Market Report May 2025: Spring High in the Premium Used Car Market

market-analysis may-2025 monthly-report price-trends spring

May 2025: Market Overview

May 2025 marks one of the most active months in the German premium used car market. Following the traditional spring upturn, supply and demand reach their seasonal peak. Our analysis of over 2,500 vehicles reveals clear trends.

Current Average Prices by Brand

BMW

ModelAverageMonthly ChangeYearly ChangeListings
E38 7 Series€16,915+1.8%+12.4%58
E39 5 Series€8,147+0.9%+8.2%102
E46 3 Series€7,056+1.2%+6.8%178
E39 M5€34,989+2.4%+18.6%22

BMW models show consistently positive development. The E39 M5 in particular continues its upward trend and is increasingly establishing itself as a collector’s item.

Mercedes-Benz

ModelAverageMonthly ChangeYearly ChangeListings
W140 S-Class€14,234+1.5%+14.2%42
W210 E-Class€5,892+0.6%+4.8%89
W124 E-Class€12,890+2.1%+16.5%45

Mercedes classics like the W140 and W124 benefit from growing interest in young classics with above-average quality.

Audi

ModelAverageMonthly ChangeYearly ChangeListings
B5 A4/S4€6,456+0.8%+5.9%76
C5 A6€5,234+0.4%+3.2%88
D2 A8€9,876+1.9%+11.8%34

Seasonal Market Analysis

May Characteristics at a Glance

May brings typical spring patterns:

  1. Convertible demand: +35% compared to March
  2. Dealer activity: Peak before summer lull
  3. Private sales: +22% due to good weather for viewings
  4. Price negotiations: More difficult than in winter

Listings Distribution by Condition

ConditionShareAverage PriceTrend
Excellent18%+28% above averagerising
Good45%+8% above averagestable
Acceptable32%-15% below averagestable
Restoration needed5%-45% below averagefalling

Mileage Analysis May 2025

Our statistical evaluation shows the impact of mileage on prices:

Model SeriesCorrelation CoefficientPrice Effect per 10,000 km
BMW E38-0.68-4.2%
BMW E39-0.72-5.1%
BMW E39 M5-0.58-3.8%
Mercedes W140-0.61-4.5%
Audi D2 A8-0.64-4.8%

For collector vehicles like the E39 M5, condition is more important than pure mileage.

Top Deals in May 2025

Category: Under €10,000

BMW E46 325i – Average €6,800

  • Balanced sport package
  • M54 engine with 192 hp
  • Good spare parts availability

Mercedes W210 E280 – Average €5,400

  • V6 engine with longevity reserves
  • Comfort-oriented
  • Value stable in good condition

Category: €10,000-20,000

BMW E38 728i – Average €14,200

  • Inline-six with long-term quality
  • Lower running costs than V8
  • Young classic status

Audi D2 A8 4.2 – Average €11,500

  • V8 power with Quattro drive
  • Aluminum body rust-free
  • Technically demanding but rewarding

Category: Over €30,000

BMW E39 M5 – Average €34,989

  • Naturally aspirated V8 with 400 hp
  • Manual transmission as value driver
  • Last true sports sedan

Market Forecast June 2025

For the coming month we expect:

  • Slight price correction for convertibles after peak demand
  • Stable levels for sedans and wagons
  • Continuation of upward trend for M models and AMG
  • Declining dealer activity at the start of summer

Buying Recommendations May 2025

Act Now

Better to Wait

  • Convertibles – Price peak in spring
  • E39 M5 – Very high demand, little negotiation room
  • Short-term dealer offers – Often overpriced in season

Conclusion

May 2025 shows a robust market with clear upward trends in young classics and collector vehicles. Buyers should bring realistic price expectations and focus on quality rather than bargains. The best strategy: Well-documented vehicles with traceable history.


All data based on our continuous market analysis of over 2,500 vehicles. As of: May 26, 2025