NO RESERVE - 2003 BMW 520i (E39)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lovely example of BMW modern classic exec
  • Less than 81,000 with massive, documented history file
  • Specialist maintained for past 20 years
  • Full black leather upholstery

THE APPEAL

The BMW ‘E39’ 5-Series was, for most of the late 1990s and early 20002, considered the best mid-sized executive car in the world. Terrific to drive, beautifully made and timelessly elegant, it’s a car that is rapidly transitioning to classic status, and with very good reason. Put simply, it’s a brilliant car.
And they don’t come much better than this example, a truly gorgeous, low mileage 520i with a complete, no-expense spared service history, and in truly beautiful, original, unspoilt condition.
The vendor has loved the car since he acquired it from Old Colonel Cars – one of the UK’s leading modern classic BMW specialist dealers – two years ago. But he’s moving abroad for work later this year and can’t justify keeping it despite pleading with his dad to buy it off him. When you see it, you’ll see why.  E39s of this condition and calibre don’t come on the market very often and it’s clearly a car that has been truly well-loved, including a recent £950 major service at a BMW main agent. That’s the kind of care it has seen and deserves to continue receiving in the care of its next owner. 

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

  • Supplied new by L&C BMW of Tunbridge Wells
  • Receipt for used car purchase at six months’ old for £19,995
  • Fully stamped service book to 79,432 miles
  • 15 service stamps including PDI
  • Combination of main dealer and BMW specialist servicing from new
  • UK V5C
  • MOT until December 2023
  • Original BMW document wallet
  • All owner’s manual 
  • All original booklets
  • Two sets of keys 

THE INTERIOR

  • Spotless black leather
  • No discernible bolster wear
  • Original factory stereo
  • CD Changer
  • Alloy effect dash inserts
  • Climate control
  • Original first aid kit, warning triangle and tool kit
  • Immaculate door cards and carpets
  • Absolutely immaculate throughout

THE EXTERIOR 

  • Titanium Silver Metallic 
  • Excellent bodywork with no notable damage or paint deterioration
  • Two very minor 5p-sized dents, one on a door and one on the bonnet
  • Immaculate factory option alloys
  • Seemingly very solid underneath with no MOT advisories ever received for corrosion
  • No fading to headlamps
  • A clearly well-loved and beautifully presented car

THE MECHANICS 

  • 2.2-litre straight six
  • Five-speed automatic transmission
  • 170bhp
  • Recent major service at 79,432 miles
  • New brake pipes 
  • Vendor reports that it drives flawlessly with no strange noises, great performance, handling and good brakes
  • Good quality Continental Premium Contact tyres all-round
  • The vehicle has had 2 premium rear tyres fitted in 2022 and also both rear brake pipes replaced in January 2023 which were the only mechanical advisories on the MOT in December 2022.

SUMMARY

As up-and-coming modern classics go, the BMW E39 5-Series is right there near the top of the tree – and this one has classic status assured partly down to its lovely condition, but moreover because of its wonderful history. It has to be one of the smartest and best-presented examples on the market right now and the vendor is keen to see it go on to a new home in the care of someone who will adore it and look after it as diligently as he and its long-term previous owner have. It’s a collectors’ quality car and truly deserves 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.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 2003
  • Make BMW
  • Model 520I SE Auto (E39)
  • Colour Titanium Silver
  • Odometer 80,534 Miles
  • Engine size 2176
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Norfolk
  • Location Cambridgeshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
33 bids
  • ro•••• £4,100 07/02/23
  • kw•••• £4,000 06/02/23
  • e2•••• £3,900 05/02/23
  • pa•••• £3,800 05/02/23
  • pa•••• £3,700 04/02/23
  • kw•••• £3,600 04/02/23
  • pa•••• £3,500 04/02/23
  • pa•••• £3,400 03/02/23
  • kw•••• £3,300 01/02/23
  • Zi•••• £3,200 31/01/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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