BMW 5 Series vs. BMW X3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 5 Series and BMW X3 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 5 Series and the BMW X3.
In comparing the BMW 5 Series's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the BMW 5 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and base engine power. The BMW X3 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. Based on this comparison of the BMW 5 Series's and the BMW X3's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 is a better car than the BMW 5 Series.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 5 Series ranges from $56,935 to $71,330 while a used 2024 BMW X3 is priced between $45,645 to $62,947. For a new model, the BMW 5 Series's price is between $60,788 and $77,947, with the BMW X3 priced between $51,062 and $68,409.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 5 Series loses 57.1 percent of its value and the BMW X3 loses 48.6 percent of its value. This means the BMW X3 retains 8.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 5 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 5 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the BMW X3's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW 5 Series being ranked 11 out of 29 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW X3 being ranked 1 out of 29 Best Luxury Small SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 5 Series is 8.2 out of 10. For the BMW X3 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW X3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 5 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 5 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the BMW X3 base engine makes 248 horsepower. The 5 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles. The X3 is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 499 miles. This gives the BMW 5 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW X3. Both models use premium unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The BMW X3 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the BMW X3 has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the BMW 5 Series’s Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$60,788 - $77,947
Starting MSRP:
$57,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$51,062 - $68,409
Starting MSRP:
$46,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$50,139
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$22,400 - $79,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$63,766
Price Range:
$56,935 - $71,330
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
710
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,145
# Good or Great Deals:
135
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$52,762
Price Range:
$45,645 - $62,947
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$57,314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,806 - $84,530
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,014
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,929
# Good or Great Deals:
301
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,572
Depreciation %:
58%
Resale Value $:
$24,328
Residual Value %:
42%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$23,395
Depreciation %:
49.9%
Resale Value $:
$23,505
Residual Value %:
50.1%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
50.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
40.4% - 56.6%
BMW 5 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 5 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.5
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:
3.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
10.7 - 13.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
3.1
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
0.8 - 26.1
BMW 5 Series Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
11 out of / 29Ranking
12 out of / 29Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
25 out of / 29BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 29Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 4Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
8 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 29Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 68Ranking
10 out of / 29Ranking
16 out of / 27Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
25 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 59Ranking
43 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 5 Series Trim Levels
530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive
BMW X3 Trim Levels
M40i, sDrive30i, xDrive30i
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
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 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:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1450 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
429 / 557 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:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
396 / 499 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
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
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
98.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
28.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4041 lbs
Width:
84.9 inches
Height:
59.6 inches
Length:
199.2 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4079 lbs
Width:
84.2 inches
Height:
66 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Oxide Grey Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
Brown
Copper Brown/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
Gray
Silverstone II Atlas Grey
Red
Burgundy Red
White
Smoke White
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Cognac / Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
White
Not available
Beige
Canberra Beige
