Cars / BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series depreciation in USA
A BMW 3 Series loses about 18.0% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $46,000 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $25,387 (55% retained); after 5 years, about $17,081 (37%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the BMW 3 Series loses value a little faster than the market average, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $1,069/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $1,069/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $38,488 total
| Down payment / cash price | $46,000 |
| Sales tax | $3,220 |
| Insurance | $5,268 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,848 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $5,520 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$24,117 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $24,117 (range $21,443 to $27,032)
If you rent: $46,440 total
| Rental payments | $46,440 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
BMW 3 Series depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $46,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 18.0% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $37,732 (82% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $30,950 (67% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $25,387 (55% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $17,081 (37% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $22,572 to $28,455 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $1,069/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 94 data points · R² 0.96 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a BMW 3 Series depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 18.0% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a BMW 3 Series be worth after 3 years?
Around 55% of what you paid, about $25,387 on a $46,000 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a BMW 3 Series in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $1,069/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 94 · R² = 0.96 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology