For a while in the 1990s, the BMW ‘E39’ 5-Series was regarded by most of the motoring media as the best car in the world. Sure, it wasn’t the ‘best’ in the same way as a Rolls-Royce or Ferrari, but for doing what it was supposed to do and fulfilling a design brief, the E39 was as good as they got.
As a mid-size executive car, it ticked all the boxes. It was comfortable, refined, beautifully made and absolutely terrific to drive thanks to BMW’s incredible new chassis, developed for the model. It was introduced in 1995 and the awards came thick and fast, and for a while the E39 was unstoppable.
The range was made even more desirable in late 1996 with the debut of the ‘Touring’ estate model, which offered those incomparable BMW dynamics and handsome lines with the added value of Volvo-like load carrying ability.
Unsurprisingly, the E39 was the UK’s best-selling executive car for most of its life. In 2001, it was given a facelift for the new model year, bringing in clear front indicator lenses and some interior enhancements, as well as the addition of the “M54” evolution of BMW’s six-cylinder engines, which were cleaner and more efficient, as well as more powerful, than their predecessors.
An added bonus of this is that the later M54 engines meet Euro 4 emissions standards, meaning they are ULEZ compliant. So what we have here is a well-equipped modern classic automatic BMW estate that you can happily use inside the ULEZ zone. It’s a lovely thing, with low miles and in superb condition
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original BMW book pack and wallet
Service history book, stamped seven times up to 58,562 miles in December 2022 – combined BMW and independent
MOT December 2023
Two previous keepers
Most recent owner since 2013
Cherished plate included
THE INTERIOR
Overall very well-presented
Savannah Beige leather with no notable marks or wear, other than very gentle
Good front and rear armrests
Climate control
All dials and gauges work as expected
BMW option window blinds
Factory option electric sunroof in full working order
Walnut-effect trim in smart order
Door cards, carpets and headlining look great and show no obvious signs of wear, but would benefit from a clean in places
BMW branded kick plates
Lower rubber door seals starting to deteriorate
THE EXTERIOR
BMW Dark Blue Metallic
Excellent overall presentation
Seemingly very solid underneath
Small mark to OSF bumper corner
Some minor damage to mirror casing
Two small dents in driver’s door and wing but nothing of any real note
Would benefit from new windscreen surround rubbers – a common E39 issue
Split tailgate with no corrosion or damage
Smart 16-inch ‘BMW Turbine’ alloy wheels with good tyres all-round
Good lamp lenses with limited yellowing
THE MECHANICS
2.2-litre M54 straight-six
Five-speed automatic transmission
Starts and runs well and engages all gears
New brake discs and pads recently fitted with parts receipt included
Reported by vendor to drive very well indeed
SUMMARY
Good E39s are getting rarer and rarer, especially Tourings. Their ability to swallow the miles and be terrific drivers’ cars means that many of them have been run into the ground. But not this one.
This is a lovely example, completely original, and it’s a terrific and usable modern classic, ideal for the family, and made all the more appealing by being exempt from ULEZ charges – if you live in outer London, it’s one of the few cool and retro modern classics you can still enjoy.
If you live anywhere else in the country, all of the above still applies, but you’ll be able to enjoy its terrific roadholding and cruising ability a lot more freely. Whichever way you look at it, it’s a great example of a car that’s only ever going to go one way in terms of value if you look after it.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
2001 BMW 520i SE Touring
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