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Wiper Blades
| Wiper Spec | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Front — longer blade | See guide | 550 mm / 22 in |
| Front — shorter blade | See guide | 550 mm / 22 in |
| Rear | Not fitted | Not fitted |
| Fitting Type | Pinch tab | Bayonet |
Full BMW 3 Series wiper guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class wiper guide
Headlight Bulbs
| Bulb Position | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Low Beam | LED (not replaceable) | LED (not replaceable) |
| High Beam | See guide | See guide |
| Front Indicator | See guide | See guide |
| Sidelights | See guide | See guide |
Full BMW 3 Series bulb guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class bulb guide
Engine Oil
| Oil Spec | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Manufacturer Spec | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Capacity (with filter) | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| DPF-Safe | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
Full BMW 3 Series oil guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class oil guide
Cabin Filter
| Filter Spec | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Part Ref | MANN CUK 30 007 | MANN CUK 26 023 |
| Type | Particle or activated carbon | Activated carbon only |
| Change Interval | See the handbook — no figure published | See the handbook — no figure published |
Full BMW 3 Series filter guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class filter guide
Car Battery
| Battery Spec | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Group | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Type | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Ah | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Start-Stop | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
Full BMW 3 Series battery guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class battery guide
Spark Plugs
| Spark Plug Spec | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Type | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Gap | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
| Quantity | By engine — see guide | By engine — see guide |
Full BMW 3 Series spark plug guide · Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class spark plug guide
Estimated Annual Consumable Costs
We don’t publish typical costs or change intervals here: prices move, and service intervals come from each car’s own maintenance schedule. Check the handbook for intervals and compare current prices before you buy.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain?
For routine consumables like wipers, bulbs, and filters, the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are very similar in cost. The key differences come down to:
- Oil spec — grade and specification vary by engine on both cars (see each oil guide). Some specifications require pricier oil.
- Battery type — start-stop cars need EFB or AGM batteries which cost more than standard ones.
- Spark plugs — iridium plugs cost more but last much longer than standard copper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BMW 3 Series parts more expensive than Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
For routine consumables (wipers, bulbs, oil, filters), costs are very similar between the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Both use widely available, competitively priced parts.
Can I use the same wiper blades on a BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
Not necessarily. Catalogues list blade lengths, not driver or passenger sides: the BMW 3 Series takes 600 mm and 475 mm front blades and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes 550 mm and 550 mm front blades. Always check the exact sizes for your model.
Which car is easier to maintain at home?
Both the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are straightforward for DIY maintenance. Changing wipers, bulbs, and cabin filters requires no special tools. Oil changes and spark plugs are also manageable with basic equipment.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →