BMW Z4 vs Chrysler Crossfire
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The BMW Z4 wins on money kept: 57% retained after three years vs 47%, worth about R 354 333 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Z4 | Crossfire | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 963 645 | R 415 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 16 843/m | R 7 254/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 77% | 69% |
| Retained after 3 years | 57% | 47% |
| Value after 3 years | R 548 558 | R 194 225 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 415 087 | R 220 775 |
| Value after 5 years | R 392 203 | R 134 350 |
| Our tier | Premium (established) | Orphan & discontinued |
BMW Z4 →
The Z4 replaced the Z3 in 2003 and has run through three generations in South Africa. The current car shares its platform with the Toyota GR Supra, and production ends in 2026 with local stock on runout. Roadsters are a small niche here, so both used supply and demand are thin.
Known for: last of bmw's roadsters
Chrysler Crossfire →
Built on the previous-generation Mercedes SLK platform, the Crossfire landed in SA in late 2003 as a 3.2 coupe, with a roadster and the supercharged SRT-6 following. Its boat-tail styling still divides opinion. Values sank for years, though tidy SRT-6 cars now draw modest collector interest.
Known for: mercedes slk bones, showcar styling
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BMW Z4 or the Chrysler Crossfire?
The BMW Z4. It keeps about 57% of its price after three years against 47% for the Chrysler Crossfire, a gap of 10 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BMW Z4 loses about R 415 087 over three years and the Chrysler Crossfire loses about R 220 775. 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 Z4 runs about R 16 843 per month and the Chrysler Crossfire about R 7 254, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.