3 Series G20 vs K5 III (DL3): which is better?
BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–present) vs Kia K5 III (DL3) (2020–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series G20
Kia K5 III (DL3)Specifications
| BMW 3 Series G20 | Kia K5 III (DL3) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2020–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo (320i) | 2.5 Smartstream |
| Power, up to | 184 hp | 194 hp |
| Torque, up to | 300 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 709 mm | 4 905 mm |
| Width | 1 827 mm | 1 860 mm |
| Height | 1 442 mm | 1 445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 851 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 155 mm |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 60 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series G20
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW B46/B48/B58: oil and coolant leaks at high mileage
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW B46/B48/B58): oil and coolant leaks at high mileage; water pump failures occur.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Kia K5 III (DL3)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 194 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5 engine: some complaints of oil consumption
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5): new engine, data still accumulating; some complaints about oil consumption.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Which one to choose
- 3 Series G20 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- K5 III (DL3) — if you care more about: power, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series G20 or K5 III (DL3)?
3 Series G20: up to 184 hp, K5 III (DL3): up to 194 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series G20 — about 16 475 ₸, K5 III (DL3) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.