The 1997 typically asks 35% less than the 2002 in this snapshot, across 5 model years. Thin sample — see the listing counts above.
The 1997 BMW Z3 asks about 35% less than the 2002 across 5 model years — the curve below tracks every year from 2002 to 1997, priced from 280 live dealer listings.
These are current dealer asking prices for different vehicles, not a forecast, original MSRP comparison or final sale prices. Mileage, trim, condition and generation changes can affect the gap.
◷ Updated September 9, 2026 ▤ National asking prices, refreshed daily
31% more than the 2002
Not always. The 1998 asks more than the 2002 — leftover inventory, a stronger configuration mix or a thin sample can outweigh a model year. Compare the specific year, not the age.
Thin sample: priced from 28 and 39 live listings.
50% of the 1998 price
Across the 1997–2002 model years, 1998 → 1997 is the biggest single-model-year asking-price step in this sample.
Priced from 39 and 37 live listings.
$4,273 below the 2002 ask
A 1997 — five model years older — asks 65% of what the 2002 asks. The Share-of-baseline-ask column in the table below runs the same share for every year.
Thin sample: priced from 28 and 37 live listings.
Typical asking price by model year, newest on the left — labels compare asking prices with the 2002. Hover a point for that year's price band.
A 1997 BMW Z3 typically lists at $7,975 — 35% below the 2002's $12,248.
| Year | Typical price | Share of baseline ask | vs. next-newer year | Avg. mileage | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | $12,248 | 100% | — | 73,430 | 28 |
| 2001 | $14,346 | 117% | +$2,098 | 74,572 | 52 |
| 2000 | $11,695 | 95% | −$2,651 | 85,322 | 70 |
| 1999 | $12,995 | 106% | +$1,300 | 89,881 | 35 |
| 1998 | $15,996 | 131% | +$3,001 | 79,172 | 39 |
| 1997 | $7,975 | 65% | −$8,021 | 91,834 | 37 |
| 1996 | $9,149 | 75% | +$1,174 | 79,209 | 19 |
Typical price is the median (or average when the median is unavailable) asking price of that model year's live dealer listings, national. Share of baseline ask is each year's asking price as a percentage of the newest year's asking price in the same group of available model years. Updated September 9, 2026.
This snapshot does not measure annual depreciation of one car. The 1997 typically asks $7,975, 35% below the 2002's $12,248. These are different vehicles listed on September 9, 2026; mileage, trim, condition and redesigns can affect the difference.
A 1997 BMW Z3 asks about 65% of the 2002's typical asking price ($7,975 vs $12,248). The “Share of baseline ask” column in the table above shows the same share for every model year in between.
The 1997 BMW Z3 is the most affordable model year we track, typically listed at $7,975 — 35% below the 2002's typical $12,248. Compare every year in the table above.
This depreciation curve covers 7 model years, from 1996 to 2002, each priced from live dealer listings and refreshed daily.
Check individual VINs before you buy — decode the exact trim and mileage, see every active listing, and how each price compares to the local market.
