VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
400kW@5250
Torque
300 Nm
750Nm@1500
Fuel
6.5 l/100km
13L/100km
Towing
1600 Kg
2100kg
0-100 km/h
7.4 s
4.6s
Engine
1998 cc
5972cc
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 7 Series is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 135 kW while the BMW 7 Series produces 400kW@5250. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 6.5 l/100km while the 7 Series uses 13L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R920 231 for the 3 Series and R1 785 247 for the 7 Series. 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
400kW@5250
Torque
300 Nm
750Nm@1500
0-100 kph
7.4 s
4.6s
Top Speed
235 Km/h
250km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
5972cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
4
12
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
rear
REAR
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.5 l/100km
13L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
82L
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
303g/km
Dimensions
Length
4713 mm
5212mm
Width
1827-2068 mm
1902mm
Height
1440 mm
1484mm
Wheelbase
2851 mm
3210mm
Ground Clearance
136 mm
134mm
Kerb Weight
1515 DIN / 1590 EU Kg
2175kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
4
Load Volume
480 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600 Kg
2100kg
Load Capacity
555 lkg
500kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
24
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
-
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
7 Series
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (6.5 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R920 231)
Few notable weaknesses
BMW 7 Series
Higher towing capacity (2100kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or 7 Series?
The 3 Series uses 6.5 l/100km and the 7 Series uses 13L/100km on the combined cycle. The 3 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or 7 Series?
The 3 Series produces 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the 7 Series delivers 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and 7 Series?
The 3 Series starts from R920 231 and the 7 Series from R1 785 247. The 3 Series is cheaper by R865 016 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 3 Series or 7 Series?
The 3 Series has a braked towing capacity of 1600 Kg and the 7 Series can tow 2100kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the 7 Series?
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.
Also Consider