BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03)
The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) is a well-regarded executive saloon that offers a blend of luxury, comfort, and solid performance. Known for its refined driving experience and stylish design, this model sits comfortably in the UK market as a versatile car suitable for professionals, families, and those seeking a premium used vehicle. With its reputation for durability and a smooth ride, the BMW 5 Series from this era is often chosen for daily commuting, long-distance driving, and business use.
Based on nearly 10,000 lookups on MyCarCheck.com, this model has demonstrated consistent interest, showcasing its popularity among UK buyers. Its average private sale value of around £3,500 and an average mileage of about 139,000 miles indicate that many owners have maintained the car well over time. The BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) is particularly notable for its balanced handling, quality interior, and reputation for reliability, making it a strong competitor among used executive cars. Whether you're after a dependable vehicle for work or a comfortable family car, this model's blend of style and performance makes it a compelling choice in the used car market.
average use
The data indicates that the most common recorded mileage for BMW 5 Series (1996-03) vehicles falls within the 110,000 to 120,000 km range, accounting for 9.6% of the vehicles. Notably, the 130,000 to 140,000 km and 150,000 to 160,000 km ranges are also prominent, each representing around 8.2% to 8.9%. Mileage readings above 200,000 km are relatively rare but still present, with small percentages across the 220,000 km to 260,000 km ranges, suggesting a minority of high-mileage vehicles. Conversely, lower mileage figures under 50,000 km make up a small but notable portion of about 4% to 3.8%, indicating some vehicles are fairly low mileage for their age. Overall, the data suggests a typical mileage progression with a significant concentration around 110,000 to 160,000 km, and a long tail of higher-mileage vehicles.
vehicle values
The data indicates that a significant majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for 61.8%. Additionally, nearly a quarter (23.2%) are valued under £1,000, suggesting many vehicles are priced very low, likely due to age or condition. Higher price brackets, such as those above £16,000, constitute a very small portion of the distribution, each representing less than 2%. This pattern highlights that most of these vehicles are low-cost, with only a small percentage being valued at higher prices, reflecting their age and typical market value in the private sale segment.
production years
The data indicates that for BMW 5 Series vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 2003, the highest proportion was made in 2002, accounting for 31.7%. Following that, a significant portion was produced in 2001 (21.8%) and 2000 (18.1%), with a smaller share from 2003 (28.3%). Notably, there's no data for vehicles from 1996 or 1997, which might suggest these models are less prevalent or not captured in this dataset. Overall, production seems to peak around 2002, perhaps reflecting manufacturing trends or model popularity during that period.
colour popularity
The data on the main paint colour for BMW 5 Series (1996-03) vehicles indicates that Silver is the most common colour, accounting for 31.1% of vehicles. Blue follows closely with 28%, making it also a popular choice among owners. Black and Green are also significant, comprising 18.4% and 9.6% respectively. Less common colours include Grey (8.2%), Red (3.4%), and White (0.7%). Very rare colours such as Yellow and Purple each represent only 0.3%. Overall, neutral tones like Silver and Blue dominate the palette, reflecting typical preferences for understated and traditional vehicle colours in this model range.
ownership cycle
The data on registered keepers for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) indicates that the majority of vehicles have been owned by multiple keepers, with the largest group (18.1%) having had five registered keepers. Notably, a significant portion of vehicles (11.6%) have had six owners, suggesting a degree of turnover. Smaller figures include vehicles with just one or two owners, representing 1% and 7.5% respectively, implying that some cars have remained with their original owners. Very few vehicles have had more than ten keepers, with only 2.4% having twelve. Overall, the distribution suggests a mix of relatively stable ownerships alongside vehicles that have been sold multiple times, which may impact perceptions of vehicle history or reliability.
engine choices
The data for the BMW 5 Series (1996-2003) indicates that the majority of vehicles are petrol-powered, accounting for approximately 66.9%, while diesel models make up about 32.8%. A small fraction, 0.3%, run on gas bi-fuel. Regarding engine capacities, the most common are around 2.2L (21.8%) and 2.5L (16%), with several other sizes represented in smaller proportions. Notably, there is a diverse range of engine sizes, spanning from as small as 1.6L to as large as 4.9L, reflecting a variety of configurations for different customer preferences and models during this period.
