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 and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. 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 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $51,029 and $70,446, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $66,841 and $81,482.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 5.5 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 7.7 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

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 and rear leg room. The BMW 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space. 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.