Bürstner is a respected German motorhome manufacturer with roots stretching back to 1924, now part of the Erwin Hymer Group (owned by THOR Industries). Based in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, the company combines German engineering precision with a distinctive Franco-German manufacturing culture — the factory is so close to the French border that half the workforce commutes from France.

The brand covers the full spectrum of the motorhome market, from the accessible Copa entry-level range through the popular mid-range Lyseo and Ixeo semi-integrated models to the premium Elegance and Viseo A-class motorhomes. Bürstner has been a consistent innovator in semi-integrated design, introducing the first drop-down bed in a low-profile motorhome and pioneering double-floor construction for improved insulation and noise reduction.

Bürstner motorhomes are built on Fiat Ducato chassis platforms and are known for their thoughtful interior design, comfortable living spaces and good overall build quality. The double floor system, used across much of the range, creates a level interior surface, improves insulation and hushs road noise — a feature that owners consistently praise.

In the UK, Bürstner has a loyal following and benefits from the Erwin Hymer Group's dealer and service infrastructure. Popular dealers include Camper UK in Lincoln, which is frequently recommended by owners for both sales and after-sales support.

Bürstner's origins date back to 1924 when Jakob Bürstner founded a wholesale and joinery business in Kehl-Neumühl, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The company initially specialised in interior fittings, including fitting out railroad stations and dormitories for Deutsche Bahn.

The shift to leisure vehicles came in 1958 when Bürstner began manufacturing caravans. Located in Kehl, so close to the French border that half its workforce are French, the company brings a unique Franco-German manufacturing culture. Motorhome production began in 1986, and by the mid-1990s Bürstner was producing fully integrated A-class models.

Bürstner was acquired by Hymer AG in 1998 and has been part of the Erwin Hymer Group ever since. The EHG was itself acquired by US giant THOR Industries in 2019 for approximately €2.1 billion, creating the world's largest RV manufacturer. Bürstner sits alongside Hymer, Dethleffs, Laika, Niesmann+Bischoff and Elddis in the group portfolio.

Bürstner has been a consistent innovator: the Delfin was the first German motorhome based on a Renault Master chassis, the Ixeo was the first semi-integrated low-profile with a drop-down bed, and the Ixeo TL was the first with a lengthwise drop-down bed.

Innovative semi-integrated design — Bürstner pioneered the drop-down bed in low-profile motorhomes with the Ixeo range, and introduced the lengthwise drop-down bed with the Ixeo TL. These innovations have been widely copied across the industry.

Double floor construction — Bürstner's double floor creates a level interior, improves thermal insulation, reduces road noise and provides additional ducted heating throughout the living space. It's one of the brand's most praised features.

Good mid-range value — Bürstner occupies a sweet spot between UK-built value brands and premium German manufacturers. You get genuine German build quality and engineering at prices that don't reach Hymer or Niesmann+Bischoff territory.

Comfortable, well-designed interiors — owners consistently praise the interior quality, layout design and overall comfort. The furniture construction and finishing are a step above mass-market British brands.

Strong resale value — German-built motorhomes depreciate more slowly than British equivalents, and Bürstner's reputation for quality translates into strong used values.

If you want German quality at a mid-range price — Bürstner offers genuine German engineering and build quality without the price premiums of Hymer or Niesmann+Bischoff. It's the accessible entry point to German-built motorhoming.

If you value interior comfort — the double floor system, thoughtful layouts and quality furniture construction make Bürstner motorhomes comfortable for both touring and extended living.

If you want proven innovation — from the first drop-down bed to double floor technology, Bürstner has consistently introduced features that improve the motorhome living experience.

If you plan to buy used — buying a used Bürstner means initial teething problems have been resolved by the first owner, and you benefit from a vehicle that holds its value well on the used market.

If you want Erwin Hymer Group support — ownership by the world's largest European motorhome group means access to a wide parts network and growing UK dealer infrastructure.

Payload can be tight — Bürstner is known for being conservative with payload allowances. The well-equipped nature of the vehicles means remaining payload for passengers and cargo can be limited, particularly at 3,500kg.

Teething problems on new vehicles — like many European manufacturers, new Bürstners can require snagging work to resolve initial build quality issues. Buying used, where these have been addressed, can be a smarter move.

Floor delamination on some models — a known issue where the floor layers separate, requiring professional repair or complete floor replacement. Check carefully on used purchases.

Dealer network varies in quality — while some UK dealers (notably Camper UK in Lincoln) are excellent, others have been criticised for poor after-sales support. Some dealers won't service vehicles they didn't sell.

Factory communication difficult — you cannot contact the Bürstner factory directly for support, having to go through the dealer network instead. This can be frustrating when resolving complex warranty issues.

Warranty claims can be contested — some owners report items failing within the warranty period being classified as 'wear and tear' rather than manufacturing defects, leading to denied claims.

Check the floor carefully — press firmly across the entire floor feeling for any delamination, soft spots or sponginess. Floor delamination is a known issue on some models and is expensive to repair.

Full damp check — check around all windows, seams, the roof and especially around awning fixings. One known weak point is the habitation area around the door frame where awning fixings can allow water ingress.

Verify payload — weigh the vehicle and calculate remaining payload. Bürstner's generous specification means many models have limited cargo capacity at 3,500kg.

Test the double floor heating — the ducted heating through the double floor is one of Bürstner's best features. Verify it distributes heat evenly and that all vents are working.

Check the Fiat Ducato base — verify cam belt history, test clutch and gearbox, and check for any known issues specific to the engine variant fitted.

Test all habitation systems — run every appliance, check all electrics, test the water system and verify the leisure battery condition.

Inspect door blinds and mechanisms — some models have reported door blind failures. Check all blinds and flyscreens operate correctly.

Bürstner offers manufacturer warranties on new vehicles. When buying used, verify the remaining warranty period and whether all required maintenance has been completed to keep it valid.

For used purchases, an independent warranty backed by the RAC is strongly recommended. German-specification components can be expensive to replace, and the UK dealer experience can be inconsistent. A comprehensive warranty covering both base vehicle and habitation equipment provides essential protection.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, which is particularly valuable on European-built motorhomes where specialist repairs carry premium pricing.

When buying a used Burstner, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.