BMW 3 Series vs Saab 9-3
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BMW 3 Series wins on money kept: 59% retained after three years vs 52%, worth about R 429 262 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 3 Series | 9-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 920 231 | R 212 750 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 084/m | R 3 719/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 78% | 72% |
| Retained after 3 years | 59% | 52% |
| Value after 3 years | R 538 839 | R 109 577 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 381 392 | R 103 173 |
| Value after 5 years | R 391 678 | R 79 239 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Orphan & discontinued |
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
Saab 9-3 →
Saab's volume car in SA across two generations, sold from 1998 to around 2010 as a hatch, then Sport Sedan, SportCombi and convertible, with 2008 prices running from R212,750 to R397,688 for the 2.8 V6 Aero. Turbo engines and superb seats built a devoted following. Prices are low today and specialist knowledge matters more than franchise support.
Known for: turbo character and orphan value
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 3 Series or the Saab 9-3?
The BMW 3 Series. It keeps about 59% of its price after three years against 52% for the Saab 9-3, a gap of 7 points.
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 Saab 9-3 loses about R 103 173. 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 Saab 9-3 about R 3 719, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.