BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class Insurance Cost
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is cheaper to insure by about $1,145 a year for full coverage by our estimate ($4,190 vs. $3,045), and cheaper in 51 of 51 states.
Side-by-side insurance estimate
| Coverage | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $795 | $685 | +$110 |
| Standard (100/300/100) | $1,150 | $990 | +$160 |
| Full coverage | $4,190 | $3,045 | +$1,145 |
National average base rates, driver in their 30s with a clean record, latest model year of each car. Difference = M3 minus S-Class.
Why one costs more to insure
| Factor | BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Luxury car | Luxury car |
| Powertrains | Gasoline | Gasoline, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid |
| HLDI collision (100 = avg) | 583 | 271 |
| HLDI comprehensive | 297 | 418 |
| HLDI property damage liability | 150 | 109 |
| HLDI bodily injury liability | — | 131 |
| NHTSA overall rating | — | — |
| NICB most-stolen rank | Not in top 10 | Not in top 10 |
| Recalls (latest 3 model years) | 0 | 2 |
Collision losses are the biggest swing factor: the BMW M3 has 312 points higher relative collision losses, meaning its crash repairs cost insurers more on average. Comprehensive losses (theft, weather, glass) also favor the BMW M3.
M3 vs S-Class insurance by state
By driver profile (full coverage)
| Driver | M3 | S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Teen driver (18, own policy) | $11,525 | $8,380 |
| Young adult (22) | $6,705 | $4,875 |
| Adult in their 30s | $4,190 | $3,045 |
| Adult in their 50s | $3,855 | $2,805 |
| Senior (72) | $4,695 | $3,410 |
| 30s, one at-fault accident | $6,080 | $4,415 |
| 30s, DUI on record | $7,755 | $5,635 |
More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW M3 or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class cheaper to insure?
By our estimate the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is cheaper, by about $1,145 a year for full coverage ($4,190 vs. $3,045) for a driver in their 30s with a clean record.
Why does insurance cost differ between the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Mostly because of insurance-loss history: HLDI collision indices of 583 vs. 271 and comprehensive indices of 297 vs. 418 (100 = average), plus repair costs, theft rates and segment.
How we estimate this
We start from the state's average liability, collision and comprehensive premiums published by the NAIC, then apply a location factor (population density and commute time from the Census ACS, weather hazard scores from FEMA's National Risk Index), a vehicle factor (HLDI insurance-loss data where available, otherwise vehicle segment), and a driver-profile multiplier. Results are rounded ranges for comparison, not quotes. Read the full methodology.