Head to head · Saloon
BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
On the measures that matter most to a used buyer — value retention, reliability, fuel economy and insurance — the BMW 3 Series comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, winning 2 of the 3 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £25,150 (2023, 33,000 mi) | £23,550 (2023, 29,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 56% | 56% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 68 · wins | 65 |
| Average mpg | 44 | 45 · wins |
| Insurance group | 30 · wins | 32 |
| Road tax / year | £620 | £195 · 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 C-Class — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the 3 Series or the C-Class?
The BMW 3 Series scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 68 against the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's 65 out of 100.
How much does a used 3 Series cost compared with a C-Class?
A roughly three-year-old BMW 3 Series is worth about £25,150 at typical mileage, against about £23,550 for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz C-Class.