Market Report September 2024: Autumn Revival in Premium Used Car Market

market-analysis september-2024 monthly-report price-trends autumn

Market Overview September 2024

The premium used car market shows traditional autumn revival in September. After the summer lull, demand is rising again, especially for practical vehicles and all-wheel drive models.

Price Development Overview

Average Price Change vs. Previous Month

BrandChangeTrend
BMW+1.8%Rising
Mercedes-Benz+1.5%Rising
Audi+2.1%Rising
Total+1.8%Rising

Price Development by Vehicle Type

TypeAugustSeptemberChange
SedansStable+1.2%Slightly rising
Wagons/Touring+0.8%+2.5%Rising
SUVs+1.5%+2.8%Strongly rising
CoupesStable+0.5%Stable
Convertibles-2.0%-3.5%Falling

BMW Market Analysis

Model-Specific Development

ModelAverage PriceChangeDemand
E39 5 SeriesEUR 8,200+2.1%High
E46 3 SeriesEUR 6,800+1.8%Very high
E38 7 SeriesEUR 9,500+0.8%Stable
E36 3 SeriesEUR 5,400+2.5%Strongly rising
E34 5 SeriesEUR 7,100+1.5%Rising

BMW Highlights September

Winners of the Month:

  • E46 Touring: +3.2% - Practical for families
  • E39 Touring: +2.8% - Wagons in demand
  • E36 Coupe: +2.5% - Youngtimer boom

Stable Values:

  • E38 750i: Constant at high level
  • E39 M5: Collector interest continues

BMW Buying Recommendations

BudgetRecommendationReason
Under EUR 5,000E46 320iBest entry point
EUR 5-10,000E39 525i TouringPractical, stable value
EUR 10-15,000E46 330iSporty, reliable
Over EUR 15,000E39 540iV8 at fair price

Mercedes-Benz Market Analysis

Model-Specific Development

ModelAverage PriceChangeDemand
W210 E-ClassEUR 6,200+1.8%High
W140 S-ClassEUR 12,800+1.2%Stable
W124 E-ClassEUR 14,500+0.5%Very stable
W202 C-ClassEUR 4,800+1.5%Rising
R129 SLEUR 28,000-2.5%Seasonally falling

Mercedes Highlights September

Winners of the Month:

  • W210 Estate: +2.5% - Family cars
  • W202 Estate: +2.2% - Entry premium
  • W140 Short: +1.5% - Classic status

Under Pressure:

  • R129 SL: -2.5% - Season end
  • W208 CLK Convertible: -2.0% - Autumn effect

Mercedes Buying Recommendations

BudgetRecommendationReason
Under EUR 5,000W202 C180Solid entry
EUR 5-10,000W210 E280 TSpace and comfort
EUR 10-15,000W140 S320Luxury at small price
Over EUR 20,000W124 E500Value increase certain

Audi Market Analysis

Model-Specific Development

ModelAverage PriceChangeDemand
C5 A6EUR 5,800+2.5%Strongly rising
B5 A4EUR 4,200+1.8%Rising
D2 A8EUR 8,500+1.2%Stable
B7 A4EUR 7,200+2.2%High
C5 allroadEUR 7,800+3.5%Very high

Audi Highlights September

Winners of the Month:

  • C5 allroad: +3.5% - AWD demand
  • B5 S4: +3.0% - Biturbo cult
  • C5 A6 Avant: +2.8% - Practical

Stable Development:

  • D2 A8: Classic level
  • B7 RS4: Collector market constant

Audi Buying Recommendations

BudgetRecommendationReason
Under EUR 5,000B5 A4 1.8TTuning-friendly
EUR 5-10,000C5 A6 2.7TMuch car for money
EUR 10-15,000C5 allroadVersatile, stable value
Over EUR 20,000B5 RS4Investment in legend

Seasonal Factors

Autumn Effects on the Market

EffectImpactRecommendation
AWD demand+5-8% price riseBuy now
Wagon season+3-5% price riseBuy now
Convertible decline-10-15% price dropWait or sell
School start effectFamily cars wantedAct quickly

Regional Price Differences

RegionLevel vs. National Average
Bavaria+5-8%
Baden-Wurttemberg+3-5%
NRWAverage
Northern Germany-3-5%
Eastern Germany-5-8%

Special Market Observations

Youngtimer Trend Strengthens

Model20232024Increase
BMW E36 M3EUR 38,000EUR 45,000+18.4%
Mercedes W124 500EEUR 42,000EUR 48,000+14.3%
Audi RS2EUR 65,000EUR 75,000+15.4%
BMW E34 M5EUR 35,000EUR 42,000+20.0%

Everyday Classics Rising

Model20232024Increase
BMW E39 540iEUR 12,000EUR 14,500+20.8%
Mercedes W140 S500EUR 14,000EUR 16,500+17.9%
Audi C5 S6EUR 9,000EUR 11,000+22.2%

Outlook October 2024

Expected Developments

SegmentForecastReason
AWD vehicles+3-5%Winter preparation
Wagons+2-4%Continued demand
V8 sedansStableStable collector interest
Convertibles-5-8%Season end
Compact cars+1-2%City traffic

Buying Recommendations for October

Buy Now:

  1. AWD models (quattro, 4MATIC, xDrive)
  2. Wagons and Tourings
  3. Well-maintained youngtimers

Wait:

  1. Convertibles and roadsters
  2. Sport coupes
  3. High-priced collector vehicles

Investment Tips

Short to Medium Term (1-3 Years)

ModelEntry PriceExpected Development
BMW E46 330ciEUR 12,000+15-20%
Mercedes W210 E55 AMGEUR 18,000+20-25%
Audi B5 S4EUR 15,000+25-30%

Long Term (5+ Years)

ModelEntry PriceExpected Development
BMW E39 M5EUR 45,000+50-70%
Mercedes W140 S600EUR 25,000+40-60%
Audi RS2EUR 75,000+30-50%

Conclusion September 2024

September marks the beginning of autumn season with rising prices for practical vehicles. AWD models and wagons show strongest demand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Overall market: +1.8% vs. previous month
  • AWD vehicles particularly sought after
  • Convertibles at seasonal low
  • Youngtimer trend unbroken

Recommendation: Those looking for an AWD vehicle or wagon should buy now. Convertible buyers can wait until November.


Data based on our analysis of over 15,000 listings in September 2024. Next market report: End of October 2024.