Highlights
- Rare 370bhp 4.8L V8 super wagon
- High specification estate in Silver Grey with full black leather
- Six-month mechanical restoration including N62 engine refurbishment
- Valve stem seals and coolant pipes replaced addressing notorious N62 issues
- Stage 2 machine polish and refurbished alloys
- Well maintained throughout its life to August 2025
- New rear tyres, discs, pads, and full four-wheel alignment
- Current MOT to July 2026
The Appeal
For buyers looking for a more real-world blend of comfort and V8 performance, there was the E61 550i. One of the last of BMW’s naturally aspirated, rear-drive estates, these 370bhp wagons are both rare and increasingly sought after.
Many have been poorly maintained or repaired. Not so this car, which arrives on the market after an extensive six month renovation programme by Sandbach specialist Milly’s Garage. Work included a full service to the engine and gearbox, new rear tyres, brake overhaul and sundry other items detailed below. This work builds on what was already an impressive history file. The MOT runs to July 2026.
Smartly finished in Silver Grey metallic with full black leather, this is a highly specified and well kept car. Definitely one for the buyers with dogs or family who enjoys the A to B run.
The vendor says:
“I can confidently say this is the best 550i for sale in the UK and comes with full service history and most importantly has had the N62 V8 engine fully serviced and refurbished with having the valve stem seals and coolant pipes replaced. All other notorious points of the E61 have also been replaced.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 131,756 miles
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT to 9th July 2026 with advisories to note (rear tyres rectified)
- Technical specs: 4.8-litre N62 V8 petrol, 6spd automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, five-door estate
- Paperwork: Well maintained as shown in photos with all receipts and paperwork for recent work
The vendor says:
I bought this car because I wanted one of the last proper BMW estates — a V8, rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated car that you can actually use every day. They just don’t make anything like this anymore.
“What makes this one different is that I didn’t buy it to run cheaply or flip. I bought it knowing the reputation of the N62 engine and decided to do the job properly. The big, scary jobs that put people off these cars have already been done, so it can be enjoyed without the usual worries. Most 550i’s for sale either need this work or will need it — this one doesn’t.
“I’ve also put a lot of time and money into how the car looks, because most E61s on the market now are tired cosmetically, even if they’re mechanically sound. This one really stands out in person.
“The paint has been properly machine polished and comes up extremely well, the headlights have been restored so they’re clear again, and all four alloys have been fully refurbished. It sits exactly how it should and looks sharp without being over the top. Even small details that are usually neglected on these cars — like the cup holders, trim, fog lights and general finish — have been sorted.
“Compared to most 550i Tourings for sale, this car doesn’t look its age. It presents as a well-cared-for, enthusiast-owned example rather than something that’s just been kept going. It’s the sort of car you can park up, walk away from, and still turn back for another look.”
The Detail
- Silver Grey metallic paintwork in generally good order for a 20 year old car
- 4,799cc N62 370bhp V8 engine with 6spd automatic gearbox
- Features rear privacy glass
- Factory multispoke alloys in good refurbished condition
- Long list of recent work detailed below completed in 2025/2026
- Full black leather interior with light wear to usual high traffic areas
- Dark wood veneers in good order with some age to note in photos
- Major mechanical work completed by Milly Garage Sandbach
- Brand new key from BMW supplied (spare key also included)
- Stage 2 machine polish completed
- Touchscreen Apple CarPlay kit installed
- Headlights professionally lacquered to restore clarity
- Full car cover from Classic Additions included
- Panoramic sunroof glass cannot open fully without sticking
- Sunshade operates correctly but glass roof will stick if fully opened
- Dashboard warning light present and diagnostic scan will show sunroof error code
List of recent work provided by seller:
- Valve stem seals
- Valve cover gasket
- Coolant return pipe
- Coolant hoses
- Spark plugs
- Major engine service
- Full gearbox service (ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid)
- Engine Radiator fan
- Two front suspension arms
- Front drop links, anti roll bar bushes
- Brand new set of rear tyres
- Brand new set of rear disks and pads
- Four-wheel alignment carried out
- Diversity Antenna Amplifier
- Brand new key from BMW (comes with spare)
- Stage 2 machine polish
- Touchscreen Apple Car Play kit
- Headlights lacquered to restore like-new clarity
- New fog lights
- Notorious E60/ E61 cup holders working as shown
- All 4 alloys have been fully refurbished
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