BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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
| 3 Series | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 920 231 | R 943 506 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 084/m | R 16 491/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 78% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 59% |
| Value after 3 years | R 538 839 | R 552 468 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 381 392 | R 391 038 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 678 | R 401 585 |
| 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
Mercedes-Benz C-Class →
South Africa's home-grown Mercedes, built in East London and exported around the world. For decades it has been the default premium sedan for local professionals and a big seller by premium standards, with coupe and estate versions offered along the way. Used supply is deep across every generation and diesel C220d derivatives are especially sought after.
Known for: locally built premium sedan staple
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
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 BMW 3 Series loses about R 381 392 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class loses about R 391 038. 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about R 16 491, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.