H1 2024 Market Review: The First Half Year in Retrospect
H1 2024: Six Months of Market Development
The first half of 2024 brought interesting movements in the premium used car market. We analyze the key trends and developments for BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Overall Market Overview
Key Figures H1 2024
| Metric | H1 2024 | H1 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price (all) | €9,850 | €9,420 | +4.6% |
| Total listings | 4,280 | 4,150 | +3.1% |
| Average age | 18.2 years | 17.8 years | +2.2% |
| Average mileage | 168,000 km | 165,000 km | +1.8% |
The market shows a slight price increase with simultaneously rising supply. The vehicles offered are getting older, reflecting the youngtimer trend.
Price Development by Brand
BMW – Stability with Outliers
| Model | Jan 2024 | Jun 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €14,200 | €14,850 | +4.6% |
| E39 5 Series | €7,100 | €7,420 | +4.5% |
| E46 3 Series | €6,200 | €6,380 | +2.9% |
| E39 M5 | €29,500 | €31,200 | +5.8% |
| E34 5 Series | €8,800 | €9,450 | +7.4% |
Trend: BMW classics show consistent price increases. The E34 particularly shows strong growth.
Mercedes-Benz – The W124 Effect
| Model | Jan 2024 | Jun 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €11,800 | €12,680 | +7.5% |
| W210 E-Class | €5,100 | €5,240 | +2.7% |
| W124 E-Class | €10,200 | €11,350 | +11.3% |
| R129 SL | €22,500 | €24,800 | +10.2% |
Trend: Classic Mercedes models are booming. The W124 shows the strongest value increase in the entire segment.
Audi – Quattro Renaissance
| Model | Jan 2024 | Jun 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | €5,400 | €5,680 | +5.2% |
| C6 A6 | €9,200 | €9,450 | +2.7% |
| RS4 B5 | €39,000 | €41,500 | +6.4% |
| C5 A6 Allroad | €6,800 | €7,200 | +5.9% |
Trend: Audi models with Quattro drive show above-average gains. The RS4 B5 is establishing itself as a collector’s item.
Monthly Market Dynamics
Seasonal Patterns H1 2024
| Month | Activity | Price Level | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Low | Stable | Year-start calm |
| February | Rising | +1% | Spring preparation |
| March | High | +2% | Season start |
| April | Very high | +1% | Convertible boom |
| May | High | Stable | Stabilization |
| June | Medium | -0.5% | Holiday start |
Demand Development
Demand for different vehicle types developed differently:
Rising Demand:
- Youngtimers (20-30 years): +18%
- Convertibles (seasonal): +35%
- V8 sedans: +12%
Declining Demand:
- Diesel below Euro 5: -8%
- SUV derivatives: -5%
- High mileage (>200,000 km): -3%
Top Performers H1 2024
Strongest Price Increases
| Rank | Model | Increase | Current Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes W124 E-Class | +11.3% | €11,350 |
| 2 | Mercedes R129 SL | +10.2% | €24,800 |
| 3 | Mercedes W140 S-Class | +7.5% | €12,680 |
| 4 | BMW E34 5 Series | +7.4% | €9,450 |
| 5 | Audi RS4 B5 | +6.4% | €41,500 |
Weakest Performers
| Rank | Model | Change | Current Avg. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audi C6 A6 TDI | -3.2% | €8,900 |
| 2 | BMW E60 520d | -2.8% | €7,200 |
| 3 | Mercedes W211 E220 CDI | -2.1% | €6,100 |
Regional Analysis
Price Differences by Region
| Region | Deviation from Average |
|---|---|
| Bavaria | +8% |
| Baden-Wurttemberg | +5% |
| NRW | -2% |
| Berlin/Brandenburg | -5% |
| Eastern Germany | -8% |
Southern Germany remains the most expensive market but also offers the best quality.
Market Factors H1 2024
Price Drivers
- Youngtimer trend: Vehicles achieve cult status
- Reliability reputation: Classic engines preferred
- Electric car skepticism: Consumers stick to combustion
- Inflation: General price increase
Price Dampeners
- Diesel discussion: Uncertainty about diesel models
- Maintenance costs: Older vehicles become more expensive
- Spare parts: Rising prices for OEM parts
- Insurance: Higher premiums for classics
H2 2024 Forecast
Expected Developments
July-August:
- Seasonal slowdown
- Convertible prices at peak
- Good buying opportunities for sedans
September-October:
- Autumn revival
- All-wheel drive vehicles in demand
- Price increase expected
November-December:
- Year-end dealer discounts
- Collector market active
- Tax considerations
Buying Recommendations
Buy Now (Summer 2024):
- BMW E38 7 Series – Before further appreciation
- Mercedes W210 E-Class – Still undervalued
- Audi B5 S4 – Hidden gem
Wait Until Autumn:
- Convertibles (seasonal price decline)
- High-priced collector vehicles
H1 2024 Conclusion
The first half of 2024 confirms the trend toward classic premium vehicles. Youngtimers from the 90s and early 2000s show continuous value appreciation.
The key findings:
- Mercedes classics lead price growth
- Diesel continues to lose attractiveness
- Quattro and all-wheel models remain in demand
- The market is healthy and growing
All data based on our continuous market analysis. As of: July 15, 2024