VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@8300
380kW@5000
Torque
400Nm@3900
830Nm@1800
Fuel
12.3L/100km
14.2L/100km
Towing
1700kg
2035kg
0-100 km/h
5.1s
-
Engine
3999cc
5513cc
Choosing between the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW M3 delivers 309kW@8300 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produces 380kW@5000. On fuel, the M3 returns 12.3L/100km while the S-Class uses 14.2L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 134 650 for the M3 and R6 869 173 for the S-Class. 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.
Specification
BMW M3Convertible Dynamic M-DCT 2010 - From R1 134 650
Mercedes-Benz S-Class600l B6/7 Guard 7g-Tronic 2013 - From R6 869 173
Performance
Power Output
309kW@8300
380kW@5000
Torque
400Nm@3900
830Nm@1800
0-100 kph
5.1s
-
Top Speed
250km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3999cc
5513cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
LONGITUDINAL V 12
Cylinders
8
12
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
REAR
REAR
Full Time 4x4
✗
✗
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.3L/100km
14.2L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
17.3L/100km
21.7L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4L/100km
9.9L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
90L
CO2 Emissions
295g/km
332g/km
Dimensions
Length
4615mm
5226mm
Width
1804-1804mm
1871-2120mm
Height
1392mm
1479mm
Wheelbase
2761mm
3165mm
Ground Clearance
143mm
150mm
Kerb Weight
1830kg
3680kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1700kg
2035kg
Load Capacity
350kg
550kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
ESP
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
SPEEDTRONIC
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
M3
Value
M3
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Better fuel economy (12.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 134 650)
Few notable weaknesses
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Higher towing capacity (2035kg)
Higher fuel consumption (14.2L/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or S-Class?
The M3 uses 12.3L/100km and the S-Class uses 14.2L/100km on the combined cycle. The M3 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 M3 or S-Class?
The M3 produces 309kW@8300 and 400Nm@3900 of torque while the S-Class delivers 380kW@5000 and 830Nm@1800 of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and S-Class?
The M3 starts from R1 134 650 and the S-Class from R6 869 173. The M3 is cheaper by R5 734 523 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M3 or S-Class?
The M3 has a braked towing capacity of 1700kg and the S-Class can tow 2035kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M3 or the S-Class?
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