VS
At a Glance
Power
390 kW
535 kW
Torque
650 Nm
1000 Nm
Fuel
10.4 l/100km
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 w
Towing
—
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
3.5 s
Engine
2993 cc
4395 cc
Choosing between the BMW M3 and the BMW M5 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW M3 delivers 390 kW while the BMW M5 produces 535 kW. On fuel, the M3 returns 10.4 l/100km while the M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 233 506 for the M3 and R2 782 000 for the M5. 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
390 kW
535 kW
Torque
650 Nm
1000 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
3.5 s
Top Speed
280 Km/h
305 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2993 cc
4395 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
6
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
10.4 l/100km
1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 w
Fuel Tank Capacity
59 l
60 litre + 18.6 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
235 g/km
39 when hybrid battery charged / 68 comb
Dimensions
Length
4801 mm
5096 mm
Width
1903-2068 mm
1970-2156 mm
Height
1446 mm
1510 mm
Wheelbase
2857 mm
3006 mm
Ground Clearance
122 mm
115 mm
Kerb Weight
1865 DIN / 1940 EU Kg
2435 DIN / 2510 EU Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
500-1510 l
466 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
505 l
505 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
2 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batter
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M5
3 / 4 categories
Performance
M5
Fuel Economy
M5
Value
M3
Practicality
M5
Pros & Cons
BMW M3
Lower starting price (R2 233 506)
Higher fuel consumption (10.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (390 kW vs 535 kW)
BMW M5
More powerful engine (535 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M3 or M5?
The M3 uses 10.4 l/100km and the M5 uses 1.7 when hybrid battery charged / 10.3 when discharged / 3.0 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The M5 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 M3 or M5?
The M3 produces 390 kW and 650 Nm of torque while the M5 delivers 535 kW and 1000 Nm of torque. The M5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the M3 and M5?
The M3 starts from R2 233 506 and the M5 from R2 782 000. The M3 is cheaper by R548 494 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M3 or M5?
The M3 has a braked towing capacity of 0 Kg and the M5 can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M3 or the M5?
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.