Highlights

Very rare 365bhp 4.8 N62 V8 model in very good condition
Well-maintained with full service history and other work to 95,000 miles
Just serviced, including oil change, spark plugs, drive belts and filters
Valve stem oil seals, rocker and timing gaskets within last few thousand miles
Specialist gearbox service at 91,000 miles including valve body replacement
Advisory-free MOT to July 2026
Well-preserved example of these very quick E53s

The Appeal

Such was its popularity and its continuing durability that the E53 is a common sight. This 4.8iS model, however, certainly isn’t. Launched in 2004, only a handful were sold here, and just 18 are recorded as UK road registered.

That is a surprise, because the 365bhp N62 V8 engine is perfectly suited to exploit the excellent E53 chassis. This Sterling Grey metallic model, built in the 4.8iS launch year, is likely one of the best of those survivors because it has been so well looked after. You can see what we mean in the photos.

It has covered few miles for its age and wears its 21 years extremely lightly. It carries a high specification including panoramic roof, electric front seats with memory, high-end sound system, factory TV, navigation and upgraded Walknappa Schwarz leather.

The current keeper acquired the car in 2011 and is selling it very reluctantly due to a change of circumstances. He has continued to maintain it to a genuinely impressive level. Alongside regular servicing, most recently at 95,000 miles, the gearbox was serviced recently including valve body. The valve stem oil seals, rocker and timing gaskets have also been replaced.

Perhaps not surprisingly, it comes to market with a lengthy, advisory-free MOT. You could buy a V8 Range Rover or even a Cayenne, but would you really want to? This E53 is a properly exclusive, highly understated and very rare V8 SUV.

The vendor says:

“Overall it is a pleasure to drive with 365bhp available. The V8 engine sounds amazing, it is also very quick and I shall be very sorry to see it go.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 6th December 2004
Six registered keepers
Current keeper since April 2011
Current MOT with no advisories, valid until 17th July 2026
Comprehensive service history with main dealer stamps up to 64,000 miles
BMW specialist service history up to 81,000 miles
Further servicing to 95,000 miles detailed below and in photos
Gearbox serviced by a specialist at 91,000 miles including valve body replacement
Engine valve stem oil seals, rocker and timing cover gaskets replaced at 95,000 miles
Invoices available for specialist work and shown in photos
Supplied with 2 keys
Original handbooks and wallet
Recently had oil change, replacement spark plugs, drive belts and filters
V5C in current keeper’s name
Various spares as shown in photos
Old MOTs shown in photos

The Condition

Original Sterling Grey metallic paintwork presents very well with few indications of age
Paintwork shows a few minor stone chips on the bonnet
There is a small dent on the rear nearside door
Bonnet vents have flaking paint, but new genuine BMW replacements included
Bodywork in very good order as shown in photos
Factory fitted with front and rear diffusers and also features side steps
7 spoke alloy wheels present well as shown in photos but with poor centre caps
Genuine replacement BMW wheel centre caps included
Underside appears in good order with no structural advisories on MOT
Walknappa Schwarz leather interior has clearly been cared for and presents well
Leather has light age to the driver’s seat and minor mark on the driver's door armrest
All switches, instruments and lights are in working order we are told
New genuine BMW interior mats (still unopened) will be supplied with the vehicle
Bluetooth telephone function requires reprogramming by a specialist
Tyres all appear in good condition
Specification includes factory navigation and panoramic roof
Electric front seats with heating and memory

The Mechanics

N62 4,799cc V8 engine producing 365bhp
6spd automatic transmission
Full service history to 95,000 miles, mainly by dealers and specialists
Appears in good mechanical condition with no known faults we are told
Recently fitted with a new battery
Has been connected to a trickle charger when not in use
Gearbox serviced by a specialist at 91,000 miles, including valve body
Valve stem oil seals, rocker and timing cover gaskets replaced at 95,000 miles
Recently had an oil change, replacement spark plugs, drive belts and filters
No advisories on current MOT

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.