BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class 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 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 3 Series ranges from $42,839 to $64,993 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is priced between $65,304 to $81,067. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $47,938 and $68,399, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $65,777 and $85,321.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 51.9 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 3 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 4 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$47,938 - $68,399
Starting MSRP:
$44,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$65,777 - $85,321
Starting MSRP:
$62,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$50,648
Price Range:
$42,839 - $64,993
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,268
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
4,279
# Good or Great Deals:
185
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$72,388
Price Range:
$65,304 - $81,067
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
944
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
573
# Good or Great Deals:
0
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$22,483
Depreciation %:
50.5%
Resale Value $:
$22,017
Residual Value %:
49.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$32,890
Depreciation %:
52.8%
Resale Value $:
$29,410
Residual Value %:
47.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
12.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 12Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Trim Levels
E 350 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC, E 450 4MATIC All-Terrain
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.072 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 530 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Cargo Space:
19.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3536 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4189 lbs
Width:
81.3 inches
Height:
57.9 inches
Length:
194.9 inches
Wheelbase:
116.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/55R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Brown
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic / Polar White
Brown
Sonoran Brown Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Verde Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Tonka Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Black
Red
Not available
