5 Series E39 vs E-Class W210: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E39 (1995–2003) vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 (1995–2002): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E39
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E39 | Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1995–2003 | 1995–2002 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 (525i) | 2.8 V6 (E280) |
| Power, up to | 192 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque, up to | 245 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 775 mm | 4 818 mm |
| Width | 1 800 mm | 1 799 mm |
| Height | 1 435 mm | 1 441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 830 mm | 2 833 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 80 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 41 025 ₸ |
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.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210
Pros
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): very reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 204 hp
- Large tank: 80 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic): leaking connector adapter and wiring
- Age: the last cars were built in 2002, condition is everything
Gearbox (Mercedes 722.x (4–5-speed automatic)): very reliable; leaks from the connector adapter and wiring.
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E39 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- E-Class W210 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
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 E-Class W210?
5 Series E39: up to 192 hp, E-Class W210: up to 204 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E39 — about 29 450 ₸, E-Class W210 — about 41 025 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.