BMW introduced the 5 series in 1972 with the 528 following in 1975. Since their first release the 5 series has remained at the forefront of the saloon market, often pioneering and defining standards within this class. 

The 528 has always been well regarded, however with the introduction of the E39 in 1995 BMW really stepped it up. With many journalists at the time regarding the E39 5 Series as one of the best cars in the world, Autocar described the 528i as “probably the best car in the world”.

Four years later they reprinted the same quote followed by the words “Forget probably”. To say that the E39 528i is well regarded is an understatement, few cars have quite such a reputation and it is one that is thoroughly deserved.

This exceptional example of an E39 528i has only one registered keeper and is only on it’s second owner from new, who is the next door neighbor of the first owner! 

This car hasn't gone far in every respect, used only occasionally it has only covered just over 19k and has always been kept on the same street (in a garage) since it rolled out of the factory in 1998.

There is a service book detailing the service history with the car with four services from a BMW dealership and one from a Mazda dealership.  it’s only on it’s second owner and has only covered 19000 miles. There is however, the original receipt for the car detailing all of the options as well as all of the previous MOTs and servicing invoices.

The vehicle does come a set of three keys. All of the original literature including the owner's manual is included.

As with the rest of this car the interior needs to be seen to be believed. Wear just isn’t an issue and as the car has been kept garaged there is no deterioration from UV light.

With full leather upholstery and wood trim the interior provides a comfort level and driving experience that's hard to beat. Entirely original with no modifications this car is of an exceptional quality, even the factory fitted floor mats are in fantastic condition and it looks like no one has even sat in the rear!

The exterior mirrors the condition of the interior; fantastic throughout. All of the wheels are in great condition and the car is finished in Glacier Green, a colour well suited to the shape of this generation 528.

There are four small imperfections as shown in the images; a tiny dent between the front grilles, and one barely visible between the right grill and the headlight, a small scratch to a pillar which has been treated quickly with touch up paint and one of the wing mirrors trim has been replaced, these really are minor and do not detract from the impression this car makes when you see it.

As would be expected with a car of this mileage and this well looked after, all of the panels are original and there have been no resprays of any parts.

The straight six starts smoothly into life with a turn of the key which drives the 5 speed manual gearbox. It sounds beautiful and runs exactly the same as the day it was delivered. The engine bay and underside are both very clean and we couldn’t spot any corrosion anywhere and the condition of the vehicle mechanically throughout is fantastic.

There hasn’t been any work of note done nor does it need any thanks to the low mileage and the effort put in to keep it in great condition by the owner.

Everyone who loves cars is familiar with the E39 and amongst them the 528i stands out, to find what is regarded as one of the best cars ever made in this condition is a rarity. 

With only one registered keeper from new and having only covered just over 19k this is an opportunity to own a future classic that’s held in the highest esteem. But this misses an essential point, of course this is a fantastic example of an almost legendary car, but moreover it’s a great car to drive, to get out on the open road, to enjoy the smooth pull of the straight six and enjoy the feel of a rear wheel drive car in an age of front and all wheel drive cars. 

There is one thing we can guarantee this car will do; put a smile on your face. Then again with an example this good the value is only going in one direction, so maybe take it easy on those corners!