2025 Market Outlook: What to Expect in the Used Car Market
2025: A Turning Point for Classics?
The new year brings exciting developments for the German premium used car market. After an eventful 2024, clear trends are emerging that both buyers and collectors should take note of.
Current Market Prices at the Start of the Year
BMW
| Model | Average Price | 2025 Trend | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €16,915 | rising | high |
| E39 5 Series | €8,147 | stable | medium |
| E46 3 Series | €7,056 | slightly rising | medium |
Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Average Price | 2025 Trend | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €14,234 | strongly rising | very high |
| W210 E-Class | €5,892 | stable | low |
Audi
| Model | Average Price | 2025 Trend | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| C6 A6 | €10,292 | slightly falling | medium |
| RS4 B5 | €45,678 | strongly rising | very high |
Five Key Trends for 2025
1. The 30-Year Threshold Approaches
Vehicles from the 1990s are increasingly reaching the coveted youngtimer age. The BMW E38 (built 1994-2001) and Mercedes W140 (1991-1998) are close to or have already crossed the 30-year mark. This means:
- Growing collector interest
- Better insurance options
- Potential tax benefits in some countries
2. Electrification Pressure Drives Classic Demand
With stricter environmental zones and the EU combustion engine ban of 2035 on the horizon, enthusiasts are actively seeking the last true combustion engines. Particularly in demand:
- V8 engines: BMW E38 740i, Mercedes W140 S500
- Naturally aspirated engines: Pre-turbo era
- Manual transmissions: Increasingly rare
3. Condition Quality Becomes Decisive
The market continues to differentiate. Top-condition vehicles achieve premium markups of up to 40%, while average examples stagnate.
| Condition | Price Premium vs. Average |
|---|---|
| Concours | +60-80% |
| Very good | +30-40% |
| Good | Average |
| Fair | -20-30% |
4. Documentation as Value Driver
Complete service history becomes the most important buying argument:
- Service book maintained: +15-25% premium
- Original receipts available: +10-15%
- No documentation: -20% or more
5. International Demand Rises
Buyers from the USA, Asia and the Middle East are discovering German classics. This particularly drives prices for:
- Rare special models
- Low mileage examples
- Right-hand drive versions (for UK export)
Quarterly Forecast 2025
Q1 (January-March)
- Best buying time for many models
- Dealers clearing inventory after year-end
- Private sellers motivated after Christmas expenses
Recommendation: Actively search, especially for E39 and W210
Q2 (April-June)
- Spring market revival
- Convertible season begins
- Prices rise on average 5-8%
Recommendation: Buy sedans, sell convertibles
Q3 (July-September)
- Summer lull with reduced activity
- Holiday-related negotiation opportunities
Recommendation: Good opportunities for patient buyers
Q4 (October-December)
- Decline in convertibles
- Year-end discounts possible
- All-wheel drive models in demand
Recommendation: Bargain hunting in December
Investment Tips for 2025
Top 3 Buy Recommendations
-
BMW E38 740i/750i
- Current: €16,915 average
- Expected end of 2025: €18,500-20,000
- Value increase: 10-18%
-
Mercedes W140 S500/S600
- Current: €14,234 average
- Expected end of 2025: €16,000-18,000
- Value increase: 12-26%
-
Audi RS4 B5
- Current: €45,678 average
- Expected end of 2025: €50,000-55,000
- Value increase: 9-20%
Caution With
- Vehicles with unclear history
- Heavily modified examples
- High mileage without corresponding documentation
Risk Factors 2025
Economic Uncertainties
- Recession fears could affect luxury market
- Interest rate developments impact financing costs
Regulatory Risks
- Tightening of environmental zones
- Possible changes to youngtimer regulations
Market Risks
- Increasing reproductions and counterfeit parts
- Quality of available spare parts
Conclusion
2025 promises to be an exciting year for the premium used car market. Those investing now should focus on quality and think long-term. The best opportunities arise in the first quarter when prices are traditionally at their lowest.
Our recommendation: Focus on well-documented vehicles in above-average condition. The market will increasingly reward this quality.
This forecast is based on our continuous market analysis and historical data. As of: January 6, 2025