Q1 2025 Market Review: Premium Used Car Market Starts Strong
First Quarter 2025 Overview
The first quarter of 2025 exceeded expectations. After a subdued January, the market picked up significantly from February and established a stable upward trend. Our analysis of over 7,500 vehicles across three months reveals clear patterns.
Quarterly Figures at a Glance
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Q1 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price | €11,245 | €10,420 | +7.9% |
| Vehicles analyzed | 7,542 | 6,891 | +9.4% |
| Average days on market | 42 days | 51 days | -17.6% |
| Dealer sales rate | 68% | 61% | +11.5% |
Price Development by Brand Q1 2025
BMW - Strong Quarter
| Model | Jan 2025 | Mar 2025 | Q1 Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | €16,450 | €16,720 | +1.6% |
| E39 5 Series | €7,920 | €8,074 | +1.9% |
| E46 3 Series | €6,780 | €6,972 | +2.8% |
| E39 M5 | €33,200 | €34,150 | +2.9% |
BMW Quarter Summary: The brand shows consistently positive development. E46 and E39 M5 particularly benefit from growing young classic interest.
Mercedes-Benz - Solid Foundation
| Model | Jan 2025 | Mar 2025 | Q1 Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | €13,650 | €14,020 | +2.7% |
| W210 E-Class | €5,780 | €5,856 | +1.3% |
| W124 E-Class | €12,150 | €12,650 | +4.1% |
| W202 C-Class | €4,720 | €4,890 | +3.6% |
Mercedes Quarter Summary: The W124 remains the star with over 4% value increase. W140 follows the young classic trend consistently.
Audi - Catching Up
| Model | Jan 2025 | Mar 2025 | Q1 Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | €6,280 | €6,405 | +2.0% |
| C5 A6 | €5,120 | €5,212 | +1.8% |
| D2 A8 | €9,350 | €9,690 | +3.6% |
Audi Quarter Summary: The D2 A8 continues closing the gap with competitors. The aluminum innovation gains recognition.
Monthly Market Dynamics Q1 2025
January 2025: Subdued Start
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Demand | -15% below annual average |
| Price negotiations | Very possible |
| Supply | Stable, few new listings |
| Sentiment | Wait-and-see |
Characteristic: Typical year start with low activity after holidays.
February 2025: Early Revival
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Demand | +8% over January |
| Price negotiations | Possible |
| Supply | Rising |
| Sentiment | Brightening |
Characteristic: Earlier than usual spring demand, driven by mild weather.
March 2025: Full Throttle
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Demand | +22% over February |
| Price negotiations | Limited |
| Supply | Peak |
| Sentiment | Optimistic |
Characteristic: Explosive spring start with strong buyer activity across all segments.
Segment Analysis Q1 2025
By Vehicle Type
| Segment | Q1 Price Development | Demand | Supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedans | +2.4% | High | Adequate |
| Wagons (Estates) | +1.8% | Medium | Tight |
| Coupes | +3.1% | Rising | Tight |
| Convertibles | +5.2% | Strongly rising | Very tight |
| M/AMG models | +2.9% | Very high | Very tight |
By Price Segment
| Segment | Q1 Price Development | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|
| Under €5,000 | +1.2% | 52 days |
| €5,000-10,000 | +2.4% | 38 days |
| €10,000-20,000 | +3.1% | 35 days |
| €20,000-50,000 | +2.8% | 45 days |
| Over €50,000 | +4.2% | 68 days |
Top Performers Q1 2025
Greatest Value Increases
| Model | Q1 Increase | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E30 M3 | +8.2% | Collector market, rarity |
| Mercedes W124 Coupe | +6.5% | Design icon, historic plates |
| Audi RS2 Avant | +5.8% | Cult status, limited |
| BMW E46 M3 CSL | +5.4% | Lightweight legend |
| Mercedes W140 600 SEL | +4.9% | V12 flagship |
Stable Performers
| Model | Q1 Development | Character |
|---|---|---|
| BMW E39 520i | +0.8% | Solid daily classic |
| Mercedes W210 E220 CDI | +0.6% | Sensible choice |
| Audi B6 A4 | +0.5% | No young classic bonus yet |
Regional Differences Q1 2025
| Region | Price Level vs. Average | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Germany | +7% | Stable |
| Western Germany | +2% | Slightly rising |
| Northern Germany | -3% | Stable |
| Eastern Germany | -6% | Catching up |
Buyer and Seller Behavior Q1 2025
Buyer Trends
- Focus on documentation: +35% specifically ask for service books
- Historic plates interest: Vehicles from 1995 onwards highly sought
- Quality over price: Well-maintained examples achieve 15-25% premiums
- Online research: 78% of buyers use price comparison sites
Seller Trends
- Higher price expectations: +12% above realistic market value
- Professional presentation: Better photos and descriptions
- Documentation: Value of service history recognized
- Longer holding: Less pressure to sell quickly
Outlook Q2 2025
Expected Developments
| Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Overall market | +3-5% price increase |
| Convertibles | +8-12% (seasonal peak) |
| Sedans | +2-3% (stable) |
| M/AMG models | +3-5% (sustained strength) |
| Diesel models | +0-2% (subdued) |
Strategic Recommendations
For Buyers:
- Secure sedans now before further increases
- Postpone convertible purchase to fall
- Prioritize models eligible for historic plates
- Insist on documentation
For Sellers:
- List convertibles now for best prices
- Prepare documentation
- Create professional photos
- Set realistic prices
Conclusion Q1 2025
The first quarter of 2025 confirms the long-term upward trend in the premium used car market. The combination of growing young classic interest, limited supply of well-maintained vehicles, and stable demand continues to drive prices upward.
Key Insight: The market has shifted from pure mobility perspective to investment perspective. Vehicles with traceable history and good documentation achieve significant premiums.
Trend of the Quarter: The “gap fillers” of the 90s - vehicles positioned between sought-after classics and modern used cars - are increasingly gaining significance and value.
This quarterly report is based on analysis of 7,542 vehicles in the German premium used car market. As of: April 7, 2025