VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@8300
225kW@5600
Torque
400Nm@3900
460Nm@2700
Fuel
12.3L/100km
-
Towing
-
1875kg
0-100 km/h
5.1s
-
Engine
3999cc
4966cc
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 225kW@5600. On fuel, the M3 returns 12.3L/100km while the S-Class uses 0L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 003 829 for the M3 and R3 600 000 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 M3Coupe M Competition M-DCT 2013 - From R1 003 829
Mercedes-Benz S-Class500l B6/7 Guard 7g-Tronic 2003 - From R3 600 000
Performance
Power Output
309kW@8300
225kW@5600
Torque
400Nm@3900
460Nm@2700
0-100 kph
5.1s
-
Top Speed
250km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3999cc
4966cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
LONGITUDINAL V 8
Cylinders
8
8
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
-
Fuel Consumption Urban
17.3L/100km
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
9.4L/100km
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
63L
88L
CO2 Emissions
295g/km
-
Dimensions
Length
4615mm
5163mm
Width
1804-1976mm
1855mm
Height
1424mm
1444mm
Wheelbase
2761mm
3085mm
Ground Clearance
-
150mm
Kerb Weight
1830kg
1895kg
Doors
2
4
Seats
4
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1875kg
Load Capacity
430kg
500kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
—
Satellite Navigation
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
DRIVER
ALL
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
24
Warranty Distance
-
-
Service Plan
M
S
Service Intervals
30000
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
M3
Practicality
S-Class
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R1 003 829)
Higher fuel consumption (12.3L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Higher towing capacity (1875kg)
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 0L/100km on the combined cycle. 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 225kW@5600 and 460Nm@2700 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and S-Class?
The M3 starts from R1 003 829 and the S-Class from R3 600 000. The M3 is cheaper by R2 596 171 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 0kg and the S-Class can tow 1875kg. 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