Highlights
- MOT until August 2026
- Rare example of ‘eta’ 525
- Current owner for last 12 years
- Unmodified condition inside and out
- SORNed since 2019 but regularly started and moved
The Appeal
The BMW 5-Series needs no introduction, but the 525e probably does. Introduced in the mid-1980s, this was a rare foray into economy from a manufacturer far better known for marketing performance saloons. The ‘e’ suffix (standing for eta, rather than economy) was set up to offer more economical motoring through revised gearing, while retaining the glorious balance and driving dynamics of the 1980s 5-Series.
Registered in 1986 on a D-plate, this particular 525e has a past, with no service history but periodic evidence of very low mileage. It covered just 17,000 miles in its first 12 years on the road, with a similar number of miles racked up between 2004 and 2011. It has been on SORN for the last six years, and is being sold in almost entirely original condition. That means the original Pioneer speakers are still in situ, the Webasto factory sunroof continues to glide open, and a British Telecom carphone sits beside the automatic gearlever. The steel wheels and original trims will be supplied along with an installed set of 14-inch BBS alloys.
There is some wear and tear across this 525e, most notably on the bonnet and bootlid, with evidence of knocks and chips plus the odd scratch. Similarly, the interior is original but showing signs of wear, though the rear seats appear barely used. An aftermarket addition is a Sony stereo with underseat subwoofer, while the air conditioning (a rare and desirable feature on any 5-Series) needs regassing.
As a rare unrestored example of an already rare model, this 525e is described by its current owner as being “really practical, usable and great fun to drive around without having to worry about it being a classic car.” No owner of a classic BMW could ask for more.
The History and Paperwork
- Currently on SORN in a carcoon air chamber
- Original owner’s handbook to be supplied
- Folder of 14 previous MOTs and tax discs dating back to 1992
- BT carphone fitted on transmission tunnel
- Original dealer sticker, keyring and business card
- No service history; car was store for 6 years but then recently MOT'd
The Condition
- Lovely Zobel Braun Metallic
- Dry stored since 2013 and used in good weather
- Described as clean and solid with no known faults
- Air conditioning fitted but needs to be regassed
- Paintwork shows scratches, knocks and chips
- The bootlid has a scratch underneath the GB sticker
- Wear evident across front seat squabs
The Mechanics
- No known mechanical faults
- Electric windows and mirrors all working
- New battery, ignition leads, plugs and coil fitted earlier this year prior to it getting an MOT
- All dials and switches described as working
- Reportedly “cruises all day happily and economically”
- Period BMW 14" BBS alloys; steel wheels and original trims supplied
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