The BMW 5 Collection (E39) is now getting on in years, with most examples now approaching 30 years previous. However even almost three many years 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 so much to love. That stated, 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, Comfy
You gained’t must 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 Collection. And at “round” 3500 kilos, it’s round 150 kilos lighter, too! After all, most variations can be down on energy comparatively. However in fact, this does rely 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 may 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 be taught extra concerning the BMW E39 5 Collection, too. No matter trim or engine selection, the E39 seems to be nice in 2025. Its basic strains, grilles, lighting designs, and inside structure make it unquestionably good wanting even many years later. The classic 5er does one different factor very properly that the majority fashionable equivalents wrestle 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. After all, that assumes the instance you’ve picked doesn’t have suspension bits properly 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 could go away drivers wanting. Particularly in the event that they’re acquainted with fashionable efficiency vehicles or much more aggressive M Collection vehicles of comparable classic. After all, this con roughly is counterbalanced by the 5er’s eminent usability. Because the E39 shines as a each day driver/household hauler, it stands to motive that it feels just a little bit much less dynamic when the going will get twisty.
The opposite barrier to E39 possession is pricing. Nicely-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 coloration mixtures simply commanding $35,000 and far, way more. Once more, when 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 can be extra satisfying to drive than six-pot variations, the inverse is likely to be additionally honest to say when broaching the precise possession expertise. No less than in the case of parting together with your {dollars} and preserving the automobile roadworthy. Inline-six fashions completely depend on the M52 and M54 engines, each of that are fairly stout. The large ticket gadgets 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 tormented by timing chain information failures, and the M fashions may also 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, virtually each E39 on the highway wants one thing — extra doubtless 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 technology’s reliability, we discover the E39 to be fairly center of the pack.
Verdict: Purchase an E39 in 2025?
Apart from being nice to drive, the E39 BMW 5 Collection can be quickly turning into a fairly good worth as a classic fanatic automobile. You may get one thing extra fashionable — for higher security and tech options — for only a each day driver. And there are higher vehicles, BMWs even, that function devoted weekend rides. However when you want one thing that may steadiness each jobs properly, the E39 works nice. Sure, even in 2025.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com
