Audi A4 vs BMW 3 Series
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 59% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| A4 | 3 Series | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 774 800 | R 920 231 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 13 542/m | R 16 084/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 453 682 | R 538 839 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 321 118 | R 381 392 |
| Value after 5 years | R 329 778 | R 391 678 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
Audi A4 →
For three decades the A4 was Audi's core sedan in South Africa, running through five generations from 1995 until the new A5 replaced it in 2025. Buyers knew it for refinement and solid build rather than outright sportiness. Used examples are plentiful and prices are soft, making it a common value buy among premium sedans.
Known for: refined quattro executive staple
BMW 3 Series →
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.
Known for: compact executive benchmark built in sa for decades
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Audi A4 or the BMW 3 Series?
They are close to inseparable: 59% vs 59% retained after three years. Buy on price, spec and the deal you can get, not on resale.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Audi A4 loses about R 321 118 over three years and the BMW 3 Series loses about R 381 392. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Audi A4 runs about R 13 542 per month and the BMW 3 Series about R 16 084, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.