News > 12 September 2025
BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class vs Audi RS4/RS5: Generation Value Comparison
Few rivalries in the automotive world stir as much debate as the battle between the BMW M3, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class, and Audi’s RS4/RS5. Across four decades, these cars have defined the German sports-sedan segment: precision from BMW, brute force from Mercedes, and all-weather grip from Audi.
But which has proven the smartest investment over time? Using CarClimb’s sold-data Market Values, we explore each generation and compare how they’ve stacked up not just on the road, but also in the marketplace.
1980s: BMW E30 M3 vs Mercedes 190E 2.3-16
The original E30 M3 is the car that started it all—lightweight, high-revving, and purpose-built to dominate touring car racing. Its box-flared arches and razor-sharp handling made it an icon, and today, Market Values regularly sit in the $60k+ range, depending on spec and provenance.
Mercedes didn’t have a C63 yet, but it fielded the 190E 2.3-16 and later the 2.5-16. Co-developed with Cosworth, these compact sedans brought German engineering and durability to the racetrack, squaring off against the M3 in the DTM touring car series. While not commanding M3-level premiums, clean examples still enjoy a strong following among collectors.
Takeaway: The E30 M3 has become a blue-chip collectible, while the 190E Cosworth remains the “insider’s choice” for those who want a slice of ‘80s DTM heritage without the M3 price tag.
1990s: BMW E36 M3 vs Mercedes C36 AMG vs Audi RS2 Avant
The E36 M3 arrived in the early ‘90s with a smoother, more refined six-cylinder engine and a bigger cabin. Values remain relatively attainable, with recent Market Values around $22.5k, making it one of the most affordable ways into the M3 family.
Mercedes countered with the C36 AMG, the first official AMG-tuned C-Class. Despite its 3.6-litre inline-six, it never achieved the cult following of the M3, and values reflect this.
Meanwhile, Audi’s first true RS car—the RS2 Avant—was a collaboration with Porsche, and today its rarity (produced in tiny numbers) makes it one of the most desirable ‘90s wagons. With strong collector demand, values have surged far above the E36 and C36, underscoring its cult status.
Takeaway: The RS2 Avant was a unicorn, but the E36 remains the most approachable collector car in this trio. The C36 AMG still sits in the shadow of its rivals.
2000s: BMW E46 M3 vs Mercedes C32/C55 AMG vs Audi RS4 B5/B7
The E46 M3 is often called the sweet spot of the M3 lineage—timeless design, screaming naturally aspirated inline-six, and the option of a six-speed manual. Market Values hover around $25.5k, with rare editions like the CSL fetching significantly more.
Mercedes tried to keep pace with the C32 and C55 AMG, but neither captured enthusiasts’ imaginations quite like the M3. Their values remain comparatively low.
Audi’s breakthrough came with the RS4 B5 Avant, a turbocharged wagon that has become a collector favourite, with Market Values pushing $54k. The later B7 RS4 added a glorious high-revving V8 and Quattro all-weather traction, with recent medians around $32.3k.
Takeaway: The E46 is still the everyday hero, but the RS4 B5 Avant is now a bona fide investment-grade classic.
2010s: BMW E9x & F80 M3 vs Mercedes C63 W204/W205 vs Audi RS5 1st Gen
By the late 2000s, both BMW and Mercedes leaned into high-revving V8s. The E9x M3 (2008–2013) with its 4.0L V8 is a fan favourite, with values around $34.3k. The successor, the F80 M3, brought back turbocharging but remained desirable thanks to its balance of performance and everyday usability—recently around $46k.
Mercedes’ C63 W204 is arguably one of the best-sounding V8 sedans ever made, with medians near $36.9k. The newer W205 sits closer to $49.4k, offering a more modern package but with the same AMG thunder.
Audi’s RS5 (1st gen), with its naturally aspirated V8, remains the underdog of this group—values around $30.7k reflect its more subdued demand.
Takeaway: The F80 M3 and W204 C63 are rising stars, both blending everyday usability with collector appeal. The RS5 offers value but trails in enthusiasm.
2020s: BMW G80 M3 vs Mercedes C63 W206 vs Audi RS4/RS5 2nd Gen
Today’s G80 M3 carries a bold design and huge performance, with Market Values topping $72k in recent sales. It’s the flagship, but high entry prices may limit short-term appreciation.
Mercedes’ new C63 W206 has controversially moved to a four-cylinder hybrid, leaving the V8 era behind. With few auction results so far, it remains to be seen how collectors will respond.
Audi continues with the RS5 (2nd gen), offering sleek styling and usable performance, with medians around $54.3k. The RS4 Avant continues to be Europe’s wagon darling, with solid but more modest valuations.
Takeaway: The G80 M3 commands today’s spotlight, but as an investment, the safer bets may lie in earlier generations.
Final Thoughts: Which is the Best Buy Right Now?
- Under $35k: BMW E46 M3 and Audi RS4 B7 Avant—affordable entry points with strong enthusiast demand.
- $35–50k: BMW F80 M3 and Mercedes C63 W204—modern classics with appreciation potential.
- $50–60k: Audi RS5 2nd Gen—strong performance, better value than a G80 M3.
Blue-chip Collectibles: BMW E30 M3 and Audi RS4 B5 Avant—icons that continue to lead long-term investment potential.
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