When the BMW X5 debuted in 1999, it immediately won praise for its on-road handling and driver engagement, which was unusual for an SUV at the time.

This low-mileage 2005 model was built towards the end of the first-generation X5’s production run and features the curved headlights and enlarged ‘kidney’ grilles that give it a more modern look. The seller is only the third owner, having bought the car in late 2023 from a specialist dealer.

The black paintwork, five-spoke alloy wheels and underside present very well, with only minor blemishes reported by the seller. The seller states that brand new tyres all round have just been fitted.

The car’s early service history is patchy, although it was serviced at BMW dealerships. The seller has the service book. The first service was done, it seems, at 16,073 miles when the car was just over three years old, on 18/8/08. The next was at 34,372 miles on 11/10/12, and the third on 26/4/19 at 47,869 miles. The service done before the seller bought it was on 18/10/23 at 48,857 miles, and since then it has been serviced regularly and records are available online. The seller has the registration papers and will show part copies in photographs to be added to this listing shortly. In any event, they are available to any serious prospective buyer from the seller.

The seller has said he will consider selling the personalised number plate with the car. The leather interior has aged well for its 21 years and is fitted with a full-length opening sunroof. The original stereo has been replaced with a Sony touchscreen unit with CarPlay/Android connectivity.

The seller notes, “This car suits every occasion, with plenty of grunt when needed. It holds its own in any conditions, and is far better specified than you’d expect from a car of this vintage”. V8-powered examples of the first-generation BMW X5 are becoming increasingly hard to find, particularly when they’re almost completely original and well looked after.

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 under EU consumer protection law do not apply. 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 successful 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 Is”, on an “As Is Where Is” basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it’s customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ GST is included in the buyer’s fee. GST 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, so 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 outstanding finance, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written off following 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’s 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 bidder’s 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.