Highlights

Well presented original example
Freshly serviced with new filters and fluids
Accompanied by extensive BMW history
Legendary engine and gearbox combination

The Appeal

With an unrivalled mix of performance, luxury and refinement, the BMW 5 series has solidly cemented itself as the “go to” jack of all trades prestige saloon car, helping secure the brands reputation as creators of “the ultimate driving machine”, and if we turn the clocks back a few decades, we begin to see where it all started.

The 5 series had already situated itself firmly on the BMW roster, but in a somewhat reserved form, it certainly wasn't blowing any minds or turning any heads. That was until 1988 when along came the E34 generation 5 series.

Stylish, reliable and incredibly well sorted from a dynamic perspective, the E34 represented a ginormous leap forward for the 5 series and was a rather impressive exhibition of BMW on top form. To put it simply, the E34 was the best of the bunch, just about the best saloon car money could buy and in the current era, they present incredible value for money.

Well presented in good, honest, original form. This beautifully specced 520i is a remarkable example of the coveted model and lends itself to use as a cool, retro daily driver that can be used with confidence and the knowledge that you’re behind the wheel of “the ultimate driving machine”.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 10/04/1995
Purchased through Stephen James BMW; whose number plates and dealer sticker the car still wears
Full Original BMW handbook pack
BMW service book with, extensively stamped by BMW main dealers and independent specialists
Invoice for parts and fluids bought for most recent service undertaken by the current owner just a handful of miles ago
Large collection of previous MOT certificates, highlighting a generally clean MOT history
Current MOT valid with no advisories until August 2023
V5 registration document present with the vehicle

The Interior

Brilliantly preserved interior space, in truly fine form
Grey upholstery throughout with complementing burr walnut trim
Five excellent grey seats in great order, distinctly lacking in wear or blemishing
SRS airbag
Sony radio head unit with Bluetooth connectivity
All switchgear and control panels present excellently, and look to have seen very limited use throughout their lifetime
All interior amenities are understood to be in good functioning form but the the rear electric windows are temperamental
Clean grey fabric headliner
Adjustable arm rests for front seat occupants
Vast boot carpeted boot area with iconic pull down BMW tailgate tool kit
BMW emergency torch still present in glovebox
Walnut finish automatic gear knob
Four great quality door panels finished with decorative walnut trim
Leather BMW steering wheel, still in excellent shape
An entirely well presented car from an interior perspective; it's a truly lovely place to be

The Exterior

A marvellous exhibition of BMW styling in its peak
Metallic Orient Blue paintwork across the car, a wonderful compliment to the grey and walnut interior
Paintwork is in good overall shape but there are some scratches and blemishes to the finish to be seen in areas
Exterior trim is in great form and presents well
Two small dents on the rear tailgate lip, neither of which appear to have broken through the paint
Complemented by four wonderful snowflake style BMW alloy wheels, all of which are in good shape
A fifth spare wheel resides in the rear boot area
Lighting, badging and glass work present well although there is some delamination to be seen on the front windscreen
Fuel flap magnetic catch could do with replacing
Electronically operated sunroof which still opens and closes with ease
From an aesthetic standpoint this is a great car, exhibiting some imperfections but entirely presentable and perfect for daily use

The Mechanics

Mated to one of BMWs finest six cylinder engines, the M50
2.0 litre straight six, renowned for its smoothness and longevity
Paired with a sumptuous automatic gearbox, the perfect combination for daily use or longer hauls
Serviced by the current owner with Bosch filters and plugs along with Castrol GTX oil at 103 thousand miles
5 speed automatic transmission
Regularly maintained and serviced throughout its life
Great overall mechanical order, with exceptionally well presented engine and engine bay
The current owner reports of a wonderful driving experience from the BMW, having used it regularly since 2021
MOT valid with no advisories until August 2023 for added peace of mind

Summary

Having previously been overshadowed by its younger brother the E39, it is only now that people are starting to remember just how great the E34 generation of 5 series were and as such, values are beginning their almost inevitable upward journey. At present the wonderfully packaged saloon gives buyers wonderful value for money, giving an experience of BMW in their finest hour in a great slice of 1990s automotive perfection.

This 1995 520i is a truly great presentation of the E34, and backed by an extensive servicing history and with a recent service just a handful of miles ago, can be driven with confidence by a new loving owner for many years to come.

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