VS
At a Glance
Power
400kW@5250
390 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
650 Nm
Fuel
12.9
10.4 l/100km
Towing
2100
—
0-100 km/h
4.6
3.6 s
Engine
5972
2993 cc
Choosing between the BMW 7 SERIES and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW 7 SERIES delivers 400kW@5250 while the BMW M3 produces 390 kW. On fuel, the 7 SERIES returns 12.9 while the M3 uses 10.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 912 676 for the 7 SERIES and R2 233 506 for the M3. 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
400kW@5250
390 kW
Torque
750Nm@1500
650 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6
3.6 s
Top Speed
250
280 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5972
2993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 12
inline
Cylinders
12
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
REAR
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.9
10.4 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
19.8
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
8.9
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
59 l
CO2 Emissions
303
235 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5219
4801 mm
Width
1902
1903-2068 mm
Height
1481
1446 mm
Wheelbase
3210
2857 mm
Ground Clearance
152
122 mm
Kerb Weight
2250
1865 DIN / 1940 EU Kg
Doors
4
5
Seats
4
5
Load Volume
—
500-1510 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100
—
Load Capacity
500
505 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator / 20000 km
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
M3
Value
7 SERIES
Practicality
7 SERIES
Pros & Cons
BMW 7 SERIES
Lower starting price (R1 912 676)
Higher towing capacity (2100)
Higher fuel consumption (12.9)
BMW M3
Better fuel economy (10.4 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 7 SERIES or M3?
The 7 SERIES uses 12.9 and the M3 uses 10.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The M3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 7 SERIES or M3?
The 7 SERIES produces 400kW@5250 and 750Nm@1500 of torque while the M3 delivers 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the 7 SERIES and M3?
The 7 SERIES starts from R1 912 676 and the M3 from R2 233 506. The 7 SERIES is cheaper by R320 830 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the 7 SERIES or M3?
The 7 SERIES has a braked towing capacity of 2100 and the M3 can tow 0 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the 7 SERIES or the M3?
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.