BMW vs. Mercedes vs. Audi: The Ultimate Brand Comparison
The Three Pillars of the German Premium Segment
BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – three brands that represent German engineering excellence worldwide. But which offers the best overall package as a used car? We analyze all aspects.
Brand Philosophy
BMW – “Sheer Driving Pleasure”
| Aspect | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driving dynamics | Excellent | Rear-wheel drive, sporty tuning |
| Comfort | Good | Sporty-firm, but long-distance capable |
| Image | Sporty | ”The ultimate driving machine” |
| Target group | Active drivers | Those who value driving fun |
Mercedes-Benz – “The Best or Nothing”
| Aspect | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Excellent | Sedan-like ride quality |
| Quality | Very good | Legendary longevity (pre-2000) |
| Image | Prestigious | Status and representation |
| Target group | Comfort-oriented | Those who want to arrive relaxed |
Audi – “Vorsprung durch Technik”
| Aspect | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Excellent | Quattro, innovative solutions |
| Build quality | Very good | Panel gaps, materials |
| Image | Modern | Technical, progressive |
| Target group | Tech-savvy | Those who value innovation |
Price Comparison by Segment
Executive Class (5 Series / E-Class / A6)
| Model | Years | Avg. Price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E39 5 Series | 1995-2003 | €7,580 | 85 |
| Mercedes W210 E-Class | 1995-2002 | €5,380 | 75 |
| Audi C5 A6 | 1997-2004 | €5,200 | 68 |
Conclusion: Mercedes offers the best price-comfort ratio, BMW the sportiest driving experience.
Luxury Class (7 Series / S-Class / A8)
| Model | Years | Avg. Price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E38 7 Series | 1994-2001 | €15,120 | 45 |
| Mercedes W140 S-Class | 1991-1998 | €12,950 | 32 |
| Audi D2 A8 | 1994-2002 | €8,500 | 22 |
Conclusion: Mercedes W140 offers maximum luxury, BMW E38 the best balance of comfort and dynamics.
Compact Executive (3 Series / C-Class / A4)
| Model | Years | Avg. Price | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 3 Series | 1998-2006 | €6,420 | 152 |
| Mercedes W203 C-Class | 2000-2007 | €4,800 | 95 |
| Audi B5/B6 A4 | 1994-2004 | €5,750 | 62 |
Conclusion: BMW E46 is the class leader, W203 C-Class to be approached with caution.
Reliability Comparison
Engine Reliability
| Brand | Best Engines | Engines to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | M52, M54 (I6) | N47 (Diesel), N63 (V8) |
| Mercedes | M104, M112 (I6/V6) | M271 (CGI), OM646/647 |
| Audi | 1.8T (EA113), 2.4/3.0 V6 | 2.7T (Turbo), 2.0 TDI (PD) |
Typical Weak Points
BMW:
- Cooling system (water pump, thermostat)
- Vanos system
- Rear subframe bushings
Mercedes:
- Rust (W124, W210)
- SBC brakes (W211)
- Airmatic air suspension
Audi:
- Timing chains (longitudinal engines)
- Turbochargers (2.7T)
- Air suspension (Allroad)
Running Costs
Annual Average Costs (Estimate)
| Cost Factor | BMW E39 | Mercedes W210 | Audi C5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | €650 | €580 | €550 |
| Tax (Petrol 2.5-3.0) | €280 | €260 | €270 |
| Maintenance | €800 | €750 | €720 |
| Wear parts | €600 | €550 | €580 |
| Total | €2,330 | €2,140 | €2,120 |
Audi and Mercedes are neck and neck on running costs, BMW tends to be slightly more expensive.
Parts Supply
Availability and Prices
| Brand | OEM Availability | Aftermarket | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | Very good | Excellent | Medium-High |
| Mercedes | Excellent | Good | High |
| Audi | Good | Good | Medium |
BMW benefits from an active tuning and enthusiast scene with broad aftermarket offerings.
Mercedes has the best OEM parts supply but higher prices.
Audi shares many parts with VW, which improves availability and prices.
Value Stability
Depreciation Over 5 Years (Example)
| Model | Purchase 2019 | Value 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E39 530i | €6,500 | €7,580 | -16% (Gain!) |
| Mercedes W210 E320 | €4,800 | €5,380 | -12% (Gain!) |
| Audi C5 A6 2.4 | €4,500 | €5,200 | -16% (Gain!) |
Youngtimer prices are currently rising across all brands.
Collector Models
| Brand | Top Value Increase | Current Trend |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | E39 M5, E46 M3 | Strongly rising |
| Mercedes | W124 (all), R129 SL | Strongly rising |
| Audi | RS4 B5, S2 Coupe | Strongly rising |
Driving Experience
Subjective Assessment
| Aspect | BMW | Mercedes | Audi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering feel | Excellent | Comfortable | Precise |
| Suspension | Firm-sporty | Soft-comfortable | Neutral |
| Sound | Sporty | Very quiet | Quiet |
| Seat comfort | Good | Very good | Good |
| Long distance | Very good | Excellent | Very good |
Our Recommendation
By Buyer Profile
For Driving Enthusiasts: BMW is the first choice. The combination of rear-wheel drive, balanced weight distribution and direct steering offers the most authentic driving experience.
For Comfort Lovers: Mercedes is unmatched. The soft suspension, first-class seats and excellent sound insulation make every journey a pleasure.
For Tech Fans: Audi impresses with Quattro technology and thoughtful detail solutions. Especially the safest choice in poor weather conditions.
By Budget
| Budget | BMW | Mercedes | Audi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under €5,000 | E46 316i/318i | W210 E200 | B5 A4 1.8 |
| €5,000-10,000 | E39 525i/528i | W210 E280/E320 | C5 A6 2.4 |
| €10,000-20,000 | E38 728i/735i | W140 S320/S500 | D2 A8 4.2 |
| Over €20,000 | E39 M5 | W124 500E | RS4 B5 |
Conclusion
There is no objectively “best” brand – only the best brand for your needs.
- BMW for active driving
- Mercedes for relaxed traveling
- Audi for technical excellence
All three brands offer excellent quality at fair prices in the used car segment. The choice depends on personal priorities.
Price data from our current market analysis. As of: August 5, 2024