Head to head · Saloon
BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-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 E-Class, winning 3 of the 3 categories where the two differ.
| Measure | BMW 3 Series | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Est. value, ~3 years old | £25,150 (2023, 33,000 mi) | £27,950 (2023, 34,000 mi) |
| Value kept after 3 years | 61% · wins | 55% |
| Reliability (MOT-derived, /100) | 68 · wins | 60 |
| Average mpg | 44 | 44 |
| 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 E-Class — quick answers
Which is more reliable, the 3 Series or the E-Class?
The BMW 3 Series scores higher on Forecourt's MOT-derived reliability measure — 68 against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's 60 out of 100.
Which holds its value better, the 3 Series or the E-Class?
The BMW 3 Series — it keeps about 61% of its original price after three years, against 55% for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
How much does a used 3 Series cost compared with a E-Class?
A roughly three-year-old BMW 3 Series is worth about £25,150 at typical mileage, against about £27,950 for the equivalent Mercedes-Benz E-Class.