The BMW 5 Sequence (E39) is now getting on in years, with most examples now approaching 30 years previous. However even almost three a long time later, the BMW E39 5 Sequence is arguably the quintessential BMW. With perky inline-six and potent V8 engines, traditional design, and naturally a speedy and rowdy full-fledged M5 mannequin sitting on the high of the mannequin lineup, there’s loads to love. That stated, costs are creeping up. Actually, BMW isn’t planning on making any extra of them — which suggests provide is all the time at an all-time low. However how a lot must you actually spend? Is the BMW E39 BMW 5 Sequence value shopping for in 2025?
Execs: It’s a Traditional, Selection, Comfy
You received’t should seek for good causes to choose up an E39. For one, it’s arguably the “proper dimension” for a luxurious sport sedan. At 188 inches lengthy, the E39 is simply two inches longer than the G20 3 Sequence. And at “round” 3500 kilos, it’s round 150 kilos lighter, too! In fact, most variations might be down on energy comparatively. However after all, this does depend upon which mannequin you go for. Extra excellent news there: within the US, you solely have six-cylinder and eight-cylinder engines to select from. You’ll be able to even get a V8-powered wagon variant. The E39 M5 has ascended to “icon” standing lately, too. Its praises are well-earned and the automobile’s driving expertise is tough to beat anyplace at any value level.
There are different nice causes to study extra in regards to the BMW E39 5 Sequence, too. No matter trim or engine selection, the E39 seems nice in 2025. Its traditional traces, grilles, lighting designs, and inside format make it unquestionably good wanting even a long time later. The classic 5er does one different factor very effectively that the majority trendy equivalents wrestle with: consolation. The E39 was earlier than the times of over-stiffened suspension within the title of sportiness. And also you’ll really feel it as quickly as you hit the street. In fact, that assumes the instance you’ve picked doesn’t have suspension bits effectively previous their prime.
Cons: Getting Pricy, There Are Sportier Choices
Though the E39 M5 is an exception, different variations of the BMW E39 5 Sequence might go away drivers wanting. Particularly in the event that they’re acquainted with trendy efficiency automobiles or much more aggressive M Sequence automobiles of comparable classic. In fact, this con kind of is counterbalanced by the 5er’s eminent usability. For the reason that E39 shines as a every day driver/household hauler, it stands to purpose that it feels somewhat bit much less dynamic when the going will get twisty.
The opposite barrier to E39 possession is pricing. Properly-kept E39s are getting costly, commanding $10,000 to $15,000 in some eventualities. That’s fairly a little bit of scratch to half with for a 20 yr previous luxurious sedan. M5 costs have spiked a lot additional, with good examples and good shade mixtures simply commanding $35,000 and far, rather more. Once more, should you plan to make use of your E39 as your one automobile resolution, it’s arguably nonetheless a reasonably good worth.
E39 Reliability in 2025
To some extent it might be honest to say that V8-powered fashions of the BMW E39 5 Sequence might be extra gratifying to drive than six-pot variations, the inverse is likely to be additionally honest to say when broaching the precise possession expertise. Not less than in the case of parting together with your {dollars} and retaining the automobile roadworthy. Inline-six fashions solely depend on the M52 and M54 engines, each of that are fairly stout. The massive ticket gadgets embrace oil filter housing gasket and various VANOS points. Issues get extra concerned when contemplating a V8-powered E39. Each M62 (535i and 540i) and S62 (M5) fashions are stricken by timing chain information failures, and the M fashions may face rod bearing failure/put on.
Common late-90s BMW issues persist regardless of which mannequin you spring for, too, like cooling system woes, fouling window regulators, and failing sunroofs/sunshades. The underside line? Twenty plus years later, nearly each E39 on the street wants one thing — extra possible some issues — and it that’s not counting the stuff that each 20+ yr previous automobile wants. Even relative to different 5 Sequence mannequin, after we checked out every 5 Sequence technology’s reliability, we discover the E39 to be fairly center of the pack.
Verdict: Purchase an E39 in 2025?
Except for being nice to drive, the E39 BMW 5 Sequence can be quickly turning into a reasonably good worth as a classic fanatic automobile. You may get one thing extra trendy — for higher security and tech options — for only a every day driver. And there are higher automobiles, BMWs even, that function devoted weekend rides. However should you want one thing that may steadiness each jobs effectively, the E39 works nice. Sure, even in 2025.
First revealed by https://www.bmwblog.com
