NO RESERVE: 1999 BMW (E39) 523i SE

This BMW 523i SE is a highly original, one-owner example of the marque’s lauded mid-1990s executive saloon, regarded by some as the zenith of the 5 Series to date for its blend of timeless design and robust engineering. Under the bonnet is a smooth 2.5-litre straight-six engine, detuned to produce 168bhp and allied to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The odometer shows 96,939 miles from new.

First registered on 18 June 1999, this E39 is an original example of a UK-market version in SE specification. The first and only owner has cherished the car for the last 21 years, during which he has thoroughly enjoyed this class-leading executive cruiser, keeping it in very good order.

The fourth-generation 5 Series was manufactured between 1995 and 2004, with all variants built as rear-wheel drive. It was the first 5 Series generation to use aluminium for major front and rear suspension components, and throughout its production lifetime it received acclaim for its impressive handling, comfort and solid build quality.

Presented in Titan Silver, this 523i wears its age well, with minor blemishes visible on the nearside front bumper and on the sill cover. The finish still looks smart overall, with some stone chips around the front end that you would expect. The vendor advises that seven years ago, the nearside front wing and door were damaged in low-speed car park collision, necessitating repairs by the BMW dealer bodyshop, as well as new front shock absorbers given that the nearside item was also affected. All of this work was covered by the other party’s insurance, and there are no markers on the HPI check. In 2019, the nearside sill also needed to be repaired and painted.

These repairs were evidently done to a very good standard, and this 523i still presents in highly original condition, with its Coombs dealer number plates, discolouration-free BMW roundels and correct body trims all in place. The headlight and taillight lenses are also in good order, with the nearside front lens occasionally showing condensation – a common E39 foible. This 523i wears its original 16-inch ‘Turbine’ alloy wheels which are in excellent condition, save for some surface corrosion on the nearside front wheel.

Moving inside, the driver-oriented design of the cabin has aged well. The grey cloth upholstery has retained its form, with no rips or tears present in the fabric. There are light signs of usage to the optional M steering wheel and gear knob, while the Vavona wood trim presents well with no scratches. An original BMW cassette player and radio is present, which the vendor advises does work, but which occasionally takes a couple of minutes to turn on.

Minor damage is visible to the rubber door seal and the edge of the grab handle on the driver’s side, and rear cupholders are broken, but overall this cabin still looks very impressive for a 21-year-old car. The optional cruise control and sunroof are both in working order.

This BMW was last serviced in October 2019 at 96,096 miles by Vines of Guildford. This entailed replacement of the oil and filter, as well as the brake fluid. Other work in recent years has included a service in October 2017, with an air-conditioning system refresh also carried out. In July 2016 the car received a new battery, while in October 2015 another service and brake fluid change was carried out.

The most recent MOT test was on 7 October 2020 at 96,932 miles. This resulted in a pass, with the sole advisory being slight play in the nearside front steering link ball joint. It had failed the day before due to a perished anti-roll bar joint rubber dust cover, which was replaced. The nearside rear tyre was replaced in 2010, while the other three date to 2005. While there is still 5-7mm of tread on the front axle, and 3-4mm on the rear, they would arguably benefit from replacement of age rather than wear.

This BMW 523i is a highly original example of a smart executive saloon, offered from single ownership with its stamped service book and numerous maintenance receipts and invoices. With robust mechanicals and impressive build quality, this E39 could be put into use more regularly as a stylish daily driver, or could be a reliable addition to a collection of ‘everyday’ modern classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.