1998 BMW 523i SE Auto E39

Current bid
£0

Highlights

  • Single-family ownership since purchased new in 1998
  • Garaged in dry conditions throughout its life
  • Desirable Oxford Green
  • Unmodified, factory-standard specification, per the vendor
  • Good service history with main dealer and independent specialist servicing
  • Private registration 'A16 GWH' (on retention) can be included with the car, if the buyer wishes

The Appeal

The BMW E39 5 Series is widely regarded as one of the finest iterations of Munich's executive saloon. The 523i SE, powered by BMW's smooth 2.5-litre inline-six and paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox, offers a refined balance of performance and comfort that has earned the E39 a devoted following among enthusiasts.
This particular car has been in the care of a single family since new, garaged throughout and carefully maintained. Having covered 69,268 miles, it presents as a well-kept example that the vendor notes has drawn admiring comments from fellow E39 enthusiasts. There is some corrosion developing around the sills where they meet the wheel arches, and some minor bodywork blemishes are noted, but the underside is reported to be in good condition for its age.

With the E39 increasingly recognised as a modern classic, well-preserved examples from long-term ownership are becoming harder to find.
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Key Information

  • Mileage: 69,268 miles (indicated)
  • Country of registration: United Kingdom
  • MOT status: expired; last passed in March 2025
  • Technical specs: 2.5-litre inline-six petrol, five-speed automatic
  • Paperwork: good service history documentation reported; records (to 2017) in stamped service book (see gallery)

The Detail

  • One family owned from new; one former registered keeper recorded
  • Maintained in accordance with recommended service intervals throughout its life
  • Serviced by a BMW main dealer for many years, then by local independent specialists
  • Some minor bodywork damage noted but nothing the vendor considers serious
  • Corrosion developing around the sills with visible bubbling where the sills meet the wheel arches
  • The underside is reported to be in good condition for its age
  • All four tyres reported to have plenty of tread remaining
  • The vendor states the interior is in excellent condition with minimal wear and tear for its age
  • All instruments and switchgear reported to function correctly
  • Starts, runs and drives; reported to be in good working order
  • Private registration 'A16 GWH' (on retention) can be included with the car, if the buyer wishes
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BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase. 
✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle. 
Current bid
£0
No reserve

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Auction Details

  • Year1998
  • MakeBMW
  • Model5 Series
  • ColourGreen
  • Odometer69,268 Miles
  • Engine size2500cc
  • TransmissionAutomatic, 5 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Fuel typePetrol
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyMerseyside
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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1998 BMW 523i SE Auto E39
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