5 Series E39 vs ES III (XV20): which is better?
BMW 5 Series E39 (1995–2003) vs Lexus ES III (XV20) (1996–2001): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E39
Lexus ES III (XV20)Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E39 | Lexus ES III (XV20) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1995–2003 | 1996–2001 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 (525i) | 3.0 V6 (ES300) |
| Power, up to | 192 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque, up to | 245 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 775 mm | 4 830 mm |
| Width | 1 800 mm | 1 790 mm |
| Height | 1 435 mm | 1 420 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 830 mm | 2 670 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E39
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 192 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0): oil consumption (rings)
- Age: the last cars were built in 2003, condition is everything
Engine (BMW M52/M54 (2.0–3.0)): oil consumption (rings); crankcase ventilation system failure; cracked expansion tank and thermostat.
Lexus ES III (XV20)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 200 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 70 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6) engine: piston ring coking and oil consumption
- Age: the last cars were built in 2001, condition is everything
Engine (Toyota 1MZ-FE (3.0 V6)): ring coking and oil consumption; cracked engine mounts.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E39 — if you care more about: wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- ES III (XV20) — if you care more about: power, torque.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E39 or ES III (XV20)?
5 Series E39: up to 192 hp, ES III (XV20): up to 200 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E39 — about 29 450 ₸, ES III (XV20) — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.