Car comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) · Facelift 2000 540i V8vsAlpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) · Facelift 2000

540i V8

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2000-2004
VS

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.3 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    440 Nm
    325 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    569 km
    354 mi
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best performance score
    63/100
  • Best practicality score
    81/100

Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad

  • Lightest
    1,630 kg
    3,594 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    172 hp/t
    128 kW/t
    5.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.7 L/100 km
    20.1 mpg US
    24.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.3 L/100 km
    13.6 mpg US
    16.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.5 L/100 km
    27.7 mpg US
    33.2 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    435 L
  • Best economy score
    75/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Power
286hp213kW
280hp209kW
Torque
440Nm325lb-ft
335Nm247lb-ft
Curb weight
1,740kg3,836lb
1,630kg3,594lb
Gross weight
2,280kg5,027lb
2,130kg4,696lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
252 km/h
157 mph
To 99% top speed
66.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
72.2s99% target: 249 km/h / 155 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.3s
7.2s
0-200 km/h
20.0s
Calculated
23.6s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.0s
Calculated
6.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
11.7L/100 km20.1mpg US24.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
18.4L/100 km12.8mpg US15.4mpg UK
17.3L/100 km13.6mpg US16.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
8.5L/100 km27.7mpg US33.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.2s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
164hp/t123kW/t75hp/1000 lb
Calculated
172hp/t128kW/t78hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
253Nm/t169lb-ft/ton
Calculated
206Nm/t138lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
569km354mi
Calculated
538km335mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,398cc268cu in
3,300cc201cu in
Length
4,805mm189in
4,478mm176in
Width
1,800mm71in
1,739mm68in
Height
1,445mm57in
1,409mm55in
Wheelbase
2,830mm111in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,516mm60in
1,471mm58in
Rear track
1,527mm60in
1,481mm58in
Ground clearance
120mm5in
-
Trunk volume
410L
435L
Max trunk volume
1,525L
1,345L
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
63L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic AllradPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8: Power / Torque
  • Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V85,400 rpm3,600 rpm5,650 rpm
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad6,200 rpm4,500 rpm6,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.0 s
6.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.3 s
7.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.0 s
23.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
252 km/h
157 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
10.1 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
12.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.2 s
15.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
170 km/h
106 mph
162 km/h
100 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
286 hp
213 kW
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
280 hp
209 kW

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8 has 6 hp more than Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad and BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8: 6 hp (4 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
335 Nm
247 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
1,630 kg
3,594 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
252 km/h
157 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V86.3 s
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad7.2 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8 and Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad and BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8: 0.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
164 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
569 km
354 mi
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
538 km
335 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
286 hp
213 kW
6.3 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
280 hp
209 kW
7.2 s
252 km/h
157 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,805 mm
189.2 in
Height
1,445 mm
56.9 in
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Power
280 hp
209 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
252 km/h
157 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,478 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,409 mm
55.5 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Power
280 hp
209 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
252 km/h
157 mph
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
6.3 s
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK
7.2 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8
164 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series Touring (E39)Facelift 2000540i V8AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Power
286 hp
213 kW
280 hp
209 kW
Torque
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
335 Nm
247 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.3 s
7.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
252 km/h
157 mph
Lightness
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
1,630 kg
3,594 lb
Fuel consumption
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
11.7 L/100 km
20.1 mpg US
24.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,805 mm
189.2 in
Height
1,445 mm
56.9 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,478 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,409 mm
55.5 in
Range score
569 km
354 mi
538 km
335 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
164 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Consumption12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK11.7 L/100 km20.1 mpg US24.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.53 LC100 km20.47 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi34.64 LC100 mi32.95 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal1,755 L464 US gal386 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,229 LC/year3,071 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) Facelift 2000 540i V8

  • Has 6 hp more
  • Has 105 Nm more
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 8 km/h (5 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 31 km (19 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad

  • Is 110 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 25 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 5 Series Touring (E39) 540i V8
Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V Switchtronic Allrad
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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