Year in Review 2024: The German Used Car Market
2024 Year in Review
The year 2024 was an eventful period for the German used car market in the premium segment. After the turbulent pandemic years and subsequent normalization, new patterns have emerged that we have documented in our comprehensive analysis.
Key Developments
Price Winners 2024
Top 5 Value Increases:
| Model | Price Development | Average Price | Main Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E30 M3 | +18% | €85,500 | Collector status solidified |
| Mercedes W124 500E | +15% | €42,000 | Porsche engineering myth |
| Audi RS2 Avant | +14% | €78,000 | Ultimate 90s wagon |
| BMW E34 M5 | +12% | €38,500 | Touring versions in high demand |
| Mercedes W140 S600 | +11% | €28,000 | V12 flagship status |
Price Losers 2024
Models Under Pressure:
-
Audi A8 D3 – -8%
- Current average: €9,800
- Reason: High air suspension repair costs, successor D4 more attractively priced
-
BMW F01 7 Series – -6%
- Current average: €15,200
- Reason: Complex electronics, expensive spare parts
-
Mercedes W221 S-Class – -5%
- Reason: ABC suspension issues deter buyers
Market Trends 2024
1. Youngtimer Segment Expands
Model years 1994-2004 gained increased focus. Vehicles from this era benefit from youngtimer status and show the following development:
| Generation | Price Trend 2024 | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E38/E39/E46 | +8-12% | very high |
| Mercedes W140/W210 | +6-11% | high |
| Audi B5/C5 | +5-9% | rising |
2. Condition Beats Mileage
Our data analysis confirms a clear trend: For vehicles over 15 years old, the correlation between mileage and price decreases significantly.
| Vehicle Age | Mileage/Price Correlation |
|---|---|
| 5-10 years | -0.78 (strong) |
| 10-15 years | -0.62 (medium) |
| 15-20 years | -0.41 (weak) |
| 20+ years | -0.29 (very weak) |
3. Regional Price Differences
Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg consistently show higher prices than the national average:
| Region | Price Deviation |
|---|---|
| Bavaria | +8% |
| Baden-Württemberg | +6% |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | +2% |
| Eastern German states | -5% |
Listing Volume 2024
The number of available vehicles has normalized after the shortages of previous years:
| Brand | Avg Listings/Month | Change from 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 1,189 | +8% |
| Mercedes | 856 | +12% |
| Audi | 978 | +6% |
Investment Perspective
Recommendations for Collectors
Buy Now:
- BMW E46 M3 (last naturally aspirated M3)
- Mercedes W210 E55 AMG
- Audi B5 RS4 Avant
Watch List:
- BMW E60 M5 (V10 engine)
- Mercedes W211 E63 AMG
- Audi C6 RS6
Warning Signs
Be cautious with:
- Vehicles without complete service history
- Imports from high-mileage markets
- Converted LPG vehicles
Forecast for 2025
Based on our data, we expect:
- Continuation of youngtimer rally: Further 5-10% price increase for 90s classics
- Mid-range stabilization: Daily drivers without collector potential stagnate
- E-mobility impacts market: First effects on diesel residual values visible
- Quality wins: Well-maintained examples continue to pull ahead
Conclusion
2024 confirmed the establishment of German premium youngtimers as a value investment. The gap between well-maintained collector vehicles and neglected daily drivers continues to widen. Buyers should focus on quality – entry prices for good examples are rising continuously.
Our tip: Invest in the best quality your budget allows. A flawless vehicle with complete history will maintain or increase its value.
All data based on our continuous market analysis of over 45,000 vehicles in 2024.