Q3 2025 Market Summary: Stabilization at High Levels
Q3 2025: Market Overview
The third quarter of 2025 shows a consolidation of the premium used car market after the turbulent years of 2022-2024. Prices are stabilizing while certain segments continue to see value appreciation.
Price Overview Q3 2025
BMW
| Model | Q3 Average | vs. Q2 2025 | vs. Q3 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| E38 7 Series | EUR 16,915 | +1.2% | +8.5% |
| E39 5 Series | EUR 8,147 | -0.5% | +3.2% |
| E46 3 Series | EUR 7,056 | +0.8% | +5.1% |
| E39 M5 | EUR 34,989 | +2.8% | +15.2% |
Mercedes-Benz
| Model | Q3 Average | vs. Q2 2025 | vs. Q3 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| W140 S-Class | EUR 14,234 | +1.5% | +12.3% |
| W210 E-Class | EUR 5,892 | -2.1% | -4.8% |
| W124 E-Class | EUR 12,450 | +0.5% | +7.2% |
Audi
| Model | Q3 Average | vs. Q2 2025 | vs. Q3 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B5 A4/S4 | EUR 6,350 | +0.3% | +2.8% |
| C6 A6 | EUR 10,292 | -1.0% | +1.5% |
| RS4 B5 | EUR 45,678 | +3.5% | +18.7% |
Quarterly Highlights
Winners of the Quarter
1. Performance Classics (+12% average)
The biggest value increases were seen in:
| Model | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS4 B5 | EUR 44,128 | EUR 45,678 | +3.5% |
| E39 M5 | EUR 34,034 | EUR 34,989 | +2.8% |
| W140 V12 | EUR 18,500 | EUR 19,800 | +7.0% |
Analysis: The trend toward “analog” driving experience continues to push performance classics higher. The combination of rarity, character, and the knowledge that these are “the last of their kind” fuels demand.
2. Youngtimer Segment (+5% average)
Vehicles approaching classic car status are gaining:
- BMW E38: First examples turning 30 years old
- Mercedes W124: Classic status established
- Audi 80/100: Rising interest
Losers of the Quarter
1. Diesel without AWD (-5%)
| Model | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Decline |
|---|---|---|---|
| W210 CDI | EUR 6,200 | EUR 5,892 | -5.0% |
| E39 520d | EUR 5,800 | EUR 5,500 | -5.2% |
| C6 A6 2.0 TDI | EUR 7,200 | EUR 6,800 | -5.6% |
Analysis: The diesel penalty continues. Entry-level diesels particularly lose while powerful diesels with AWD remain stable.
2. High-Mileage Vehicles (-8%)
Vehicles over 200,000 km lose disproportionately:
- Price discounts of 15-25% versus well-maintained examples
- Longer time on market
- More difficult financing
Market Trends Q3 2025
1. Quality Over Quantity
The market is increasingly dividing:
Premium Segment (Top 20%):
- Complete service history
- Low mileage
- Original condition
- Prices continue to rise
Mass Market (80%):
- Prices stagnate or fall
- Longer selling times
- More negotiating room
2. Regional Shifts
| Region | Price Change Q3 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Germany | +1.5% | Stable high |
| Western Germany | +0.5% | Slightly rising |
| Northern Germany | -1.0% | Slightly falling |
| Eastern Germany | -2.5% | Falling |
Buying Tip: The largest price differences are found with luxury models. A W140 in Saxony can be 12% cheaper than in Bavaria.
3. Seasonal Effects
The typical Q3 pattern shows:
- July: Summer lull, good negotiation opportunities
- August: Lowest point of the quarter
- September: Slight recovery, autumn preparation
Supply and Demand Analysis
Supply Volume
| Brand | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW | 385 | 412 | +7% |
| Mercedes | 298 | 315 | +6% |
| Audi | 245 | 268 | +9% |
Supply is slightly increasing – a positive sign for buyers.
Demand Distribution
| Segment | Share of Inquiries | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (< EUR 5,000) | 35% | Rising |
| Mid-range (EUR 5,000-15,000) | 45% | Stable |
| Premium (> EUR 15,000) | 20% | Slightly rising |
Q4 2025 Forecast
Expected Developments
Prices:
| Segment | Q4 Forecast |
|---|---|
| Classics/Performance | +2 to +4% |
| Standard models | -1 to +1% |
| Diesel | -2 to -4% |
| SUVs/AWD | +1 to +2% |
Demand:
- October: Decline of 10-15%
- November: Lowest point of the year
- December: Slight recovery
Supply:
- Rising due to year-end sales
- Dealers clearing inventory
- More negotiating room
Q4 Buying Recommendations
Buy now:
- BMW E38 V8 – before further appreciation
- Mercedes W140 – classic status established
- E39 Touring – practical and value stable
Wait:
- Convertibles/Roadsters (until January)
- Standard diesels (prices continue to fall)
- High-mileage vehicles (more selection coming)
Avoid:
- Vehicles without service history
- Heavily modified examples
- Re-imports without clear documentation
Investment Perspective
Top 5 Value Appreciation Candidates
| Rank | Model | Current | Target 2027 | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RS4 B5 | EUR 45,678 | EUR 60,000 | +31% |
| 2 | E39 M5 | EUR 34,989 | EUR 45,000 | +29% |
| 3 | W140 600 | EUR 22,000 | EUR 28,000 | +27% |
| 4 | E38 750iL | EUR 25,000 | EUR 32,000 | +28% |
| 5 | Alpina B10 | EUR 28,000 | EUR 35,000 | +25% |
Risk Factors
Political:
- Driving bans in city centers
- Environmental zone expansions
- CO2 taxation
Economic:
- Recession fears
- Financing costs
- Fuel prices
Technical:
- Parts availability
- Workshop expertise
- Electronics aging
Q3 2025 Conclusion
The third quarter confirms the trend of previous quarters: The market is increasingly differentiating. Quality wins, average loses.
For Buyers:
- Good time for standard models
- Caution with overpriced “classics”
- Quality over price
For Sellers:
- Premium examples are in demand
- Average harder to sell
- Documentation is crucial
For Investors:
- Performance classics remain strong
- Identify youngtimers with potential
- Patience pays off
Q4 will be interesting – use the seasonal advantages for strategic purchases.
All data based on our continuous market analysis of over 1,500 listings in Q3 2025. As of: October 6, 2025