BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Which one costs less to own? Both priced at $42,000, 3 years old, with 20% down on a 60-month loan, 12,000 miles a year and US average costs. Only the car's own costs differ.
The short answer
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class costs about $7,203 less to own over five years than the BMW 3 Series. Mostly because it keeps more of its value.
Check the BMW 3 Series with your numbers Check the C-Class
Cost to own, side by side
| BMW 3 Series | C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Value kept after 5 years | 38% | 52% |
| Worth after 5 years | $15,960 | $21,840 |
| Fuel or charging per year | $1,260 | $1,350 |
| Insurance per year | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Repairs and maintenance, 5 years | $7,800 | $6,027 |
| True monthly cost | $1,193 | $1,178 |
| 5-year cost after resale | $65,837 | $58,633 |
Which one is worth it at your income?
The highest price that still scores Worth it (70 or more), with the same loan and costs as above.
| Yearly income | BMW 3 Series | C-Class |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | No price | $3,000 |
| $75,000 | No price | $16,500 |
| $100,000 | No price | $29,500 |
Real prices differ by trim, mileage and condition, and your insurance quote and loan rate matter a lot. Run your own numbers for the exact car you are looking at.
More on each car
Is a BMW 3 Series worth it? · Is a Mercedes-Benz C-Class worth it?
Figures are estimates from public averages (data as of 2026-10), not quotes or financial advice. Resale from iSeeCars, repair costs from CarEdge. See how we score.