Highlights

Just 67,000 miles from new
Very smart and highly original unmodified car
Only four keepers with current one since 2012
Comprehensive service history available
Consistently reliable MOT performance
Historic Vehicle that is newly MOT and tax exempt

The Appeal

The second-generation 5-Series was, in fact, still is, a saloon car masterpiece. Crisply styled by Claude Luthe, it is both a luxury executive four-door and an engaging ‘ultimate driving machine.’

There was an E28 for virtually anyone - or at least, middle managers upwards - but almost everyone chose this model, the 520 with its 125bhp straight six. Yet survivors as original, unmolested, and well-preserved as this are now extremely scarce. Finished in dark blue with a beige cloth cabin has covered just 67,000 miles from new. The vendor acquired the car in 2012 and tells us that the MOT history verifies the mileage. We’re informed that it was previously owned for 20 years by an elderly lady who averaged just 1,000 miles a year. The current one has reserved the car for weekends and tells us that it has been 100% reliable.

The condition is impressive, as is the specification. The car retains its steel wheels and is fitted with a large sliding steel sunroof and the ZF automatic gearbox. As a 1984 car, it is now usefully registered as a Historic Vehicle. However, buyers can be reassured by a recent MOT to May 2025 that carried no advisories.

The vendor says:

“I bought this car in 2012. It is beautiful and attracts admiration and interest whenever I drive it, and offers to buy it. It was originally bought from Paragon BMW in Hull and belonged to an elderly lady who kept it in a garage, did all the services, etc and drove it for an average of 1,000 miles per year for the first twenty or so years of its life. Since I bought it, I only drive it at weekends, hence the total mileage (as verified by multiple MOTs etc) is only 65,000 miles- an incredibly low mileage for a 41-year-old car.

“It is a lovely car that I have enjoyed owning and I am confident that the new owner will enjoy it too.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 13th September 1984
Purchased new from Paragon BMW in Hull, we are told
Four registered keepers
Current keeper since September 2012
Previously owned by an elderly lady who garaged it and averaged 1,000 miles/year
Vendor tells us that he only uses the car for weekend drives
Comprehensive service history available, we are told
History file includes old MOTs and tax discs as shown
Various MOTs dating back to the 1990s
Low mileage of 65,000 verified by multiple MOT certificates according to the seller
Has consistently passed MOT tests with minimal issues, we are told
Registered as a Historic Vehicle so MOT and tax exempt
Last MOT ran to 12th May 2025 with no advisories
66,529 miles on last MOT and showing 67,119 miles in photos
One key plus fob
V5C

The Condition

Attractive dark blue paintwork in good order for age and mileage
Some light paintwork age to note, such as stone chips to the front of the car but not unsightly
Bodywork in good order with vendor reporting some light remedial welding in recent years
Exterior chromework is bright and well-kept and factory correct
Sits on steel wheels with chrome hub caps in very good order
No structural advisories on last MOT to May 2025
Features large steel sliding sunroof
Beige fabric interior in good order for age and appears to be original
Some light wear to the interior typical of a light fabric and reserved to high traffic areas
These include light distortion to driver’s seat base and wear to driver’s bolster
Interior fittings in good order and generally original except for the aftermarket Alpine stereo
Trim item missing from the centre console as shown

The Mechanics

M20 straight six 1,990cc BMW engine
Automatic transmission
The vendor states the vehicle has been very low maintenance
Reported to start first time, every time
Has never broken down, according to the current owner
Consistently passes MOT tests with minimal issues
Service history available documenting maintenance
No advisories on last MOT in May 2024

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.