW. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R970 231 for the 3 Series and R1 428 015 for the E-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
145 engine kW
Torque
300 Nm
440 Nm
0-100 kph
7.4 s
7.6 s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
238 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
5.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
66 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
4949 mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1880-2065 mm
Height
1440 mm
1468 mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
2961 mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
1915 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
480 l
540 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
555 l
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
Optional
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
3 / 4 categories
Performance
E-Class
Fuel Economy
E-Class
Value
3 Series
Practicality
E-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Lower starting price (R970 231)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.4 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (6.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 145 engine kW)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
More powerful engine (145 engine kW)
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2100 Kg)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or E-Class?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the E-Class uses 5.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The E-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or E-Class?
The 3 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the E-Class delivers 145 engine kW and 440 Nm of torque. The E-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and E-Class?
The 3 Series starts from R970 231 and the E-Class from R1 428 015. The 3 Series is cheaper by R457 784 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or E-Class?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the E-Class can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the E-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.