When shopping for a luxury car, two brands often come to mind first: Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Both are known for their performance, engineering, and prestige. But when it comes to buying used, which one actually holds its value better over time? Let’s break it down.
1. Depreciation: The First Big Drop
All luxury cars experience depreciation, especially in the first 3-5 years. However, Mercedes-Benz vehicles generally depreciate faster than BMWs in the early years.
- A new Mercedes E-Class can lose up to 50% of its value in 5 years.
- BMW 3 Series tends to lose around 45% in the same period.
That difference may seem small, but it can impact resale value significantly.
2. Cost of Ownership
BMWs are often associated with sportier performance, while Mercedes focuses on comfort and luxury. Both brands require premium maintenance and parts, but:
- BMW maintenance is often more frequent due to sportier engineering.
- Mercedes parts can be more expensive but require less frequent service.
Buyers should budget for regular maintenance regardless of brand, but this plays a role in long-term ownership value.
3. Market Demand in the Used Market
In the used car world, BMWs tend to have stronger buyer demand, especially for popular models like the 3 Series, X5, or 5 Series.
Mercedes, especially luxury sedans like the E-Class or S-Class, often attract more mature buyersbut may sit longer on used lots.
- BMWs = More buyers, faster sales
- Mercedes = Higher-end, niche appeal
4. Technology & Features
Both brands are loaded with tech, but Mercedes tends to focus more on innovation and luxury-first features (MBUX interface, ambient lighting, massage seats).
However, older Mercedes models may require more expensive repairs to these tech systems.BMWs tend to age more gracefully in terms of digital systems and performance tuning
5. Resale Trends in Atlanta
At Olympic Auto Sales, we’ve seen strong retention in late-model BMWs (especially under $25K) compared to equivalent Mercedes.
- BMW 3 and 5 Series fly off the lot
- Mercedes C and E-Class models tend to sell slightly slower
Buyers often ask for BMWs first when seeking sporty luxury on a budget.
Final Verdict:
If you're looking for better resale value and higher buyer demand, especially in markets like Atlanta, a used BMW often edges out a Mercedes.
But if you value comfort, quiet rides, and luxurious features over resale, Mercedes is still a solid investment.
Whichever you choose, Olympic Auto Sales offers certified pre-owned BMW and Mercedes models that have been fully inspected and priced competitively.
Want help choosing the right luxury car? Contact Us or visit our showroom to test drive both!
