Compare the2022 BMW 5 Series SedanVS 2022 Chrysler 300

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The 5 Series Sedan’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The 300 doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW 5 Series Sedan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 300 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 5 Series Sedan has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 300 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 5 Series Sedan offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The 300 doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the 5 Series Sedan helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The 300 doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the 300 and is only available on 300 Touring L/S.

The 5 Series Sedan has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the 300 Touring L/S offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 5 Series Sedan has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the 300 Touring L/S has a rear cross-path warning system.

The 5 Series Sedan’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 300 doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 5 Series Sedan and the 300 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available all wheel drive.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the BMW 5 Series Sedan is safer than the 300:

	5 Series Sedan	300
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	183	222
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	0 cm	9 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	23 cm	28 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.5/1.1 kN	3.7/3 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1%/0%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.33/.49	1.21/.58
Tibia forces R/L	3/2.5 kN	3/4.7 kN

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 5 Series Sedan its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 107 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 300 was not even a standard “Top Pick” for 2016.

Warranty

The 5 Series Sedan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 300’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 5 Series Sedan’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 300’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 5 Series Sedan for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Chrysler doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 300.

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the 5 Series Sedan have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of the 5.7 V8 in the 300.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 85 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is ranked 33rd.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 58 more problems per 100 vehicles, Chrysler is ranked 29th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Chrysler vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 7 places higher in reliability than Chrysler.

Engine

The 5 Series Sedan has more powerful engines than the 300:

	Horsepower	Torque
540i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	335 HP	331 lbs.-ft.
M550i 4.4 turbo V8	523 HP	553 lbs.-ft.
300 3.6 DOHC V6	292 HP	260 lbs.-ft.
300S 3.6 DOHC V6	300 HP	264 lbs.-ft.
300 5.7 V8	363 HP	394 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Consumer Reports the 530i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Chrysler 300 V6:

	5 Series Sedan	300
Zero to 30 MPH	2.9 sec	3.2 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.2 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	15.5 sec	15.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	95 MPH	94.8 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the 540i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder is faster than the 300S 3.6 DOHC V6:

	5 Series Sedan	300
Zero to 60 MPH	4.9 sec	6.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.5 sec	14.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	106.2 MPH	97.1 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 5 Series Sedan gets better mileage than the 300:

			MPG
5 Series Sedan
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/33 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	25 city/32 hwy
	AWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	23 city/32 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	22 city/29 hwy
300
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/30 hwy
		5.7 OHV V8	16 city/25 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/27 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the 5 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 300 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 5 Series Sedan’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 300 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission

The 5 Series Sedan’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The 300 doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 5 Series Sedan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 300:

	530i	M550i	300	300 V8/AWD
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	14.7 inches	12.6 inches	13.6 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	12.6 inches	12.6 inches

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the 300 are solid, not vented.

The 5 Series Sedan stops much shorter than the 300:

	5 Series Sedan	300
70 to 0 MPH	168 feet	175 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	121 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	141 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 5 Series Sedan has larger standard tires than the 300 (245/45R18 vs. 215/65R17).

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 300 Touring’s standard 65 series tires. The 5 Series Sedan’s optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the 300’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 5 Series Sedan has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the 300 Touring.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the 5 Series Sedan can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 300 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The 5 Series Sedan 540i/M550i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The 300 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The M550i offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Chrysler doesn’t offer an active suspension on the 300.

The 5 Series Sedan offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 300’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The M550i xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the 300 pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M550i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.3 seconds quicker than the 300 (24.9 seconds vs. 27.2 seconds).

Chassis

The BMW 5 Series Sedan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 250 pounds less than the Chrysler 300.

The front grille of the 5 Series Sedan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 300 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 540i is quieter than the 300S:

	5 Series Sedan	300
At idle	38 dB	39 dB
Full-Throttle	68 dB	80 dB
70 MPH Cruising	64 dB	69 dB

Cargo Capacity

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 5 Series Sedan easier. The 5 Series Sedan’s trunk lift-over height is 26.2 inches, while the 300’s liftover is 30.1 inches.

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 5 Series offers cargo security. The 300’s non-lockable folding seat and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 5 Series Sedan’s trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The 5 Series Sedan also offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or just by kicking your foot under the back bumper. The 300 doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Chrysler. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 48% lower rating, Chrysler is ranked 29th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory system optional at extra cost in the 300 Touring L/S, the 5 Series Sedan offers an optional passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the 300, and is not available on all models.

The 5 Series Sedan offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 300 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 5 Series Sedan’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 300’s parking brake has to released manually.

The 5 Series Sedan’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The 300’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the 5 Series Sedan the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 300 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 5 Series Sedan’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 300’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The 5 Series Sedan’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 300’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The 5 Series Sedan’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the 300’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are optional in the 5 Series Sedan to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The 300 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The 5 Series Sedan offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 300.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 5 Series Sedan is less expensive to operate than the 300 because it costs $63 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the 5 Series Sedan than the 300, including $706 less for a muffler, $387 less for front struts and $192 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the Chrysler 300, based on reliability, safety and performance.