BMW 8 Series vs Mercedes-Benz SL
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
Too close to call on resale: both keep about 52% of their value over three years. Decide on the deal, not the badge.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| 8 Series | SL | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 2 255 352 | R 3 870 128 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 39 420/m | R 67 644/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 75% | 75% |
| Retained after 3 years | 52% | 52% |
| Value after 3 years | R 1 174 648 | R 2 015 667 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 1 080 704 | R 1 854 461 |
| Value after 5 years | R 797 558 | R 1 368 590 |
| Our tier | Luxury flagship & exotic | Luxury flagship & exotic |
BMW 8 Series →
The original 8 Series coupe was sold here in the 1990s, and the nameplate returned in 2019 as a coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe. Local sales centred on the M850i and the M8. Production ends in 2026 with no direct successor, so remaining stock is on runout.
Known for: v8 grand touring flagship
Mercedes-Benz SL →
Mercedes' halo roadster has been on the SA price list continuously since the 1990s and is now sold as a Mercedes-AMG model near R4 million. Volumes are tiny and buyers are collectors and enthusiasts. Older R129 examples have a classic following while 2000s cars depreciated hard.
Known for: long-running flagship roadster
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW 8 Series or the Mercedes-Benz SL?
They are close to inseparable: 52% vs 52% 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 8 Series loses about R 1 080 704 over three years and the Mercedes-Benz SL loses about R 1 854 461. 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 8 Series runs about R 39 420 per month and the Mercedes-Benz SL about R 67 644, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.