BMW 5 Series Evolution: From E34 to E60 - Three Generations Compared
The BMW 5 Series: Three Generations of Business Sedans
The BMW 5 Series has been the epitome of the sporty business sedan for decades. We compare three iconic generations: E34 (1987-1996), E39 (1995-2004) and E60 (2003-2010).
Generation Comparison at a Glance
| Criterion | E34 | E39 | E60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Period | 1987-1996 | 1995-2004 | 2003-2010 |
| Average Price | €8,900 | €8,100 | €11,400 |
| Available Listings | 42 | 94 | 156 |
| Price Trend | rising | stable | falling |
| Collector Potential | high | very high | medium |
BMW E34 (1987-1996): The Classic
Market Overview
| Engine | Average | Listings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520i (M50) | €7,200 | 12 | +5% |
| 525i | €8,400 | 15 | +8% |
| 530i V8 | €12,800 | 5 | +12% |
| 535i | €14,500 | 4 | +15% |
| M5 (S38) | €42,000 | 3 | +20% |
Characteristics
Strengths:
- Timeless design by Ercole Spada
- Robust M50/M52 inline-six engines
- Excellent build quality
- Increasing classic car status
Weaknesses:
- Partially difficult parts availability
- Rust on neglected examples
- Electronics can be problematic
- Less comfort equipment than successors
Special Models
| Model | Feature | Average |
|---|---|---|
| M5 (E34) | 3.8L S38, 340 hp | €42,000 |
| 540i Touring | Rare V8 wagon | €18,500 |
| Alpina B10 | Alpina refinement | €28,000 |
BMW E39 (1995-2004): The Perfection
Market Overview
| Engine | Average | Listings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520i | €4,800 | 22 | stable |
| 523i/525i | €5,600 | 28 | stable |
| 528i | €6,900 | 18 | +2% |
| 530i | €8,200 | 12 | +3% |
| 540i V8 | €12,400 | 8 | +8% |
| M5 (S62) | €35,000 | 6 | +12% |
Characteristics
Strengths:
- Called the best 5 Series ever by experts
- Perfect balance of comfort and sportiness
- Legendary M52/M54 inline-six engines
- High-quality interior materials
- Good parts availability
Weaknesses:
- VANOS issues on older M52 engines
- Cooling system components wear
- Timing chain issues on M52TU/M54
- Rear axle bushings wear out
Special Models
| Model | Feature | Average |
|---|---|---|
| M5 (E39) | 4.9L S62 V8, 400 hp | €35,000 |
| 540i Touring 6-speed | Rare combination | €15,800 |
| 530d Touring | Diesel classic | €7,200 |
BMW E60 (2003-2010): The Revolution
Market Overview
| Engine | Average | Listings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 520i/523i | €7,400 | 35 | -3% |
| 525i/530i | €9,800 | 42 | -2% |
| 530d/535d | €11,200 | 38 | stable |
| 545i/550i V8 | €14,600 | 18 | -1% |
| M5 (S85 V10) | €28,500 | 8 | -5% |
Characteristics
Strengths:
- Innovative technology (iDrive, Active Steering)
- Powerful engine range
- Sporty handling
- Good safety equipment
Weaknesses:
- Controversial Bangle styling
- Complex electronics prone to faults
- High repair costs
- Timing chain problematic on N52/N54
Special Models
| Model | Feature | Average |
|---|---|---|
| M5 (E60) | 5.0L S85 V10, 507 hp | €28,500 |
| 535d | Bi-turbo diesel, 286 hp | €12,800 |
| Alpina B5 | 500+ hp, exclusivity | €32,000 |
Price Comparison by Criteria
Price by Mileage
| Mileage | E34 | E39 | E60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 100,000 km | €14,500 | €12,800 | €16,200 |
| 100,000-150,000 km | €9,200 | €7,400 | €10,800 |
| 150,000-200,000 km | €6,800 | €5,200 | €8,400 |
| > 200,000 km | €4,500 | €3,800 | €5,600 |
Price by Body Style
| Variant | E34 | E39 | E60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan | €8,200 | €7,600 | €10,800 |
| Touring | €9,800 | €8,800 | €12,200 |
| Touring Premium | +20% | +16% | +13% |
Running Cost Comparison
Annual Costs (Average)
| Cost Factor | E34 | E39 | E60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance (Full) | €580 | €620 | €780 |
| Vehicle Tax (525i equiv.) | €220 | €230 | €280 |
| Maintenance/Year | €800 | €650 | €950 |
| Fuel | €1,680 | €1,560 | €1,620 |
| Repair Reserve | €1,200 | €800 | €1,400 |
| Total | €4,480 | €3,860 | €5,030 |
Based on: 12,000 km/year
Value Stability and Forecast
Historical Price Development (3 Years)
| Generation | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E34 | €6,800 | €7,600 | €8,400 | €8,900 | +31% |
| E39 | €6,400 | €7,200 | €7,800 | €8,100 | +27% |
| E60 | €13,200 | €12,400 | €11,800 | €11,400 | -14% |
Forecast 2024-2027
| Generation | Expected Development |
|---|---|
| E34 | +15-25% (classic bonus) |
| E39 | +10-20% (peak as youngtimer) |
| E60 | -5 to +5% (bottom reached) |
Buying Recommendations by Buyer Type
For the Daily Driver
Recommendation: BMW E39 525i/530i
- Budget: €6,000-9,000
- Advantages: Reliable, affordable parts, comfortable
- Mileage: 150,000-200,000 km acceptable
For the Enthusiast
Recommendation: BMW E39 540i or E34 535i
- Budget: €12,000-18,000
- Advantages: V8 power, driving pleasure, value stability
- Mileage: under 150,000 km recommended
For the Collector
Recommendation: BMW E39 M5 or E34 M5
- Budget: €30,000-50,000
- Advantages: Value appreciation potential, driving dynamics
- Condition: only well-maintained examples with history
For the Budget-Conscious
Recommendation: BMW E60 520i/525i
- Budget: €5,000-8,000
- Advantages: Lots of car for the money, modern technology
- Caution: Hidden repair costs possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Which E39 is the best?
The 530i offers the best balance of performance, reliability and price. The M54B30 engine is considered one of the best BMW engines ever.
Is an E60 still worth it?
Yes, if you are prepared for high repair reserves. Prices are attractive, but electronics and timing chain can be expensive.
Is the E34 suitable for daily use?
Conditionally. For enthusiasts with mechanical understanding, it is a joy, but as the only car, parts availability can be problematic.
Conclusion
| Generation | Recommendation | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| E34 | Buy | Classic car enthusiasts |
| E39 | Best choice | Daily drivers & enthusiasts |
| E60 | Cautiously | Tech-savvy with budget |
The E39 remains the favorite for most buyers: it combines the best of both worlds - classic BMW values with modern reliability. The E34 is for purists, the E60 for the brave.
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: June 3, 2024