∙Tidy example of a desirable modern classic
∙Tasteful leather interior
∙Smooth and reliable runner
∙Includes original toolkit, audio system and carphone

In the eyes of a great many enthusiasts, the E39-generation was a high water mark of BMW’s long-running 5 Series. Beloved of collectors and drivers alike, it’s the model that BMW got really, really right: a smooth and comfortable ride, strong levels of standard equipment (with plenty of options available), crisp design, solid and durable construction, feelsome steering, decent seats… the list of accolades goes on and on. And it’s not just the sporting halo models and the heavy-hitters that have won so many fans; sure, the M5 is a ballistic missile and the V8-engined 540i is a dreamy daily, but the frissons of magic within those models ripple down throughout the model range. Even the E39s toward the base end of the spectrum are splendid things to enjoy every day while also being eminently sensible. The car we have here, the 520i, was essentially the entry-level model, but don’t go thinking that means it’s in any way compromised: under the bonnet resides the silky-smooth M52 2.0-litre straight-six, putting out a handy 148 bhp and 140 lb.ft, here perfectly mated to an automatic transmission for sweet everyday cruising. The underpinnings are clever too; the E39 was the first 5 Series to use aluminium components extensively throughout the suspension system and chassis. Standard equipment? You got curtain airbags, air-conditioning, seatbelt pretensioners, ABS, power-steering and traction control. And as you can see from the photos, there were some excellent interior trim options. Nowadays the E39 is held up as one of the truly great BMW saloons – and at this low price point, can you afford not to…?

If there’s one thing that the last year or so has proven time and time again, it’s that it’s perfectly OK to live in the moment and to change your mind. The seller of this E39 hasn’t owned it for a huge amount of time, but he’s decided that he wants something a little different; he has a large personal collection of interesting vehicles and this 520i was meant to slot into the scene as a daily driver - although he’s now decided that as much as he likes it, he’d rather have a diesel version for everyday commuting. With a one-out-one-in policy in the collection, it’s simply time for this one to move on.

The V5 is present, confirming that the BMW was first registered on January 7th 1998 (fans of modern history will spot this as the day after NASA launched the Lunar Prospector, although the two events are probably unrelated), and all of the original books and manuals are here in the proper wallet. The service book makes for reassuring reading, with main dealer service stamps from new up until 2009; the MOT history online shows the mileage climbing by only a few thousand miles a year since then, with no nasty surprises on the (very few) fail sheets. It passed its current MOT in September 2020.

This 520i is in factory SE spec. As a base the SE was offered with cloth trim, but we can see that the original owner spent the money in the right places and opted for the full leather interior upgrade instead. Money well spent, and it’s weathered well – there are no cracks, splits or tears, and with a bit of a clean and a feed they should come up beautifully. This car is fitted with the BMW Business RDS radio-cassette player, as well as the factory-fit BMW carphone in the centre armrest. The dash, centre console and door cappings wear wood trim which is all in good condition, and aside from the usual minor marks to the interior plastics that you’d expect of a car of this age and mileage, it’s all thoroughly pleasant in the cabin. The electric sunroof works correctly, there are no warning lights on the dash, and as far as we could tell everything appears to be in good working order. Inside the boot it’s clean and dry, with the factory-fit CD-changer in place and the original toolkit mounted in the bootlid (including warning triangle and tow eye). A matching spare wheel with unused Firestone tyre sits below the boot floor, along with the jack.

It’s a handsome shape, isn’t it? Uncluttered and unembellished, with all the curves and lines in just the right places, it’s very elegant. This car has clearly lived a pretty happy life too, as it’s free from knocks, dings or dents. The paintwork could probably benefit from a thorough detailing and perhaps a little topical correction here and there to get it gleaming at its best, and there are a couple of very minor surface scuffs to the rear bumper corners, but on the whole it’s very presentable. The lower section of the front bumper has a few small battle-scars and stone-chips, but again it’s all commensurate with a car of this age and mileage. The wheels are in decent order, with just a few minor scuffs and some patination to the centre caps; they wear matching Continental tyres with plenty of tread – and also plenty of sidewall to ensure that trademark wafting ride! The light lenses and window glass are all in good order, and the car looks to be in solid condition underneath.

The M62 engine is notoriously long-legged and willing if properly looked after, and we can see that this one has covered below average mileage year-on-year; today it runs very well indeed, firing up on the first twist of the key and happily pottering about town to the location of our photoshoot. The owner reports that it’s a superb runner, with nothing to be concerned about when it comes to brakes, steering or suspension. The automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, there are no troubling noises to be heard, and we didn’t see any fluid/oil leaks.

If you’re in the market for an affordable runabout, the E39-generation 5 Series seems to be a bit of a no-brainer. It’s practical, well-equipped, well-built, stylish, dependable, comfortable… all of this, plus it’s an engaging thing to drive too. And the entry-level 520i is such a good choice – it’ll return around 30mpg, cost £270/year to tax, won’t be heavy on the insurance, and it’s still got all the toys you need. The example we have here has only covered an average of 4,000 miles or so a year throughout its life, it’s all working as it should be, and it’s ready to be pressed into daily use. This is an amazingly low-cost entry into one of BMW’s most revered and respected models.

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