The BMW 5 Collection (E39) is now getting on in years, with most examples now approaching 30 years previous. However even practically three a long time later, the BMW E39 5 Collection is arguably the quintessential BMW. With perky inline-six and potent V8 engines, basic design, and naturally a fast and rowdy full-fledged M5 mannequin sitting on the high of the mannequin lineup, there’s quite a bit to love. That mentioned, costs are creeping up. Definitely, BMW isn’t planning on making any extra of them — which suggests provide is at all times at an all-time low. However how a lot do you have to actually spend? Is the BMW E39 BMW 5 Collection value shopping for in 2025?
Professionals: It’s a Traditional, Selection, Snug
You received’t should 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 Collection. And at “round” 3500 kilos, it’s round 150 kilos lighter, too! In fact, most variations will likely 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 Collection, too. No matter trim or engine alternative, the E39 appears to be like nice in 2025. Its basic 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 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 highway. In fact, 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 Collection might depart drivers wanting. Particularly in the event that they’re acquainted with trendy efficiency automobiles or much more aggressive M Collection automobiles of comparable classic. In fact, this con kind of is counterbalanced by the 5er’s eminent usability. Because the E39 shines as a day by day driver/household hauler, it stands to purpose that it feels a bit of 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 situations. 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 colour mixtures simply commanding $35,000 and far, way more. Once more, in case you plan to make use of your E39 as your one automobile 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 Collection will likely be extra satisfying to drive than six-pot variations, the inverse is perhaps additionally honest to say when broaching the precise possession expertise. No less than in terms of parting together with your {dollars} and protecting the automobile roadworthy. Inline-six fashions completely depend on the M52 and M54 engines, each of that are fairly stout. The massive ticket objects embrace oil filter housing gasket and diverse VANOS points. Issues get extra concerned when contemplating a V8-powered E39. Each M62 (535i and 540i) and S62 (M5) fashions are affected by timing chain information failures, and the M fashions can even 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 highway 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 Collection mannequin, once we checked out every 5 Collection 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 Collection can also be quickly turning into a fairly good worth as a classic fanatic automobile. You might get one thing extra trendy — for higher security and tech options — for only a day by day driver. And there are higher automobiles, 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
