BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 60% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 3 Series | IS | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 920 231 | R 1 080 400 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 084/m | R 18 884/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 60% |
| Value after 3 years | R 538 839 | R 651 454 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 381 392 | R 428 946 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 678 | R 481 760 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Premium (established) |
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
Lexus IS →
The IS has been Lexus SA's compact sedan since the IS 200 arrived in 1999, building a following through the IS 250 and IS 350 F Sport years. Today it is sold only as the IS 300h hybrid at just over R1 million. Buyers pick it for reliability and spec rather than badge cachet, and clean used examples hold decent demand.
Known for: reliable hybrid alternative to german sedans
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus IS?
They are close to inseparable: 59% vs 60% 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 BMW 3 Series loses about R 381 392 over three years and the Lexus IS loses about R 428 946. 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 BMW 3 Series runs about R 16 084 per month and the Lexus IS about R 18 884, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.