Head to head · Saloon
BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4
On value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance, the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 finish level — the right pick comes down to which measures matter most to you.
| Measure | BMW 3 Series | Audi A4 |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £25,150 (2023, 33,000 mi) | £22,550 (2023, 34,500 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 61% · wins | 55% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 68 | 72 · wins |
| Average mpg | 44 | 48 · wins |
| Insurance group | 26 · wins | 32 |
| Road tax / year | £640 | £200 · wins |
| Typical annual service | £380 | £290 · wins |
Valuations are each model's ~3-year-old example at typical mileage, through the same model behind the profiles. Adjust mileage, trim and condition in the interactive comparison →
3 Series vs A4 — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the 3 Series or the A4?
The Audi A4 scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 72 against the BMW 3 Series's 68 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the 3 Series or the A4?
The BMW 3 Series — it keeps about 61% of its original price after three years, against 55% for the Audi A4.
How much does a used 3 Series cost compared with a A4?
A roughly three-year-old BMW 3 Series is worth about £25,150 at typical mileage, against about £22,550 for the equivalent Audi A4.