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Sell Your Car

Sell your BMW

Find out for free what your BMW is worth, compare trade-in, auction and private sale, and sell under the 2026 rules and rates.

What should you know when selling a BMW?

Many BMWs enter the Dutch market through leasing: lots of 3 Series, 5 Series and X models start life as company cars and reach the used market after three to five years. After that they do remarkably well with private buyers. The 3 Series is the linchpin: from January to July 2025, private sellers sold 7,923 of them to other private buyers, according to BOVAG/RDC. Buyers are rear-wheel-drive fans, drivers who want to keep their ex-lease car privately, and families looking for a Touring (estate) or X1.

With a used BMW, option packs drive the price more than with most brands. An M Sport package, Steptronic automatic, LED headlights, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio can make the difference between a car that sells quickly and one that sits. At the same time, buyers look hard at known weak spots, such as the timing chain on the N47 diesel (roughly 2007–2014) and the N20 petrol engine. A complete service history and a pre-purchase inspection remove that doubt.

Many young BMWs are plug-in hybrids, such as the 330e, 530e, X1 xDrive25e and X3 xDrive30e. Since 2026 these no longer get a discount on motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB, road tax), so buyers do their sums more carefully. Older Euro 4 diesels are barred from the milieuzones (low-emission zones) in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Arnhem. Start with a free valuation using your kenteken (registration number).

How well does a BMW hold its value?

BMWs lose a lot of value in the first three years, partly because of the steady flow of ex-lease cars, but depreciation then levels off. Well-equipped versions with the M Sport package and an automatic hold their value noticeably better.

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What does a BMW fetch now?

By build year, from the 4,810 BMW cars for sale at dealers and importers on 27 October 2026. Private sale, dealer offer and trade-in are derived from the asking price with the usual dealer margins; your car can differ by trim, mileage and condition.

YearDealer asking pricePrivate saleDealer offerTrade-in
2026 (2048)€63,950€57,450€53,150€48,850
2025 (982)€51,950€46,700€43,150€39,650
2024 (367)€47,950€43,100€39,850€36,600
2023 (432)€41,950€37,700€34,850€32,050
2022 (439)€36,900€33,150€30,650€28,200
2021 (250)€34,150€30,700€28,400€26,100
2020 (134)€33,950€30,500€28,200€25,950
2019 (77)€27,950€25,100€23,250€21,350
2018 (37)€24,950€22,400€20,750€19,050
2017 (10)€25,900€23,250€21,550€19,800
2016 (4)€19,700€17,700€16,350€15,050
2015 (3)€23,950€21,500€19,900€18,300
2012 (3)€8,950€8,050€7,450€6,850
2011 (6)€7,100€6,400€5,900€5,400

What do buyers look for in a BMW?

Strengths

  • Strong private demand for the 3 Series Touring, X1 and X3
  • Rear-wheel drive and strong six-cylinder engines for enthusiasts
  • Lots of ex-lease cars with full dealer history
  • Packages such as M Sport support residual values
  • A wide range of plug-ins and EVs (iX1, iX3, i5)

What buyers check

  • Timing chain on the N47 diesel (approx. 2007–2014) and the N20 petrol (mainly up to 2015)
  • Oil leaks from the oil filter housing and rocker cover gaskets
  • Plug-in hybrids: battery condition and electric range
  • Expensive out-of-warranty repairs such as air suspension and electronics
  • Euro 4 diesels and low-emission zones

Tips for the best price

  • Get a VIN-based equipment list and put the key packages in your ad
  • Include the digital service history; a BMW dealer can print it for you
  • On an N47 or N20, have the timing chain checked and keep the report with the car
  • Sell enthusiast versions (six-cylinders, M Performance) privately; ex-lease plug-ins often via a dealer bid or auction

BMW models and their value

Indication for a car in good condition with average mileage, from trade-in to private-sale price. Pick your model for the full table by year.

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Used BMW cars for sale

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FAQ about selling a BMW

Which BMW options raise the sale price?

Mainly the M Sport package and an automatic. After that, LED or laser headlights, head-up display, Navigation Professional, Harman Kardon, heated seats, a tow bar and a panoramic roof count. Buyers filter ads on these options, so list them word for word. A VIN-based equipment list avoids arguments about what the car does or does not have.

Is the N47 diesel a problem when selling?

Only if you cannot show that the timing chain is healthy. The N47 (including the 116d to 120d, 316d to 320d and 520d, roughly 2007–2014) is known for a stretching chain at the back of the engine. Have a specialist check it or include the invoice for a replacement. Then it becomes a box ticked for buyers rather than a risk.

Is a BMW plug-in hybrid still easy to sell?

Yes, but buyers do the maths more carefully. Since 2026 a plug-in pays the full MRB road tax rate; in 2025 there was still a 25% discount. Anyone who can charge at home and mostly makes short trips still drives cheaply on electricity. Fully charge the car before viewings, show the electric range and work out the costs with the road tax calculator.

Can my old BMW diesel enter low-emission zones?

Only if it is Euro 5 or newer. Euro 4 diesels may not enter Amsterdam, Utrecht or Arnhem (Arnhem since 1 June 2026), and The Hague bars Euro 3 and older. The fine is €130. Many BMW diesels from before roughly 2010, such as early E90 and E60 diesels, are Euro 4. Check with the low-emission zone check.

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