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Highlights

Excellent history file
Low mileage example
Long MOT
Shadowline edition with black window mouldings
Well preserved original condition

The Appeal

The fourth-generation of 5 Series. A car that was engineered to perfection, raising the bar on what a car should be. Often referred to as the last mechanical 5 series, meaning the vehicle is not laden with technological features such as the somewhat frustrating early iDrive system and an abundance of electronic assistance to control what you thought you were already controlling. An appealing feature to any enthusiast.

This handsome example is presented in original condition throughout, and in the desirable shadowline trim with matte black window surrounds for those who like a little less bling. Vivid red exterior paintwork with contrasting beige interior makes this a treat for the senses. A good history file is present with the vehicle ensuring good mechanical health, and a corrosion free exterior thanks to careful ownership and religious garage keeping.

The History and Paperwork

Production date 16th of July 1999
Low owner car
Registered new with the DVLA on the 1st of September 1999
Most recent MOT was carried out on the 6th of January 2023 and passed with only two small advisories, front brake disc worn but not excessive, and a rear tyre worn close to the legal limit
Previous MOT’s all appear as good passes with only one failure digitally noted in 2007
Previous MOT paperwork is present with the vehicle
Service invoices as well as invoices for mechanical work undertaken on the vehicle are present
Stamped service book with excellent history
A typed letter from a previous owner with some history about the vehicle
A fair number of BMW service invoices
Dry stored
Original invoices dated back from 2000
Approximately only 2,000 miles covered in the last four years

The Interior

Montana leather upholstery finished in Sand beige, all presented nicely with only some small signs of use and age on the bolsters
Electric seat adjustment with memory functions
Fine wood trim all well maintained with no visible signs of delamination or damage
Option extra sunroof slide / tilt from factory
Carpets are kept in excellent condition front and back with barely any signs of use or wear
Door cards are in lovely shape, the leather portions show no signs of wear and the electrical buttons all remain functional with no signs of fading on the plastics
Steering wheel well presented with only some minor signs of use, all of the switchgear on the wheel reportedly remains functional
Gauges and centre console switchgear all remain operational, with no unwelcoming warning lights present on the dashboard
BMW Business radio with cassette player, and a 6 CD player in the rear
Headlining appears immaculate with no sagging or damage, only some scuffs apparent on the C pillar in the rear on the driver side
Rear sun-blind remains operational
Automatically dimming rear view mirror

The Exterior

Original ‘Sienarot’ (Sienna Red 2) metallic paintwork
Body panels all reported to be original and free of damage, with good panel gaps throughout
Original style 49 alloy wheels all appearing in nice shape with only some very minor markings present. Two of the four tyres will require replacement as they show date codes of 2012, with the others showing 2020
Front end is well presented, the bumper is in good shape, the bonnet has nice paintwork and the plastic mouldings only show slight hazing. The only damage noticed is the driver side lower fog light lens appears broken
Door shuts all round appear clean with no signs of rust or corrosion apparent upon initial inspection
Body panels all appear to be straight and true with us being unable to find any prominent dents or dings
Rear bodywork in lovely condition, with some gentle fading on the plastic mouldings and only very slight age related marks present
Original badge designations remain present with lovely brightwork

The Mechanics

2.5-litre inline-six petrol engine reportedly in good mechanical health
Rear-wheel drive configuration, powered through an automatic transmission
Excellent service documentation with lots of main dealer invoices and stamps in the service booklet
Steering input remains good and road feedback is excellent thanks to the mechanical power steering, no electrical assistance here to dampen the mood
Brakes reportedly remain functional with no odd inputs to the steering under heavy application
Suspension remains good with no unwelcome knocks or bangs under usage, and provides excellent ride quality as to be expected of an opulent 5 series

Summary

A proper modern classic, the E39 is a gem among luxury saloons with its driver focused all-mechanical inputs. Prices for these handsome four-doors have been at rock bottom for years now, and a few have been seen to creep upwards in value as the better examples become harder and harder to find. Luckily enough, this example is excellently preserved with great mechanical documentation.

Notice to bidders

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