BMW E39 vs Mercedes W210: The Ultimate Executive Sedan Comparison
The Classic Showdown: E39 versus W210
In the late 90s, BMW and Mercedes-Benz battled for dominance in the executive segment. The BMW E39 (1995-2004) and Mercedes W210 (1995-2003) redefined the class. Today, both are available as used cars – but which is the better choice?
Technical Comparison
Engine Lineup
| Category | BMW E39 | Mercedes W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | 520i (150 hp) | E200 (136 hp) |
| Mid-range | 525i (192 hp) | E240 (170 hp) |
| Six-cylinder | 528i (193 hp) | E280 (204 hp) |
| V8 | 540i (286 hp) | E430 (279 hp) |
| Diesel | 525d (163 hp) | E270 CDI (170 hp) |
| Performance | M5 (400 hp) | E55 AMG (354 hp) |
Platform Differences
BMW E39:
- Rear-wheel drive (AWD optional as xi)
- Aluminum front subframe
- Sport-oriented setup
- Manual transmission widespread
Mercedes W210:
- Rear-wheel drive (AWD as 4MATIC)
- Robust steel construction
- Comfort-oriented tuning
- Automatic dominant
Price Comparison
Current Market Prices
| Variant | BMW E39 | Mercedes W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Average | EUR 8,147 | EUR 5,892 |
| Minimum | EUR 2,500 | EUR 1,800 |
| Maximum | EUR 25,000 | EUR 18,000 |
| Touring/Estate | +15% | +10% |
Price per Performance
| Engine | E39 Price | W210 Price | Better Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-cyl Base | EUR 6,500 | EUR 4,200 | W210 |
| 6-cyl Top | EUR 9,800 | EUR 6,500 | W210 |
| V8 | EUR 12,500 | EUR 8,900 | W210 |
| Diesel | EUR 7,200 | EUR 5,100 | W210 |
Conclusion: The W210 is on average 28% cheaper than the E39.
Strengths and Weaknesses
BMW E39
Strengths:
- Outstanding driving dynamics
- Timeless, elegant design
- High-quality construction
- Wide parts availability
- Active enthusiast community
Weaknesses:
- Higher purchase prices
- More complex electronics
- VANOS issues on six-cylinders
- Cooling system maintenance-intensive
- Subframe cracks on neglected examples
Mercedes W210
Strengths:
- Lower entry prices
- Bulletproof diesels (OM606, OM612)
- Long-lasting automatic transmissions
- Good rust prevention (mostly)
- High mileages achievable
Weaknesses:
- Rust issues in specific areas
- “Cheaper” interior materials
- Less sporty
- Polarizing design (four-eye face)
- SBC brake on facelift models
Target Audience Analysis
Who should buy the E39?
The E39 is ideal for:
- Drivers who value sportiness
- BMW enthusiasts and brand lovers
- Those with higher budgets
- Anyone prioritizing driving pleasure
- Collectors (especially M5)
Budget Recommendation: At least EUR 8,000 for a well-maintained example
Who should buy the W210?
The W210 is ideal for:
- Price-conscious buyers
- High-mileage drivers (diesel)
- Comfort-oriented drivers
- Practical people focused on reliability
- Entry into the premium class
Budget Recommendation: Starting from EUR 4,000 for solid examples
Detailed Comparison by Category
Design and Presence
| Aspect | E39 | W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Timelessness | Very high | Medium |
| Recognition value | High | Very high |
| Interior design | Elegant | Functional |
| Material quality | Very good | Good |
Winner: BMW E39 – The design has aged better.
Driving Dynamics
| Aspect | E39 | W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering precision | Excellent | Good |
| Cornering behavior | Sporty | Neutral |
| Ride comfort | Good | Very good |
| Highway stability | Very good | Very good |
Winner: BMW E39 – The more dynamic character convinces.
Reliability
| Aspect | E39 | W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine durability | Very good | Excellent |
| Transmission | Good | Very good |
| Electronics | Complex | Simpler |
| Corrosion | Good | Problematic |
Winner: Tie – Different strengths and weaknesses.
Running Costs
| Cost Factor | E39 | W210 |
|---|---|---|
| Spare parts | Moderate | Affordable |
| Labor costs | High | Moderate |
| Wear parts | Expensive | Moderate |
| Insurance | Higher | Lower |
Winner: Mercedes W210 – Significantly cheaper to run.
Purchase Recommendations by Variant
Best BMW E39 Variants
-
525i/528i Touring – The all-rounder
- Enough power, reasonable consumption
- Practical as estate
- Price: EUR 7,000-12,000
-
530i Sedan – The golden middle
- Best engine of the series
- Balanced costs
- Price: EUR 8,000-14,000
-
M5 – For collectors
- Investment potential
- Pure driving experience
- Price: EUR 28,000-55,000
Best Mercedes W210 Variants
-
E220 CDI/E270 CDI – The mile muncher
- Indestructible diesel engines
- Lowest operating costs
- Price: EUR 3,500-7,000
-
E280 – The comfortable choice
- V6 smoothness
- Good specifications available
- Price: EUR 5,000-9,000
-
E55 AMG – The sleeper
- Underrated performance value
- Rising collector interest
- Price: EUR 15,000-28,000
Buying Checklist
BMW E39 – What to look for?
- VANOS noises on cold start?
- Cooling system condition check
- Rear subframe for cracks
- Pixel failure in instrument cluster?
- Service history complete?
Mercedes W210 – What to look for?
- Rust on wheel arches and fenders
- Rust under door seals
- Automatic transmission shift behavior
- SBC brake checked (on facelift)?
- Engine oil consumption on petrol engines
Conclusion: Which is Better?
The BMW E39 wins on:
- Driving pleasure and dynamics
- Design and timelessness
- Value stability and collector potential
- Interior quality
The Mercedes W210 wins on:
- Purchase price
- Running costs
- Long-distance comfort
- Diesel reliability
Our Verdict
There is no clear winner – both vehicles have their merits.
Choose the E39 if you’re looking for a driver-focused car with style and are willing to invest more.
Choose the W210 if you want a reliable, comfortable vehicle with low operating costs.
Both will appreciate in value in the future, the E39 somewhat faster than the W210. But ultimately, the decision should depend on what you expect from the car – not on investment potential.
Price data from our current market analysis. Details on model pages: BMW E39 | Mercedes W210