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Sell your BMW 3 Series

What is your BMW 3 Series worth in 2026? See the indication by year, known weak spots and tips for the best price.

What is a BMW 3 Series worth in 2026?

A 2025 BMW 3 Series with around 20,000 km fetches roughly €41,600 in a private sale, or about €35,350 as a trade-in. A 2020 car with 85,000 km is worth about €21,050 privately. These are indications for a car in good condition.

Indicationby model year, with average mileage and in good condition (prices as of October 2026)

Indication BMW 3 Series by model year, with average mileage and in good condition (prices as of October 2026)
YearTrade-inAuction / dealer bidPrivate sale
202520,000 km€35,350€38,500€41,600
202433,000 km€30,300€33,000€35,650
202346,000 km€26,150€28,450€30,750
202259,000 km€22,900€24,950€26,950
202172,000 km€20,150€21,900€23,700
202085,000 km€17,900€19,450€21,050
201998,000 km€16,000€17,400€18,800
2018111,000 km€14,300€15,550€16,800
2017124,000 km€12,750€13,900€15,000
2016137,000 km€11,400€12,400€13,400
2015150,000 km€10,150€11,050€11,950
2014163,000 km€8,950€9,700€10,500
2013176,000 km€7,650€8,350€9,000
2012189,000 km€6,550€7,100€7,700
2011202,000 km€5,450€5,950€6,550

Calculated with the Sell Your Car value model: estimated new price, yearly depreciation for this segment and fuel, and how well this model holds its value. Trim, options, damage and servicing make the difference.

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What does a BMW 3 Series fetch now?

By build year, from the 644 BMW 3 Series 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 (272)€53,950€48,450€44,850€41,200
2025 (113)€45,950€41,300€38,200€35,100
2024 (53)€40,900€36,750€34,000€31,250
2023 (46)€36,950€33,200€30,700€28,200
2022 (66)€32,900€29,550€27,350€25,150
2021 (47)€30,000€26,950€24,950€22,900
2020 (26)€29,900€26,850€24,850€22,850
2019 (11)€28,950€26,000€24,050€22,100

Depreciation year by year: BMW 3 Series

A last-year BMW 3 Series still asks 68% of its new price. After that it loses 6.3% a year on average. Measured on 634 cars for sale on 27 October 2026 (built 2019–2026).

Depreciation by year of the BMW 3 Series
YearCarsAsking priceNew priceValue keptDrop per yearMileage
2026272€53,950€69,90079%–9,000 km
2025113€45,950€67,90068%−14.8%25,000 km
202453€40,900€64,30062%−8.8%45,000 km
202346€36,950€64,80055%−10.8%73,000 km
202266€32,900€63,85051%−7.8%87,000 km
202147€30,000€59,40051%−0.2%97,000 km
202026€29,900€62,40049%−3.9%94,000 km
201911€28,950€59,85046%−4.7%95,000 km

Median per year. New price: what the car cost new in the Netherlands, the RDW catalogue price (incl. VAT, BPM and factory options, without delivery costs). For cars imported used: the Dutch catalogue price of that version. Value kept: asking price divided by the car’s own new price. Drop per year: value kept against the next newer year; a plus means that year asks relatively more. Older cars have more miles, which is part of the drop. * Fewer than 5 cars: indicative only. Asking prices, not sale prices.

Who buys a used BMW 3 Series?

The 3 Series is the BMW you see most often in the Netherlands, and it is popular with private buyers too: from January to July 2025, 7,923 were sold between private individuals, according to BOVAG/RDC. Many start out as lease cars, often as a Touring estate with the 320d or 330e, and then find an owner who wants a company car without the company-car price. There is also a loyal group of enthusiasts hunting for a rear-wheel-drive 330i, 340i or M340i.

Equipment makes a big difference on a 3 Series. An M Sport package, Steptronic automatic, Live Cockpit Professional, adaptive LED headlights and a tow bar attract buyers; a manual F30 with basic spec sells more slowly. On a 320d up to around 2014, every buyer asks about the N47 timing chain, and on a 2012–2015 320i or 328i about the N20. On the 330e battery condition matters, and since 2026 a plug-in pays the full MRB (road tax) rate. A pre-purchase inspection and a free valuation help you price it sharply.

Which 3 Series generations are there?

Which 3 Series generations are there?
GenerationWhat to know
E21 en E301975–1994Classics; value depends on condition and originality, not on a price guide.
E361990–2000Affordable modern classic; rust and the cooling system are the things to check.
E461998–2006Popular modern classic, especially the 325i and 330i; check for rust and the cooling system.
E90/E91/E92/E932005–2013Lots of 320d with the N47 diesel; diesels from the early years are often Euro 4.
F30/F312012–2019The big ex-lease model, with the 316d to 320d, 320i and the 330e from 2016.
G20/G212019–presentGrown-up interior and almost always automatic; the 330e and 320d are the usual ex-lease versions.

Which 3 Series versions are popular?

These are the versions buyers search for most. Name the exact version in your ad.

  • BMW 3 Series 320i
  • BMW 3 Series 318i
  • BMW 3 Series 320d
  • BMW 3 Series 318d
  • BMW 3 Series 330e
  • BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport
  • BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive

What are the known weak spots of the 3 Series?

  • N47 diesel (316d to 320d, approx. 2007–2014): stretching timing chain at the back of the engine
  • N20 petrol (320i and 328i, approx. 2012–2015): worn chain guide
  • Oil leaks from the oil filter housing and rocker cover gaskets
  • Six-cylinder petrol engines (E90/F30): electric water pump and thermostat
  • 330e: condition of the high-voltage battery and charging system

What does a buyer check on a used 3 Series?

  • Cold start: a rattle from the back of the engine points to the chain
  • Oil leaks underneath and around the oil filter housing
  • Service history via iDrive or a BMW dealer
  • On the 330e: electric range with a full battery
  • Head-up display, camera and adaptive headlights
  • Emission class on E90 diesels

How do you sell your 3 Series for the best price?

  1. Put the package in the title: a 320i M Sport Touring attracts different buyers than a 320i Executive
  2. On an N47 or N20, include an invoice or report for the chain check
  3. Sell a 330i, 340i or M340i privately to an enthusiast
  4. For an ex-lease 330e, compare a dealer bid with your private asking price

Used BMW 3 Series cars for sale

View all used BMW 3 Series cars

Other BMW models

All about selling a BMW

FAQ about the BMW 3 Series

How many used BMW 3 Series are sold?

Private sellers sold 7,923 to other private buyers from January to July 2025 (BOVAG/RDC). That makes the 3 Series one of the most popular models in private-to-private sales, and dealer sales come on top of that. For you it means plenty of buyers but also plenty of competition: equipment and history make the difference.

Should I replace my 320d's timing chain before selling?

No, not necessarily. Do have it checked by a specialist, especially on an N47 from roughly 2007–2014. If the chain is fine, the report is enough. If it has stretched, you can have it replaced or disclose it honestly and reflect it in the price. Do not hide it: in a private sale you may not conceal known defects.

Does a 3 Series Touring fetch more than a saloon?

Usually yes, because the Touring is what Dutch families and business drivers search for most. The difference depends on age, engine and equipment. A well-equipped, low-mileage saloon also sells well, especially to enthusiasts. Compare your car with similar ads before you choose an asking price.

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