BMW 3 Series 330i vs. BMW 5 Series 530i

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series 330i and BMW 5 Series 530i contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 3 Series 330i and the BMW 5 Series 530i.

When comparing the BMW 3 Series 330i's and the BMW 5 Series 530i's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series 330i has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The BMW 5 Series 530i has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and interior volume. The BMW 3 Series 330i and BMW 5 Series 530i have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series 330i's and the BMW 5 Series 530i's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series 330i is a better car than the BMW 5 Series 530i.

Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 3 Series 330i ranges from $41,158 to $52,910 while a used 2024 BMW 5 Series 530i is priced between $55,990 to $68,055. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series 330i's price is between $47,511 and $54,428, with the BMW 5 Series 530i priced between $60,283 and $70,600.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series 330i loses 50.1 percent of its value and the BMW 5 Series 530i loses 57.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series 330i retains 7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 5 Series 530i.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the BMW 5 Series' quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the BMW 5 Series being ranked 11 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the BMW 5 Series the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 5 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the BMW 3 Series 330i and the BMW 5 Series 530i makes 255 horsepower. The 330i is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 530 miles. The 530i is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles. This gives the BMW 5 Series 530i the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 3 Series 330i. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 5 Series 530i, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series 330i, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear head room.

Safety Ratings: The BMW 3 Series 330i has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the BMW 5 Series 530i has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.