Controversial when it first appeared in 2003 as a replacement for the much-revered ‘E39’ 5-Series, the ‘E60’ was a much more modern package, inspired by the 2001 7-Series and featuring “flame-surfaced” styling and BMW’s i-Drive central control system. 

This one is a later-model E60, following on from the 2007 facelift that saw the model get interior improvements. But it’s the specification, drivetrain and colour that really stand out. Ordered new from a BMW dealership in Scotland, the car was originally chosen by a private customer who added a number of BMW Individual options to it, including ‘Messing Metallic’ Individual paint, optional alloys and maple veneers. But in the excitement to get such a valuable order across the line, the dealer forgot to tick the automatic transmission box, and it was only when it arrived in the showroom that the buyer rejected it.

It may have began life as an expensive mistake, but today it’s just one of a tiny number of manual 550s in the UK and is most-likely the best-specced. It’s a rare and wonderful thing.

Being a BMW Individual line model, the specification on this car is unbelievable, starting with the bespoke Merino leather upholstery which is in fabulous order, matched by BMW Individual Maple veneers.

The specification is incredible. Climate control, cruise control, i-Drive, electric front and rear seat adjustment, parking sensors and even a sunroof – an extremely rare feature on an E60. 

The seats are electrically adjustable and heated front and rear, while it also features BMW Individual kickplates, while the platinum Alcantara headlining is also a BMW Individual feature. 

It’s an incredibly luxurious and supremely comfortable car presented in very good condition.

The first thing that grabs you with this car is the colour, the unusually named Messing Metallic, which is a BMW Individual colour and looks absolutely terrific – a sort of bronzey brown with a greenish tinge to it that looks really smart and is certainly different. 

It’s in good order with no notable problems or damage. It also has BMW 18-inch Individual Line alloys that are rarely seen on a UK-spec E60, in good overall order.

The 550i comes with the 4,799cc N62 engine – the largest offered on a standard E60 –allied to a six-speed manual transmission. That makes it an extremely rapid and sporty car, with extremely engaging road manners. The manual transmission may have been ordered by accident when the car was new, but it also makes it a proper driver’s car. 

The vendor reports that that 550i drives very well indeed, with no known issues. It offers impressive performance and will be given a major service before sale. The car is also being sold with a new MOT before the new owner takes delivery.

This is definitely an E60 for the collector – a super-rare specification made even more unusual and desirable by virtue of its manual transmission. Add in the BMW Individual options and the remarkable, unusual colour scheme and you have a car that is almost certainly unique – a real find, and one that’s got a huge amount going for it. 

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.*