BMW 3 Series value and depreciation
Known for compact executive benchmark built in sa for decades.
Projected value of a new BMW 3 Series
We class the BMW 3 Series as a premium (established) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 59% after three years and 43% after five. German and established luxury compacts and mid-sizers. A hard first-year knock, then steady losses that accelerate once the motorplan expires.
Retention table
| After | Retained | Retail value | Trade-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 78% | R 721 958 | R 635 323 |
| 3 years | 59% | R 538 839 | R 474 178 |
| 5 years | 43% | R 391 678 | R 344 677 |
| 7 years | 31% | R 280 921 | R 247 210 |
| 10 years | 18% | R 167 242 | R 147 173 |
Estimates for a new purchase at R 920 231; retail basis, trade-in ≈ 12% under retail.
Rosslyn built the 3 Series for local and export markets until 2018, and it remains the definitive compact executive sedan in South Africa. Huge used supply across the E90, F30 and G20 generations makes it one of the most traded premium cars in the country. The M3 is a sought-after used buy, though running costs are serious.
What used 3 Series years are worth today
Tap a year for the full breakdown: value range, remaining depreciation, and what to pay.
| Year | Est. retail today | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | R 920 231 | R 809 803 | Details → |
| 2025 3 Series | R 684 321 | R 602 202 | Details → |
| 2024 3 Series | R 560 377 | R 493 132 | Details → |
| 2023 3 Series | R 458 882 | R 403 816 | Details → |
| 2022 3 Series | R 370 838 | R 326 337 | Details → |
| 2021 3 Series | R 299 686 | R 263 724 | Details → |
| 2020 3 Series | R 242 186 | R 213 124 | Details → |
| 2019 3 Series | R 193 116 | R 169 942 | Details → |
| 2018 3 Series | R 153 987 | R 135 509 | Details → |
| 2017 3 Series | R 122 787 | R 108 053 | Details → |
| 2016 3 Series | R 97 908 | R 86 159 | Details → |
| 2015 3 Series | R 78 071 | R 68 702 | Details → |
3 Series against its rivals
Where the 3 Series ranks
BMW 3 Series: common questions
What is a BMW 3 Series worth after 3 years?
A BMW 3 Series bought new today for R 920 231 is projected to be worth about R 538 839 after three years, which is 59% of its price. A dealer trade-in offer would sit closer to R 474 178.
Does the BMW 3 Series hold its value?
We class the BMW 3 Series as a premium (established) in our 12-tier model, which puts its retention at roughly 59% after three years and 43% after five. German and established luxury compacts and mid-sizers. A hard first-year knock, then steady losses that accelerate once the motorplan expires.
What does a used BMW 3 Series cost?
As a guide: a 2024 model is worth about R 560 377 retail today, while a 2015 model sits around R 78 071. Condition, mileage and spec move real prices by 10% or more either way.
What would a BMW 3 Series cost per month?
Financing a new BMW 3 Series at R 920 231 over 72 months at 11.75% with a 10% deposit comes to roughly R 16 084 per month before bank fees and insurance.
Keep going
All figures are modelled estimates for planning, not offers or valuations. Data reviewed 2026.