BMW E39 5 Series: The Sweet Spot in the Premium Used Car Market
The BMW E39: In a Class of Its Own
The BMW E39 (1995-2004) is considered by many enthusiasts to be the best 5 Series generation of all time. With a current average price of just EUR 8,147, it offers premium quality at a fraction of the new price.
Why the E39 is So Special
Timeless Design Language
Chris Bangle’s successor, the E60, polarized. The E39, however, combines classic BMW proportions with timeless elegance:
- Long hood, short overhangs
- Perfect 50:50 weight distribution
- Clean lines without exaggerated creases
Engineering Excellence at the Highest Level
BMW invested heavily in development in the mid-1990s:
| Aspect | Innovation | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | All-aluminum multi-link | Precision + comfort |
| Body | Full galvanization | Rust protection 30+ years |
| Electronics | Still analog-oriented | Fewer failure points |
| Engines | Final evolution of M5x series | Reliability |
Current Market Situation
Price Overview July 2025
| Variant | Average | Minimum | Maximum | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520i/523i | EUR 5,800 | EUR 2,500 | EUR 12,000 | stable |
| 525i/528i | EUR 7,200 | EUR 3,000 | EUR 15,000 | +2% |
| 530i | EUR 8,900 | EUR 4,000 | EUR 18,000 | +3% |
| 540i V8 | EUR 12,500 | EUR 6,000 | EUR 25,000 | +5% |
| M5 | EUR 34,989 | EUR 18,000 | EUR 65,000 | +8% |
Overall Average: EUR 8,147
Price Factors in Detail
| Factor | Price Impact |
|---|---|
| Mileage under 150,000 km | +15-25% |
| Touring (estate) | +5-10% |
| Xenon headlights | +3-5% |
| Leather interior | +5-8% |
| Navigation system | +2-3% |
| M Sport package | +10-15% |
| Full service history | +20-30% |
Engine Comparison: Which E39 is Right for You?
Inline-Six Cylinders (M52/M54)
The golden mean for most buyers:
520i/523i (M52 2.0/2.5)
- Power: 150/170 HP
- Consumption: 8.0-8.5 L/100km
- Strengths: Affordable, economical, adequate
- Weaknesses: Somewhat strained at full throttle
- Recommendation: City traffic, commuters
525i/528i (M52/M54 2.5/2.8)
- Power: 170/193 HP
- Consumption: 8.5-9.5 L/100km
- Strengths: Best compromise, refined
- Weaknesses: None worth mentioning
- Recommendation: All-rounder, best choice for most
530i (M54 3.0)
- Power: 231 HP
- Consumption: 9.5-10.5 L/100km
- Strengths: Effortless, rev-happy, timeless
- Weaknesses: Slightly higher running costs
- Recommendation: Enthusiasts, long-distance
V8 Engines (M62)
540i (M62 4.4)
- Power: 286 HP
- Consumption: 11-13 L/100km
- Strengths: V8 sound, superior performance
- Weaknesses: Higher maintenance costs, timing chain issues
- Recommendation: V8 lovers with maintenance budget
Diesel (M57)
525d/530d (M57 2.5/3.0)
- Power: 163/184-218 HP
- Consumption: 6.5-8.0 L/100km
- Strengths: Torque, range, economy
- Weaknesses: Turbo wear, injectors
- Recommendation: High-mileage drivers, long-distance
Known Weak Points
Critical Issues
-
Cooling System: Expansion tank, thermostat, water pump
- Solution: Preventive replacement every 80,000 km
-
Vanos Unit: Solenoid valves and seals
- Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss
- Cost: EUR 300-800
-
Front Axle: Ball joints, tie rod ends
- Interval: Every 80,000-120,000 km
- Cost: EUR 400-600 complete
Less Critical
- Window regulators: Cables wear out
- Pixel failures: Instrument cluster and climate control
- Door seals: Normal after 20 years
Buying Guide: What to Look For
Before Buying
-
Check maintenance history
- Ideally BMW service book
- Note timing belt/chain
-
Test drive at least 30 minutes
- Observe cold start
- Test all driving modes
-
Underbody inspection
- Sill ends
- Wheel arch edges
- Rear axle mounting points
Inspection Checklist
| Check Point | Okay | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Oil level | Normal | Very low/high |
| Coolant | Clean, green | Brownish, oily |
| Transmission fluid | Clear | Burnt, metallic |
| Steering | Precise | Play, noises |
| Air conditioning | Cold air | No cooling |
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Price | Reliability | Driving Fun | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E39 5 Series | EUR 8,147 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Mercedes W210 | EUR 5,892 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Audi C5 A6 | EUR 6,500 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Lexus GS300 | EUR 9,000 | 9/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
The E39 offers the best compromise of driving dynamics and quality.
Future Outlook
Value Appreciation Potential
The E39 is at the beginning of the youngtimer phase:
- 2025: Still affordably available
- 2028-2030: H-plates possible (30 years)
- Long-term: Value increase like E34 expected
Our Forecast
| Period | Expected Development |
|---|---|
| 1 year | +5-8% |
| 3 years | +15-20% |
| 5 years | +25-35% |
Particularly sought after:
- 540i with manual transmission
- Touring models
- M Sport package
- Low mileage
Conclusion
The BMW E39 is the “sweet spot” in the current market. It offers:
- Premium quality at used car prices
- Timeless design that doesn’t age
- Mature technology with known weak points
- Value appreciation potential as a future classic
At an average price of EUR 8,147, entry is still affordable. Those who prioritize quality over equipment will find a faithful companion for many years in the E39.
Our recommendation: The 525i or 528i with M54 engine offers the best overall package. Those who want it sportier should go for the 530i. V8 fans should consider the 540i - with an appropriate maintenance budget.
All price data based on our current market analysis. Details on the E39 model page. As of: July 14, 2025