Buying Guide
The best year to buy a used BMW 3 Series
If you are shopping for value, the 2025 BMW 3 Series is the year to target. It sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical asking price around $40,090.
Best value year
2025
- Typical asking price
- $40,090
- Below original MSRP
- $5,860
BMW 3 Series depreciation by model year
Each year's value loss from original MSRP and its typical used asking price. The best-value year is highlighted.
| Model year | Age | Depreciation | Median price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 yr | 0.1% | $72,148 | 60 |
| 2025Best value | 1 yr | 17.7% | $40,090 | 48 |
| 2024 | 2 yr | 17.6% | $42,790 | 60 |
| 2023 | 3 yr | 28.3% | $35,168 | 59 |
| 2022 | 4 yr | 35.9% | $30,294 | 60 |
| 2021 | 5 yr | 42.5% | $27,990 | 60 |
| 2020 | 6 yr | 46.1% | $27,590 | 60 |
| 2019 | 7 yr | 52.9% | $22,990 | 60 |
| 2018 | 8 yr | 60.9% | $20,990 | 60 |
| 2017 | 9 yr | 66.5% | $15,597 | 60 |
| 2016 | 10 yr | 70.6% | $12,969 | 60 |
| 2015 | 11 yr | 70.7% | $14,792 | 60 |
Want the full picture — depreciation curve, resale-by-age, cost to own, and current listings? See the complete BMW 3 Series depreciation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year to buy a used BMW 3 Series?
For value, the 2025 BMW 3 Series stands out: it sits just past the steepest one-year drop in value, so the first owner absorbed the fastest depreciation, with a typical used asking price around $40,090 — roughly $5,860 below its original MSRP. This is a value-focused pick from observed used-car listings; the right year for you also depends on mileage, condition, features, and budget.
When does the BMW 3 Series lose the most value?
The steepest one-year drop in our data is between the 2026 and 2025 model years, about 17.6 percentage points of extra depreciation. Buying on the newer side of that cliff lets the previous owner absorb the fastest loss.
Is it better to buy a used BMW 3 Series new or a few years old?
A 3 Series takes its largest percentage loss early, so a lightly used example is usually the stronger value than a new one — you skip the first, fastest stretch of depreciation. Compare the year-by-year table above and each year's price against its mileage before deciding.