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, basic design, and naturally a speedy and rowdy full-fledged M5 mannequin sitting on the prime of the mannequin lineup, there’s loads to love. That mentioned, costs are creeping up. Actually, 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 must you actually spend? Is the BMW E39 BMW 5 Sequence value shopping for in 2025?
Professionals: It’s a Traditional, Selection, Comfy
You gained’t need to 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 in fact, 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 worth level.
There are different nice causes to study extra concerning the BMW E39 5 Sequence, too. No matter trim or engine selection, the E39 appears nice in 2025. Its basic traces, grilles, lighting designs, and inside format make it unquestionably good trying 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 highway. After all, 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 depart drivers wanting. Particularly in the event that they’re acquainted with trendy efficiency automobiles or much more aggressive M Sequence automobiles of comparable classic. After all, this con kind of is counterbalanced by the 5er’s eminent usability. For the reason that E39 shines as a each day driver/household hauler, it stands to purpose that it feels a little bit 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 shade mixtures simply commanding $35,000 and far, rather more. Once more, in case you plan to make use of your E39 as your one automobile answer, 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 shall be extra pleasing to drive than six-pot variations, the inverse is perhaps additionally honest to say when broaching the precise possession expertise. At the very least in terms of parting together with your {dollars} and retaining the automobile roadworthy. Inline-six fashions completely depend on the M52 and M54 engines, each of that are fairly stout. The large ticket objects 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 affected by timing chain information failures, and the M fashions also can 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, virtually 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 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?
Apart from being nice to drive, the E39 BMW 5 Sequence can also be quickly changing into a reasonably good worth as a classic fanatic automobile. You would get one thing extra trendy — for higher security and tech options — for only a each day driver. And there are higher automobiles, BMWs even, that function devoted weekend rides. However in case you want one thing that may stability each jobs effectively, the E39 works nice. Sure, even in 2025.
First printed by https://www.bmwblog.com
