The BMW 5 Sequence (E39) is now getting on in years, with most examples now approaching 30 years outdated. However even almost three many years later, the BMW E39 5 Sequence is arguably the quintessential BMW. With perky inline-six and potent V8 engines, traditional design, and naturally a fast and rowdy full-fledged M5 mannequin sitting on the prime of the mannequin lineup, there’s quite a bit to love. That stated, costs are creeping up. Definitely, 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 price shopping for in 2025?
Execs: It’s a Traditional, Selection, Comfy
You gained’t must seek for good causes to choose up an E39. For one, it’s arguably the “proper measurement” 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! After all, most variations shall 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 possibly can even get a V8-powered wagon variant. The E39 M5 has ascended to “icon” standing lately, too. Its praises are well-earned and the automotive’s driving expertise is difficult to beat wherever at any value level.
There are different nice causes to study extra concerning the BMW E39 5 Sequence, too. No matter trim or engine alternative, the E39 seems nice in 2025. Its traditional strains, grilles, lighting designs, and inside format make it unquestionably good wanting even many years later. The classic 5er does one different factor very nicely that the majority trendy equivalents battle with: consolation. The E39 was earlier than the times of over-stiffened suspension within the identify of sportiness. And also you’ll really feel it as quickly as you hit the street. After all, that assumes the instance you’ve picked doesn’t have suspension bits nicely 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 depart drivers wanting. Particularly in the event that they’re acquainted with trendy efficiency vehicles or much more aggressive M Sequence vehicles of comparable classic. After all, this con roughly is counterbalanced by the 5er’s eminent usability. For the reason that E39 shines as a every day driver/household hauler, it stands to cause that it feels slightly bit much less dynamic when the going will get twisty.
The opposite barrier to E39 possession is pricing. Effectively-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 outdated luxurious sedan. M5 costs have spiked a lot additional, with good examples and good coloration combos simply commanding $35,000 and far, way more. Once more, in case you plan to make use of your E39 as your one automotive resolution, it’s arguably nonetheless a fairly good worth.
E39 Reliability in 2025
To some extent it could be honest to say that V8-powered fashions of the BMW E39 5 Sequence shall be extra pleasing to drive than six-pot variations, the inverse may be additionally honest to say when broaching the precise possession expertise. At the least in the case of parting along with your {dollars} and maintaining the automotive roadworthy. Inline-six fashions completely depend on the M52 and M54 engines, each of that are fairly stout. The massive ticket gadgets embody 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 tormented by timing chain information failures, and the M fashions may also face rod bearing failure/put on.
Common late-90s BMW issues persist irrespective 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 outdated automotive wants. Even relative to different 5 Sequence mannequin, once we checked out every 5 Sequence era’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 also be quickly turning into a fairly good worth as a classic fanatic automotive. You would get one thing extra trendy — for higher security and tech options — for only a every day driver. And there are higher vehicles, BMWs even, that function devoted weekend rides. However in case you want one thing that may steadiness each jobs nicely, the E39 works nice. Sure, even in 2025.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com
